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Shih Tzus are perfect small dogs that were specifically bred to be house companions.
If we look at the history of the breed, we can see that these pups were a true Ming Dynasty treasure, having spent all their life living with royalty. So, the fact that this small breed of dog is the ultimate house companion doesn’t surprise us at all.
They are especially affectionate with children, and their best form of entertainment is actually cuddling and chilling with their owner.
These little pups are the best dogs for apartment living since they don’t require a large space, they don’t need a lot of exercise, and they are easily entertained indoors.
However, although they require minimal exercise, and are pretty chill dogs, they still need some form of entertainment that will keep them both physically and mentally stimulated.
Fortunately, when it comes to canine entertainment, there is a pretty good diversity and offer on the market. You only need to know how to choose the best ones.
Navigating different pet stores and online shopping sites can sometimes trigger headaches, as we all know, but don’t worry – you are at the right place if you’re searching for the best toys for Shih Tzus.
In this article, you’ll find everything about different types of toys, and their detailed reviews. There will definitely be at least one toy your dog loves among them.
Let’s dig in.
Best Toys For Shih Tzus: Top Three Picks
Premium Pick: Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy
- In addition to reducing negative behavior (barking, whining, and anxiety), it is helpful in training dogs to use their crate/kennel.
- Made from safe, certified materials, has an easy-to-use interface, and can be easily cleaned (machine washable)
- Features a pulsing, real-feel heartbeat with two modes
- A heat pack, and 2 AAA batteries included
- Odorless, mess-free, and provides an extra source of comfort for your pooch
Budget Pick: Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Toy
- Made from premium poly-cotton yarns, and finished with sturdy knots
- Perfect rope toy for tossing, catching, and pulling
- Very safe, extremely durable, and tough
- Great for flossing dog’s teeth and naturally supporting the dog’s oral health
- It encourages playtime and bonding time between you and your furry friend
Best Value For The Price: ChuckIt! Ultra Squeaker Ball
- Made out of durable rubber material that has high bounce levels
- Tough enough for aggressive chewers, but also soft on dog’s teeth
- Suitable for some water fetch playtime at the pool, lake, or beach
- Features a built-in squeaker that makes fun noises and intrigues dogs
- Vibrant colors attract the dog’s interest, and enhances visibility for dog owners
What Are The Best Toys For A Shih Tzu?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dog toys are one of the most valuable parts of the million-dollar pet industry. The truth is that in recent years, this industry has evolved very much. Once, you only had a bone or a stick to choose from, but now, things have changed drastically.
There are so many different types of toys that could be divided in multiple categories according to your needs and your dog’s preferences. Shih Tzus actually like a variety of toys, so it is very important for Shih Tzu owners to know the differences between the toys and their use.
As many dog experts believe, there are five different types of dog toys — training toys, treat dispensing toys (enrichment toys), interactive toys, self-amusement toys, and comfort toys.
Each of these five categories has their own use and benefits, and with the right toys for your Shih Tzu puppy, you should easily have a well-rounded and happy little doggo.
Let’s see together what the best Shih Tzu toys are that your pup will actually love playing with.
Training Toys
Training toys are designed to keep your dog entertained, while at the same time, teaching him something new. These toys will successfully stimulate your dog’s senses, and make training and learning a fun, new experience.
These are, for example, chew toys or teething toys that will provide relief for your pup, help teach him what is okay to chew on, and hopefully save some of your precious belongings.
1. KONG Classic Dog Toy
- Ensures that the dog's mental stimulation and instinctual needs are met
- The product is effective in reducing teething, chewing, separation anxiety, digging, barking, crate training, boredom, and weight gain
- It can be filled with little bits of kibble, treats, snacks, or peanut butter
- Made in the USA from globally-sourced materials
- Recommended by veterinarians and professional trainers worldwide
When it comes to canine entertainment, Kong toys are definitely a staple among many pet owners. It would be weird not to mention at least one of their products, so we are going to start our list with a true classic — the Kong Classic rubber toy.
This durable rubber toy comes in multiple sizes and colors corresponding to different dog breed sizes and intensity of chewing. This wonderful toy has many benefits.
First of all, it helps satisfy your dog’s instinctual needs, and provides healthy mental stimulation that is necessary for both physical and mental development, as well as emotional and behavioral growth.
Furthermore, it helps with teething, weight management, chewing, separation anxiety, barking, crate training, and most importantly, boredom, which causes all those negative behaviors in the first place.
