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The 10 Best Toys For Shih Tzus

Every dog, regardless of breed or age, needs an arsenal of toys for both physical and mental stimulation. It is not as easy as selecting the item you believe to be the most adorable and declaring success.

The right toys can help your dog satisfy his need to chew, ease the pain of teething, keep him from getting bored and acting out, and teach him a lot.

Shih Tzus are a cheerful and lively breed that adores engaging in play with their human companions. Yet since the market for dog toys is so vast, it may be difficult to know where to start searching for the ideal toy for your dog.

Today, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has produced a list of the best toys for Shih Tzus on the market to make your search simpler. Continue reading to peruse our evaluations and pick the ideal toy for your dog.

Reviews

Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy – Best Overall

The Chuckit! Super Rubber Ball Durable Dog Toy is the ideal toy for Shih Tzus. The balls are very buoyant, making them the ideal toy for dogs that like playing fetch.

The substantial rubber core of these inexpensive balls ensures their durability and makes them easy to keep clean. If you own a Chuckit! Ball Launcher, this two-pack is also compatible with that device.

These are available in several sizes, so you may pick one that is ideal for your tiny dog. You won’t have to worry about losing them in your yard or at the dog park since they are so visible.

According to accounts, these balls have a distinct rubber odor.

Pros

  • Reasonable pricing
  • Extremely buoyant
  • Durable construction
  • Presented as a two-pack
  • Options in tiny sizes for little dogs

Cons

  • Intense odor of rubber

JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy | Best Value

No longer must Shih Tzu owners on a budget purchase low-quality toys. The JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy is the most cost-effective Shih Tzu toy available.

This one-of-a-kind ball is created from a durable rubber substance and is double-molded for durability. Even though it is a durable toy, it may still be pulled and stretched.

This ball is ideal for Shih Tzus who like playing fetch but are quickly bored with one-dimensional balls. The ball’s honeycomb-shaped holes enable you to challenge your dog by hiding goodies within.

Even the dishwasher may be used to clean it. This ball is durable, however it may not be a suitable candidate for aggressive chewers.

Pros

  • Reasonable pricing
  • Arduous substance
  • Double-formed
  • Can extend
  • Ideal for concealing goodies

Cons

  • Unsuitable for chewers

Premium Selection Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy

All dogs need cerebral stimulation to keep them challenged and to improve their lives.

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy is our Top Pick because it is the ideal toy to provide your Shih Tzu with the stimulation it need.

This toy is great for your dog if he or she has mastered basic puzzle toys. You may alter the complexity of the puzzle by hiding goodies behind the white blocks or by moving the brown discs.

Since the white bone parts are detachable and might create a choking danger, the puzzle toy should only be played under supervision.

This allows you more time to connect with your dog as you assist him in solving his problem.

Pros

  • Offers mental stimulation
  • Extremely tough for intelligent dogs
  • Many places to conceal toys
  • Excellent group activity

Cons

  • Should only be used under under supervision

Best for Puppies: Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy

Shih Tzu pups are similar to human infants in that they must teethe. The greatest toy for Shih Tzu pups is the Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy because it provides a healthy outlet for the teething period.

This toy scented with bacon promotes constructive play and teaches your puppy good chewing skills. Each “pacifier” features nubs that assist brush your dog’s teeth and encourage early dental hygiene.

The toy is recommended by a veterinarian, so you can feel secure giving it to your dog. The toy may be too difficult for certain pups’ teeth, thus it may not be suitable for very young dogs.

Pros

  • Promotes wholesome chewing
  • Can improve dental health
  • Vet suggested
  • Delicious bacon taste

Cons

  • Maybe too large for some pups

The Burrow Squeaky Hide & Seek Plush Dog Toy by ZippyPaws

The ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide & Seek Plush Dog Toy is an interactive toy that challenges your Shih Tzu emotionally and physically.

It includes three noisy hedgehog toys that your dog must excavate from their burrow. If your dog enjoys the squeaky noise, it can play with the hedgehogs on its own, or you can place them back in the hole and begin again.

It is machine-washable, which simplifies maintenance. If your dog loses or destroys one of the hedgehogs, you may buy a replacement.

The hedgehogs may be incapable of withstanding aggressive chewers.

Pros

  • Automatic washable
  • Interactive plaything
  • Cognitively stimulating
  • Individual hedgehogs may be bought.

