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The 12 Best Tug-Of-War Dog Toys In 2024

The classic tug-of-war toy is a staple in every dog's toy box. Tugging games give your dog's upper body a workout, let them play out their natural instincts safely, and stave off boredom.

With such a diverse range of dog toys on the market, though, picking out the best tug-of-war toys can be tricky. If you'd like to learn more about the best tug-of-war toys out there, check out these reviews of the best tug-of-war dog toys from BestForPets (bestforpets.org) favorites.

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icon Reviewed & Fact - Checked by

Deborah R. Fletcher (DVM)

Veterinarian

The information provided is current and up-to-date, in line with the latest research conducted in the field of veterinary medicine.

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Reviews

Best Overall: Cotton-blend 5-knot Rope Toy, Mammoth

Mammoth Flossy Chews Multi Color 5 Knot Rope Tug

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  • 36 x 4.94 x 4 inch dimensions
  • Large and enormous dogs are best suited.
  • Toy characteristics: Dental
  • Lifestages: puppy and adult

Our recommendation for the finest overall tug-of-war dog toy is the Mammoth Cotton-blend 5-knot Rope Toy . This toy’s rope strands clean your dog’s teeth while they chew, and the 100% cotton rope is tough enough to resist determined chewers and rigorous play. This toy is best suited for huge and enormous breeds, as well as adult dogs and pups.

The majority of user feedback is good. Many people have expressed their admiration for the toy’s robustness and endurance. Others have complained that the toy is extremely hefty, making it difficult for tiny dogs to pick up and carry.

However, several individuals uploaded photographs of their little and medium-sized dogs enjoying the toy, so it all depends.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Heavy chewers will appreciate this.
  • Both adults and pups may use it.
  • Destructive chewers may benefit.

Cons

  • Small dogs may find it excessively huge and hefty.

Best Value: Spunky Pup Recycled Rope Toy from the Clean Earth Collection

Spunky Pup Clean Earth Recycled Rope Dog Toy Large

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  • Size: 1.5 x 1.5 x 8.3 inches
  • Small, medium, and giant breeds are most suited.
  • Toy features include: exercise, outdoor play, and water play.
  • Lifestage: Adult

Spunky Pup's recycled rope tug-of-war dog toy is our finest tug-of-war dog toy for the money. This toy is created in the United States using recycled water bottles and may be recycled if your dog becomes bored of it.

The densely woven cloth keeps your dog’s teeth and gums clean. It also floats, making it ideal for play on both land and water. It is available in two sizes: medium and big.

There aren’t many customer reviews for this product, but the ones we did find were overwhelmingly good. This rope toy is generally regarded as tough, resilient, and lightweight enough for smaller breeds to carry about.

Others thought the item was a touch too simplistic for the price. One customer also commented that it was a touch too lengthy for pups, but the toy’s light weight compensated for this.

Pros

  • Strong and long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Inexpensive
  • Eco-friendly
  • Maintains oral health

Cons

  • It might be too lengthy for pups.
  • For others, the design may be too simplistic.

Premium Choice: Zwig Dog Toy, West Paw Echo Collection

WEST PAW Zogoflex Echo Zwig Squeezy Dog Fetching Stick

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  • 2 x 2 x 13.75 inches in size
  • Large breeds are most suited.
  • Outdoor, water play, bouncy, and exercise toy
  • Lifestage: Adult

If you don’t mind spending a little extra money on your dog, the West Paw Echo Collection Zwig Dog Toy  is our top option. Though costly, we enjoy that this toy is made to be gentle on your dog’s teeth with bendy material and has a bounce aspect for added excitement. It’s also waterproof and floats, making it ideal for outdoor and water play.

Many satisfied customers have commented on how well the toy withstands continuous gnawing and how soft it is on their dog’s teeth. Those who were less thrilled with the toy stated that their dog chewed through it quite rapidly, suggesting that it may not be the greatest option for heavy chewers.

Pros

  • Soft on the teeth of dogs
  • Waterproof and floatable
  • Long-lasting for intermediate chewers
  • There are three color options.

Cons

  • Heavy chewers should avoid this product.
  • Expensive

Best for Puppies: Teethe n’ Tug Puppy Toy by Nylabone

Nylabone Teethe 'n' Tug Puppy Chew Toy for Teething

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  • 8 x 4 x 0.55 inch dimensions
  • Small breeds are most suited.
  • Teething and dental toys
  • Lifestage: Puppy

For teething pups, we recommend the Nylabone Teethe n' Tug dog toy . Its ridged texture is intended to be gentle on puppy teeth while deterring destructive chewing and relieving anxiety and boredom.

This toy is also veterinarian-recommended, which gives an added degree of security and helps your puppy to satisfy their natural drive to chew in a safe way.

Keep in mind that this toy is designed for mild chewers and may not last long against mature dogs or puppies that love to chew on their gnaw toys. A few customers have remarked on this, advising that the toy is only suitable for tiny breeds and pups.

Other customers were pleased with the toy, praising its low weight and how much their pups liked taking it about with them wherever!

Pros

  • Gentle on puppy teeth
  • Vet-recommended
  • Simple to clean
  • Lightweight and portable

Cons

  • Adult dogs or determined pups will find it too soft.

Ultra Duo Tug Tough Dog Toy by Chuckit!

Chuckit! Ultra Duo Tug Dog Toy

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  • 2.5 x 3.313 x 8.438 inch dimensions
  • Small and medium breeds are most suited.
  • Toy characteristics: tough chewer, exercise
  • Lifestage: Adult

You may gift the Chuckit! Ultra Duo Tug Strong Dog Toy  to your tough chewer. This one differs from the others in that it has two balls on either side of the nylon grip. It’s a tug toy that may also be used as a retrieve toy, and the handle makes it simple to toss and launch.

