Best Toys for German Shepherds – The Top 10 Toys
Published: Last updated: by Jessi Larson Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you love the products we've recommended! As an Amazon Associate we earn a small share from qualifying purchases.German Shepherds are big dogs with a lot of energy and need toys to keep them stimulated and busy. So what are the best toys for German Shepherds?
If you have a German Shepherd, you know how difficult it can be to shop for toys that are strong enough to withstand their powerful jaws. It can be tough to find one that has the right balance of durability and fun.
Luckily, we’ve done the legwork for you and found the top 10 German Shepherd toys on the market.
They engage a smart and curious breed like the German Shepherd and provide the physical exercise this active dog needs.
Best Toys for German Shepherds: Our Top 10 Picks
#1) Bark Super Chewer Box
A monthly subscription box with toys and treats for big dogs who are extra tough on their toys
Pros
- Fun way to try new toys
- Toys are specifically designed for bigger dogs
- Free shipping and replacement of broken toys
Cons
- Reoccurring monthly expense
At the top of our guide to the best toys for German Shepherds is the Super Chewer box from BarkBox. After all, German Shepherds can certainly be characterized as a super chewer!
This monthly subscription includes tough dog toys and treats that are selected specifically for large dogs who like to chew. (Read our review.)
Every month you’ll get two tough toys, two full-size bags of treats and two meaty chews, all designed for tougher and larger than average pups.
It can be hard providing the constant stimulation a curious, athletic and active breed like the German Shepherd needs. Fortunately, a Super Chewer subscription takes off part of the pressure.
#2) Classic KONG Toy
A quintessential dog toy that keeps pups engaged and occupied for a very long time
Pros
- Construction stands up to tough chewers
- Choose any type of filling and treats
- Made in the USA from globally sourced materials
Cons
- Must order the right size for your pet
Do you have a classic KONG? It’s a must-have German Shepherd toy! Heck, we recommend this toy for any dog breed.
The classic KONG toy hides treats inside and keeps a dog engaged and occupied while they hunt for the food. You can fill it with peanut butter, cheese, dog food, a biscuit, whatever.
The tough rubber stands up to tough chewers like the German Shepherd. In fact, many dog owners won’t ever have to replace their KONG toy.
#3) PetSafe Busy Buddy Jack Dog Toy
A fun and challenging puzzle toy that makes dogs work for their reward
Pros
- Durable nylon and rubber construction
- Includes natural rawhide treat ring refills
- Great toy for dogs with separation anxiety
Cons
- Some tough chewers may pull off parts
The German Shepherd is an incredibly intelligent dog, so they’ll love the PetSafe Busy Buddy Jack Dog Toy. The challenging puzzle makes them work extra hard for their treat.
Created with extra-strength materials, this German Shepherd toy can withstand the toughest play. Plus, the unique design keeps a dog entertained for long stretches of time.
The rubber and nylon surfaces firmly grip treats to motivate dogs to play longer. You can load treats on either side of the purple knobs for easier access or beside the white end pieces for more of a challenge.
#4) Chuckit! Pro Launcher
This launcher wand and ultra-durable ball take games of fetch to the next level for dogs
Pros
- Enjoy hands-free fetch with your dog
- Easily throw the ball 100 to 140 feet
- A great way to bond with your pooch
Cons
- Not a great toy for dogs who don’t love fetch
Save your arm and buy a Chuckit! Pro Launcher for games of fetch with your pup. The launcher sends the ball sailing distances the human arm just can’t replicate for a longer throw with much less effort.
This is definitely one of the best toys for German Shepherds and completely revolutionized the game of fetch.
Even better, you never have to touch the slobbery balls that your dog brings back. You can simply scoop up the ball without getting your hands dirty.
#5) West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Dog Frisbee
A sturdy yet soft high-flying frisbee that is perfect for fetch on land or in the water
Pros
- Flies like a hard plastic frisbee but soft on mouth
- 100% guaranteed against dog damage
- Made in America, recyclable and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Heavier than regular frisbees
- Not a chew toy
A frisbee is a classic dog toy, and the West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Dog Frisbee is the next evolution. This innovative toy is more pliable than a hard-shell frisbee, faster than those made from fabric and soft and gentle on a dog’s mouth.
German Shepherds love to play fetch with a frisbee, and this is perfect for games in the yard, trips to the park or even playing in the water.
Made in Montana from US-sourced materials, the frisbee is BPA-and-phthalate-free, non-toxic and FDA-compliant.
#6) Pacific Pup Extra Strong Rope Toys
A set of 10+ extra strong rope toys for tugging, chewing, shaking and much more
Pros
- Includes a variety of tough dog ropes
- Plastic free and meets the toughest safety requirements
- Supports Pacific Pups Rescue
Cons
- Aggressive chewers may tear off strings
Rope toys are awesome for German Shepherds. They’re great for chewing or you can start a friendly game of tug-of-war.
But anyone who has ever owned a German Shepherd knows how destructive they can be. They can quickly make mincemeat out of toys.