Cons

  • Not for aggressive chewers

Dog Toy Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball

The Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball Dog Toy is a tough and engaging toy that will occupy your Shih Tzu for hours. It will provide them with a mental and physical challenge that will continue to enhance and enrich their lives.

Place your dog’s preferred dry food inside the ball and observe as it gently releases the goodies while your dog plays with it. While the substance is unknown, the texture is smooth and simple for dogs to grasp. This toy’s design makes it difficult to clean.

Pros

  • Wonderful enrichment toy
  • Difficult and rewarding
  • Simple to operate
  • Gentle texture

Cons

  • Inconvenient to clean

Cozie Marvin the Moose Plush Dog Toy from KONG

Sometimes, the greatest toys are the simplest ones. The KONG Cozie Marvin the Moose Plush Dog Toy lacks bells and whistles, but it compensates by giving a cuddly comfort toy that your Shih Tzu may enjoy.

This plush, lovable, and reasonably-priced moose includes an additional layer of cloth for longevity and minimum stuffing to minimize messes.

It includes an internal squeaker and is ideal for cuddling or playing fetch, whatever your dog likes. If your Shih Tzu is a powerful chewer, this is not the ideal toy.

Pros

  • Excellent for fishing
  • Comfortable for snuggling dogs
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Minimal filling

Cons

  • Not for aggressive chewers

Nylabone Power Chew Bacon Flavor Easy-Hold Dog Dental Chew Toy

Let’s take a look at a toy that is made for powerful chewers, since we’ve been talking a lot about toys that aren’t.

The Nylabone Power Chew Bacon Flavor Easy-Hold Dog Dental Chew Toy is intended for chewing. This robust chew toy has four paw grips, allowing your dog access from every angle.

It contains several oral textures to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and a bacon taste to tempt your dog to gnaw on it rather than other household items.

This toy should only be used under supervision, since aggressive chewers may eventually pull off pieces of it. Moreover, it may be too tough for certain Shih Tzus to chew.

Pros

  • Ideal for robust chewers
  • Delicious bacon taste
  • Paw grips
  • Encourages optimum dental hygiene

Cons

  • Only permitted under supervision.
  • May be too difficult for certain dogs

The Frisky Frolic Squeaky Latex Dog Toy by Hartz

Sometimes the most entertaining toys are the simplest ones. Most canines find appealing the Hartz Frisky Frolic Squeaky Latex Dog Toy. This vibrant squeaker is ideal for biting, chasing, and fetching.

The toy is constructed from a durable latex substance, and its textured surface delivers a fascinating and enjoyable chewing experience.

It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor play since it is resistant to the weather. Most of all, it’s extremely inexpensive, so even if your dog doesn’t like it, you won’t lose any money.

The toy’s squeaker is loud and might be frightening for timid Shih Tzus. You cannot choose the hue, since they are supplied at random.

Pros

  • Suitable for usage inside and outdoors
  • Ideal for playing catch
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Vibrant and vibrant to attract the eye

Cons

  • Squeaker loudness may terrify shy dogs
  • Unable to choose toy color

KONG Puppy Dog Toy

The KONG Puppy Dog Toy is an excellent option for young, active pups because to its unexpected bounce that may keep them engaged for hours.

The toy may be chewed to encourage good chewing habit, and its unusual form is intended to soothe gums during teething.

This multifunctional toy is fantastic for fetching and gnawing, and it can also be filled with treat paste or peanut butter to provide a delightful snack to keep your dog engaged while you’re at work.

It is a little difficult and laborious to clean, but it is safe for the top rack of the dishwasher when it’s time to remove stubborn, adhered grime.

It is preferable to use the toy in a controlled area, such as a crate, due to the item’s first overwhelming odor and messiness.

Pros

  • Excellent for pups and adults alike
  • Adds enrichment
  • Excellent for retrieving and chasing
  • Encourages good chewing habits

Cons

  • Hard to clean
  • Odorous at first
  • Messy

Buyer's Guide

Selecting a toy may seem to be a straightforward task. After all, toys are intended for play, correct?

Wrong.

Toys are certainly a source of amusement for animals, but they also serve a broader purpose by offering mental and physical stimulation. So, there are a number of considerations to consider before to purchasing a for your Shih Tzu to ensure that it is something that your dog would use and benefit from.

Materials

The materials used to construct your dog’s toys are crucial. Some may be ripped through within seconds. Others may provide a choking risk. Some substances are hazardous to animals and must be avoided at all costs.

