Toys for small dogs
The short answer
- Everyday pick for small dogsMultipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy, Regular
- For indoor fetchChuckit! Indoor Ball Dog Toy
- For gentle chewingJW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy, Color Varies, Small
Small breeds are more prone to dental disease, so skip very hard chews. If a toy won't dent under your thumbnail, it's too hard.[3],[2]
Small dogs play just as hard as big ones. They just need toys that fit. A toy has to be small enough to carry and chew, but still too big to swallow.
This guide covers how to size toys for small and toy breeds, why softer toys suit little mouths, how to play fetch indoors, how to keep plush toys and squeakers safe, and why big-dog and small-dog toys shouldn't mix.
Picks follow how we pick. We may earn a commission from links (disclosure).
Getting the size right
A good toy isn't small enough to swallow or fit whole in the mouth, but it's still sized so your dog can chew it comfortably. For chews, AAHA suggests something bigger than your dog's snout and slightly wider than their mouth.[1],[2]
- Too small is the bigger risk. Balls and other toys that are too small can be swallowed or get stuck in a dog's mouth or throat.[4]
- Too big is no fun. If your dog can't pick it up or get their mouth around it, they'll likely ignore it. Look for sizes marked small or by weight, and check the inches, not just the label.
- Size by the dog, not the name. Size labels vary between brands. A "small" from one maker can be a "large" from another, so compare the measurements to your dog's mouth.
Softer toys for small mouths
VCA vets say small breeds are more prone to periodontal disease because of their small jaws and crowded teeth. That's one more reason to go easy on hard chews.[3]
- Do the thumbnail test. Press your thumbnail into the toy. If you can't leave a dent, it's too hard.[2]
- Skip the hard stuff. Bones, sticks, rocks, antlers, yak milk chews, and rawhides can damage or break teeth.[2]
- Reach for soft rubber. Soft rubber toys are a safer choice than hard chews for dogs with dental disease.[1]
Indoor fetch and short play sessions
Exercise matters for every dog, big or small. The good news is a small dog can get a real workout in a hallway or living room.[6]
- Use a soft ball. A fabric or soft rubber ball bounces gently and won't knock things off the shelf.
- Pick a clear lane. A hallway or a rug works well. Slippery floors make quick turns harder.
- Short and often. A few minutes of fetch or tug a few times a day is easier to fit in than one long session. Stop while your dog still wants more.
Plush toys and squeakers
Lots of small dogs love a soft toy to carry, shake, and squeak. They're easy on little mouths, but they need a bit of watching.
- Stuffing matters more for small dogs. Swallowed stuffing can block the gut. A Texas A&M vet notes that a small amount may not bother a very large dog but definitely can cause trouble in a small breed.[1]
- Squeakers are supervision toys. Some dogs hunt down the squeaker and swallow it, which can cause a blockage. Play with squeaky toys while you're around.[4],[1]
- Torn toy? Take it away. Check toys often for wear, and pull any toy with an open seam, loose stuffing, or an exposed squeaker.[1]
- Keep it to a few toys. Leaving out one or two toys instead of a full basket makes it easier to notice missing pieces.[1]
When big and small dogs share a home
The size rule works both ways. A toy sized for a small dog may be small enough for a big dog to swallow, and a big dog's heavy-duty chew is often too hard and too big for a small mouth.[1],[4],[2]
Our picks
Each pick below comes in a size that suits small dogs, is soft on small mouths, and has an honest drawback. We don't rank by commission.
How does your dog see these toys?1 · Everyday pick for small dogs: a soft plush to carry and cuddle
Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy, Regular
Why we picked it. A classic soft lamb that small dogs love to carry, cuddle, and squeak. The 10 inch Regular size is easy for little mouths to grab, and it has over 30,000 ratings on Chewy.
Safety note
Honest drawback. Not for chewers: reviewers say seams burst and legs and ears get chewed off with heavy use.
View at Chewy2 · For indoor fetch: a soft fabric ball
Chuckit! Indoor Ball Dog Toy
Why we picked it. A soft chenille ball with a foam core, made for fetch inside. It bounces gently and goes in the wash on the delicate cycle.
Safety note
Honest drawback. Only one size, about 4.7 inches, which some small-dog owners find too big to carry. Reviewers say the cover separates with chewing.
View at Chewy3 · For gentle chewing: a flexible rubber treat ball
JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy, Color Varies, Small
Why we picked it. A stretchy rubber ball with big holes. Tuck treats inside, roll it for fetch, or use it for gentle tug. The Small is 3 inches, and it goes in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Safety note
Honest drawback. Reviewers say it runs small, and strong chewers can tear through it.
View at Chewy4 · For shakers and squeakers: a stuffing-free plush
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toys, 3-pack, Large
Why we picked it. Flat, stuffing-free plush animals with squeakers inside. There's no fluff to pull out, which matters more for small dogs. Three in a pack, so you can rotate them.
Safety note
Honest drawback. Reviewers say squeakers can stop working or get torn out within days by determined chewers.
View at ChewySources
Last reviewed Sep 29, 2026. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own dog.
- Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Hidden Hazards: A Guide to the Potential Dangers of Pet Toys
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Don't Chew On This!
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Dental Disease in Dogs
- Humane Society of Huron Valley, Dog Toys and How to Use Them
- University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
- PDSA, How to exercise your dog