Its neon hues are also a plus, since this might be really beneficial, especially if you have a large yard or your dog enjoys playing in the nights.

According to user evaluations, a number of dogs loved playing tug-of-war with this toy, and their humans were impressed by its length and durability, as well as the fact that it can be used in a variety of activities.

Others reported that their dogs chewed through it or chewed the balls off, so it’s always a good idea to oversee play to keep things under control. There are two sizes to choose from: medium and small.

Pros

  • Multipurpose
  • Fluorescent
  • Rubberized edges
  • There are two sizes available (medium and small)

Cons

  • Chewers who are determined may be able to shatter the handle.

Tuffy’s Ultimate Squeaky Tug-O-War Plush Toy

TUFFY® - World's Tuffest Soft Dog Toy®

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  • 1.5 x 8 x 22 inch dimensions
  • Large breeds are most suited.
  • Toy characteristics include squeaking, teething, training, water play, and exercise.
  • Lifestage: Adult

Don’t be deceived by the soft appearance of this toy; it’s created with many layers of cloth and seven seams to toughen it up. The squeakers are hidden within safety pockets for further security in case your dog manages to gnaw them out.

It may be used for tug-of-war and retrieve and is gentle on the teeth and gums. It also floats, making it an excellent choice for water-loving canines.

The Tuffy's ultimate Tug-O-War Squeaky Plush Toy , according to many users, has been a success with dogs and their humans, who have enjoyed how easy it is to grip and how long it lasts in most situations.

We say this because it wasn’t robust enough for all dogs’ jaws, and some persistent chewers were able to rip through the seams. However, if your dog is a moderate chewer, this toy may be a good option.

Pros

  • For durability, there are seven seams and many layers.
  • able to float
  • Inside the safety pockets are squeakers.
  • Simple to grasp
  • Suitable for light chewers

Cons

  • Heavy chewers are not advised.
  • Noisy

Tug Dog Toy Dogzilla Monster

Dogzilla Monster Tug Toy

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  • 15.8 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches in size
  • Medium breeds are most suited.
  • Toy function: Exercise
  • Lifestage: Adult

This Dogzilla Monster Tug Dog Toy  has an added bonus: it’s vanilla scented! It’s made of tough rubber and was engineered to resist power chewers’ teeth while also providing a greater grip when playing.

Another significant advantage is that its bumpiness may benefit your dog’s oral health. It may be utilized in a tug-of-war activity or given to your dog to gnaw on during downtime.

However, some customers warn against using it as a chew toy since their dogs chewed through it when it was used for that purpose. Others, on the other hand, have said that the toy works great as a chew toy and for dual play with two dogs at the same time.

Pros

  • Rubber is a long-lasting material.
  • Can be used as a standalone chew toy or as a tug-of-war toy.
  • The bumpy texture may be beneficial to the oral health of canines.
  • Simple to grasp

Cons

  • Smaller canines may find it too hefty.
  • Heavy chewers may be able to break it down.

Small: Tough Dog Toy Chuckit! Ultra Tug Ball

ChuckIt! Small Ultra Tug

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  • 2 x 4.5 x 5.563 inches in size
  • Small breeds are most suited.
  • Toy characteristics include: tough chewer, bouncy, and exercise.
  • Lifestage: Adult

Because several tug toys are too heavy and bulky for little breeds, we introduce the Chuckit! Ultra Tug Ball Tough Dog Toy  is made especially for little dogs. The ball is composed of thick rubber for durability, and it comes with a 2-play nylon loop handle.

Those who dislike getting their hands filthy may love this handle because there is no second ball on the opposite side to get slobbered on!

It’s bright, like Chuckit’s previous designs, so it won’t be lost in your yard. It may be used as a retrieve toy as well as with launcher toys.

Some dog parents who shared their comments on this toy said they loved the easy-grip handle, while others said their larger dogs haven’t managed to damage it yet!

Some consumers were less thrilled, claiming that the toy frayed quickly and that the color faded, making it difficult to find after a time.

Pros

  • A fantastic choice for little dogs.
  • Can be used for tug of war and fetch activities.
  • Handle with an easy-grip
  • Durable

Cons

  • Could become frayed
  • With time, the color may fade.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Tug-of-War Dog Toy

When choosing a dog toy for tugging activities, aim for a product that is more likely to last-even if it costs a little more-as this will save you money in the long run. To increase your chances of finding a toy that will endure, examine if the toy you’re considering is appropriate for your dog’s breed, size, and chewing tendencies.

Some breeds chew harder than others. Labradors and Jack Russells, for example, are known for being tenacious chewers since they are energetic breeds with a lot of energy to burn. Other breeds, like as the Mini Schnauzer and Chihuahua, are lighter chewers.

If you have a heavy chewer on your hands, you should choose something that is designed to endure the quantity of chewing it will receive. A lighter chewer, on the other hand, may do just fine with a more typical tug toy.

It’s also a good idea to consider your dog’s size. Some tug toys containing balls, for example, may be too big for a dog with a smaller mouth. Similarly, a short rope toy might not be the ideal option for a large dog with larger teeth.

Conclusion

To summarize, the Mammoth cotton-blend 5-knot rope play  is our favorite overall tug-of-war dog toy because of its robustness and adaptability for heavier chewers. The basic, eco-friendly rope toy from Spunky Pup is our best value selection, and the costly but flexible and gentle West Paw Zwig toy  is our premium pick. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our evaluations have helped you prepare for the best tug-of-war dog toys.

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Dr. Helen Cordova

Dr. Helen Cordova, DVM, MPH is an expert in the field of animal transportation, with specialties in international and domestic travel of companion animals, infectious and zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, animal welfare, and veterinary consulting.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Cordova Helen

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