Many veterinarians and professional trainers actually recommend this toy to a lot of dog owners. For more enticing playtime, you can stuff this chew toy with your pup’s favorite dog food, little bits of kibble, snacks, or treats.
READ ALSO: The Ultimate Shih Tzu Feeding Chart — How To Feed Your Dog
If you want to provide your dog with an added challenge, freeze it for 4 to 6 hours and see how your puppy reacts.
2. Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Toy
- Made from premium poly-cotton yarns, and finished with sturdy knots
- Perfect rope toy for tossing, catching, and pulling
- Very safe, extremely durable, and tough
- Great for flossing dog’s teeth and naturally supporting the dog’s oral health
- It encourages playtime and bonding time between you and your furry friend
If you are looking for something that is cheap, but also provides great entertainment to your furry friend, a colorful Mammoth Flossy Chews rope toy might be the perfect solution for you.
This interactive dog toy is made from premium North American poly-cotton yarns, and finished with sturdy knots. They are durable, safe, non-toxic, and tough for all dog breeds.
Many Shih Tzu owners state that this toy has been a great entertaining, and most importantly, durable gift for their Shih Tzu puppy that likes to chew on everything.
This knotted toy can be used for tossing, catching, and pulling, but also as a chew toy for some solo playtime. Also, it is great for flossing your dog’s teeth and naturally supporting your pup’s oral health.
For this price, I think this is something that you should definitely try, and even if your dog doesn’t like it, you will not be losing a lot of money.
3. Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy For Aggressive Chewers
- Bone substitute that lasts longer, is stronger, and is more durable
- Flavor is derived from 100% real bacon
- Perfectly curved to ensure a safe chewing experience for your pup
- Made in the USA from high-quality materials
- It is very sturdy, and will definitely keep your pooch entertained for hours
The Benebone Wishbone durable chew toy is one of the best rated chew toys on Amazon, and one of their #1 Best Sellers when it comes to dog chew toys in general.
This chew bone is designed to last, even if you are dealing with very aggressive chewers out there. It is fully made and sourced in the USA.
It comes in four different sizes and three different flavors. The one that we chose is 100% real bacon, but you can also get real chicken or peanut butter flavor.
Dogs do not have thumbs, so at Benebone, they made sure to design a chew bone that is perfectly curved for a paw-friendly grip and safe chewing.
“The toy is shaped great, and your dog can really hold on to it. My shih tzu usually doesn’t like many bones because he has a hard time gripping and getting his rather flat face at the right angle. Not with this toy!” – Lyndz
Treat Dispensing Toys/Enrichment Toys
Treat dispensing toys are great for providing mental stimulation and keeping your dog busy. When your pup is bored or left alone, he might resort to some destructive behavior or make mischief, but hopefully these kinds of toys can help prevent that.
Also, they are very beneficial if you have a dog that eats his meals a little bit too fast.
4. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble
- Perfect for treating and training your Shih Tzu (can be filled with your dog’s favorite treats or kibble)
- Challenges your dog’s problem-solving skills, and enhances his mental stimulation
- It can be used for indoor or outdoor playtime
- Made from pet-safe materials: BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free
- Easy to clean with a little bit of water, soap, and a cloth
Dogs love food! If you’ve ever been a dog owner, you know what I am talking about. So, why not combine the thing that they love the most with an entertainment product? The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble is exactly that – a bouncing and rolling treat puzzle game.
This small, brightly-colored treat dispensing ball is the perfect way to introduce your pooch to fun puzzle games. They usually have different difficulty levels, and this one is level 1, perfect for starting out.
You simply fill the holes with treats and watch your pup try to get them out. It challenges your dog’s problem-solving skills and enhances his mental stimulation through fun playtime.
This ball is made out of completely pet-safe materials that you can trust with your dog. It is also very easy to clean since it’s made out of wipeable material. Furthermore, it can be used both indoors and outdoors, which is a great plus.
RELATED: Are Shih Tzus Good With Kids? Shih Tzu Character Traits
5. Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy
- It helps prevent boredom and destructive behavior by providing hours of mental stimulation and physical activity
- It features dual chamber dispensing
- Helps slow down fast eaters
- You can customize the difficulty by adjusting the openings
- It comes with no sharp edges, and is very safe even for puppies because of the high-quality construction and design
It comes with no sharp edges, and is very safe even for puppies because of the high-quality construction and design
Another great treat dispensing toy is Starmark’s Bob-a-Lot dog toy. It comes in two different sizes – small and large, with small being intended for small and medium-sized dogs. Even toy breeds like Shih Tzus can enjoy this toy without any problems.