The safest materials for dog toys include:

  • Nylon
  • Firm rubber
  • rigid plastic

Unsafe materials for dog toys include:

  • BPA
  • PVC
  • Bromine
  • Chromium
  • Cadmium

Your dog’s toy should not have any little components that might break off and cause choking or blockage.

Age

The age of your dog should also factor into your decision-making. Younger Shih Tzus may benefit from teething toys, toys meant to expose them to learning, and puzzles that challenge their development.

Shih Tzus who are fully matured will enjoy retrieving and puzzle toys that enhance their bond with their owners. Older dogs benefit most from softer, non-tooth-damaging toys.

Toy Kind

Today, we evaluated a variety of various sorts of toys. When purchasing a toy, it is crucial to examine its intended use. Your adult Shih Tzu will have different requirements than a senior or a puppy.

Chow-Down Toys

Chew toys are created particularly for the purpose of being chewed. Many adult dogs continue to chew to exercise their jaws, therefore the impulse to chew does not go away when a puppy reaches maturity. For others, chewing may also be a stress reliever.

If you want your dog’s chew toys to last, they should be constructed from rubber or nylon. The chew toys are robust, but not so stiff as to harm your dog’s teeth.

Toys With Interactivity

Since Shih Tzus are clever and want a challenging toy, interactive toys are perfect for them. The most engaging interactive dog toys generate sounds or motion while your dog plays with them. These are ideal for keeping your dog occupied while you are busy or at work.

Retrieval Toys

Whether you want to play fetch with your Shih Tzu or need a means for them to burn off some energy, you will look for retrieval toys. Although Shih Tzus do not often become ball-chase-crazy like other breeds, some possess a heightened prey drive that makes a game of pursuit tempting.

Retriever toys are excellent for connecting with your dog and giving him with the essential exercise. This sort of toy is normally tiny enough for your dog to hold easily, but not so little that it poses a choking concern.

Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys, like interactive toys, are ideal for Shih Tzus because they increase their confidence and allow them to use their mental muscles. These are also beneficial for bonding since they are created for you to do with your dog.

Toy puzzles range in difficulty from beginner to expert. Often, they require the dog to use sliders or levers to release rewards. We suggest beginning with a simple puzzle toy and working your way up to improve your Shih Tzu’s confidence from the beginning.

Toys That Dispense Treats

Similar to puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys do not need the manipulation of levers or sliders. You will put your dog’s favorite treat inside the toy, and it will have to figure out how to get it out. To attract your dog to the toy, combine dry kibble and natural, smooth peanut butter.

FAQs

1. What kind of toys are optimal for the temperament and activity level of a Shih Tzu?

As Shih Tzus were meant to be house pets rather than hunters or explorers, they may not need as many retrieve or rope toys as other breeds. No of his age, your Shih Tzu will need a plenty of chew toys and plush toys to keep him amused.

2. Why is my Shih Tzu unwilling to play with his toys?

There may be a variety of reasons why your Shih Tzu is not playing with his toys. First, have your veterinarian rule out a medical cause: if the behavior appears abruptly, it’s possible that your Shih Tzu is ill.

But, if your veterinarian cannot identify a health-related cause for your Shih Tzu’s lack of interest in playing, it may be time to purchase new toys or utilize treats to pique your dog’s interest.

3. What toys can I use to entertain my Shih Tzu?

If you need to keep your Shih Tzu occupied for an extended period of time, a treat-dispensing or interactive toy is likely your best option. Both versions will provide enough of a challenge for your dog to spend up to an hour searching for the concealed treats.

4. How can I maintain my Shih Tzu’s oral health?

Although dental care is essential for all dog breeds, it is especially critical for Shih Tzus. If your dog’s teeth are not frequently brushed by a groomer (or by you), you may buy chew toys to encourage improved oral health.

Several chew toys include ridge-like characteristics that aid in the removal of tartar and plaque. This procedure is not only gentler on your dog, but it may also go a long way in preventing your Shih Tzu from developing a dental-related condition later in life.

Conclusion

Durability and bounce make the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball the obvious winner as the best overall toy for Shih Tzus.

Our best value award goes to the JW Pet Hol-ee Roller because of its reasonable pricing and adaptable design.

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound, our premier option, gives Shih Tzus with endless entertainment and excitement. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that our reviews facilitate your toy-purchasing decisions.

We are certain that your Shih Tzu will like whatever toy you choose for it, but the best toys for Shih Tzus listed above are, in our view, the greatest choices.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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