Fortunately, the Pacific Pup Extra Strong Rope Toys are tougher and stronger. Plus, they’re made of safe material for when the threads eventually do pull out.
This package includes toys in many different shapes and sizes for extra variety.
#7) Tuffy Mega Ring Dog Toy
This ultra durable dog toy is reinforced for added durability and strength
Pros
- Great for tug-of-war, fetch and more
- Rates a perfect #10 on Tuffy’s own “Tuff Scale”
- Floats in water
Cons
- Manufacturer advises against using it as a chew toy
The Tuffy Mega Ring is made of seven layers of material sewn together with two rows of linear stitching and two rows of cross stitching. This creates an extra tough toy that is still soft and even squeaks.
Your dog can either play with it alone (while supervised) or join you in a game of fetch or tug-of-war.
Another bonus is that the Tuffy Mega Ring is machine washable, making it easy to clean up after your dog gets their goobers all over it.
Any pup parent with a large breed will tell you how tough it is to keep a stuffed toy around, but you don’t have to worry with TUFFY toys.
#8) Outward Hound Interactive Dog Puzzle
A popular interactive puzzle that keeps a dog focused and mentally stimulated as they search for tasty treats
Pros
- Reduces anxiety and destructive behavior
- Fun bonding experience
- Works for all breeds, sizes and ages
Cons
- Some dogs may lose interest quickly
The German Shepherd is one of the most intelligent dog breeds on the planet. As such, they need mental stimulation that engages their sizable intellect.
A dog puzzle toy can help fill this need. Outward Hound Interactive toys from Nina Ottosson are designed to challenge your German Shepherd through obstacles to earn small treats.
Your dog will have to figure out how to flip open compartments to reveal the small tasty treats you’ve hidden for them. This provides mental stimulation, helps reduce anxiety and curbs destructive behavior!
#9) Feeko Natural Rubber Tug-of-War Toy
This sturdy rubber toy helps dogs release their extra energy by chewing and playing
Pros
- Made of 100% all-natural and durable rubber
- Great for tug-of-war and teething
- Lifetime warranty on products
Cons
- Toy is quite heavy
- Aggressive chewers may rip ends
Tug-of-war can be challenging for extra strong dogs. They either ruin the rope toy or accidentally pull around their playmates. Or both.
The Feeko Natural Rubber Tug-of-War Toy, however, is a great solution to this problem. Weighing 2 lbs and measuring 15 inches long, this seriously strong toy is perfect for games of tug-of-war with your pup.
Plus, the toy smells like beef which attracts the attention of dogs and encourages them to chew and improve their oral health. All of this makes it one of the best dog toys for German Shepherds.
#10) OurPets Buster Food Cube Interactive Dog Toy
An interactive treat dispenser that encourages healthy eating habits while providing physical activity
Pros
- Mentally and physically stimulates your dog
- Adjustable difficulty levels challenge pups
- Easy to use and to clean
Cons
- Can be very noisy
- Tough chewers may break off plastic if left unattended
It can feel like some days your German Shepherd needs more physical and mental exercise than you can handle. That’s when you bring out the Buster Food Cube.
Here’s how it works: You load in the treats through the center column, turn it tight and place it on the floor for your dog to play. They’ll quickly learn that they have to push the cube around to get any sort of treat.
The food dispenses slowly so your dog will get quite a workout in the process.
This is a great option for engaging German Shepherds, especially when the weather doesn’t allow you to get outside for exercise.
German Shepherd Exercise Needs – Best Toys for German Shepherds
To help potential pup parents, the American Kennel Club (AKC) rates the exercise needs of all their registered breeds on a scale. This ranges from “Couch Potato” to “Needs Lots of Activity.”
The German Shepherd is listed as “Needs Regular Exercise,” meaning it’s not to the highest end but still needs to be active.
The breed was developed as an all-purpose worker, so it won’t be happy just sitting around. They’re active and smart and need plenty of opportunities for both mental and physical exercise.
This is why the German Shepherd excels at agility, herding, tracking and dock diving sports.
Because the breed combines brains and brawn, the German Shepherd toys on this list focus on providing a challenging experience in all aspects.
Some are more physical, others more mental, and many are both. Ultimately, they make up the best toys for German Shepherds.
Final Thoughts: Best Toys for German Shepherds
Dogs are playful animals, and the German Shepherd is one of the most active breeds out there. It’s essential to have a variety of toys that will challenge and entertain your pup.
After all, these intelligent and loyal dogs require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and to keep them healthy.
Finding safe, solid German Shepherd toys isn’t easy. But this list of best toys for German Shepherds includes some of the most tried and true options out there.
It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but you can rest assured that these toys are among the best for your dog.
Also, as a word of caution, whenever you introduce a new toy to your dog make sure you supervise their play. With any dog, you never know how they’ll react and what damage they could cause.
Also, it’s a good idea to try out several types of toys. The toys your German Shepherd likes really depends on their personality and preference, and the answer may surprise you.
Ultimately, any picks on this list of best toys for German Shepherds will be a great choice for your canine. Your strong and stoic buddy will be happy to receive a new toy and to bond with you in the process.
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