This toy is great for training and preventing destructive boredom behaviors. It provides hours of mental stimulation, physical activity, and fun entertainment.
“My Shih Tzu loves this! Can entertain her for hours. She gets her regular kibble in addition to exercise. Built solid. So glad I got this for her!” — Karen
It features dual chambers for treats and kibble, and adjustable openings for customization of difficulty. When it comes to design, it is very well constructed, without any sharp edges, so it is completely safe for your furry friend.
Interactive Toys
Interactive dog toys are a great way to fight off boredom, exercise your dog both mentally and physically, provide entertainment, and interact and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
For example, these could be fetch toys, various responsive toys, and high-tech toys that will keep your dog curious and entertained for hours.
6. KONG Air Squeaky Toy Tennis Balls
- Made from non-abrasive tennis material that is softer on your dog’s teeth
- Available in multiple sizes to perfectly fit different dog sizes
- It features a squeaker that helps induce play
- Perfect for a game of fetch and some bonding time
- Helps satisfy chasing needs, and encourages healthy entertainment
Squeaky tennis balls are definitely one of many dog toys that you certainly must have in your household. These toys are simply a classic, and almost all dogs love playing with them.
These Kong tennis balls are perfect for a game of fetch and some bonding time with your pet. They are made out of non-abrasive material that is softer on your dog’s teeth, and won’t cause any issues.
The toy comes in multiple sizes, so you can definitely find one that is going to match your Shih Tzu’s size perfectly. Each ball comes with a squeaker inside that produces a fun sound, and helps induce play.
“They bounce, they squeak, they turn my Shih Tzu into a clown and tire him out. Nothing better out there to entertain fur babies.” — R. Palermo
They are pretty durable for well-trained dogs and non-aggressive chewers; however, if you do have a strong chewer in your house, keep in mind that no toy is actually indestructible.
RELATED: Top 15 Shih Tzu Breeders In The States
7. ChuckIt! Ultra Squeaker Ball
- Made out of durable rubber material that has high bounce levels
- Tough enough for aggressive chewers, but also soft on dog’s teeth
- Suitable for some water fetch playtime at the pool, lake, or beach
- Features a built-in squeaker that makes fun noises and intrigues dogs
- Vibrant colors attract the dog’s interest, and enhances visibility for dog owners
This next spot on our list goes to our best value product as well as Amazon’s Choice recommended product. This is, of course, the ChuckIt! Ultra Squeaker ball that not only has amazing reviews from many dog owners, but also dogs seem to love it.
This ball is made out of durable rubber material with high bounce levels that is tough enough even for aggressive chewers, yet it doesn’t wear down gums and teeth.
The ChuckIt! ball is designed with a built-in squeaker that makes fun noises during the game of fetch, which makes it even more entertaining for dogs. It is compatible with ChuckIt! dog ball launchers in case you get bored of chucking the ball around.
This durable toy comes in bright orange and blue colors that, at the same time, attract the dog’s interest, but also allow high visibility for dog parents in low-light conditions. The ball can also be used for water games.
“Our Shih Tzu puppy is learning to play fetch with this ball. It’s just the right size for his little mouth right now.” — Valerie Brown
Self-Amusement Toys
Self-amusement toys are exactly what their name suggests — strong, durable, and highly entertaining toys that will keep your dog busy while you are not around.
Many of these toys can also be classified as interactive toys because they basically are. The only difference is that they should be safe enough for your dog to play with by himself. These are, for example, puzzle toys or hide-and-seek toys.
8. ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Interactive Puzzle Toy
ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow is an interactive puzzle toy that challenges your dog to a stimulating game of hide and seek.
The company produces various styles of this dog toy that feature different woodland animals, so if you don’t like this chipmunks ‘n log version, you can choose between many other themes.
This toy will keep your dog entertained and occupied for hours while he is trying to dig the chipmunks out of the log. The log, as well as three chipmunks that are included are made from soft, plush material.
Each chipmunk comes with a built-in squeaker that makes this puzzle toy even more exciting. This is a very high-quality, modern, and beautifully-designed toy that your furry friend will adore.
However, if your dog is an aggressive chewer, I wouldn’t recommend it because it probably wouldn’t last long due to the soft material that it is made from.
9. Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Pacifier
- Great solution for destructive chewing, teething, stress and weight management, training, and dental care
- Features a fun shape that intrigues dogs
- Made from softer material that is perfect for teething puppies
- A unique design with raised bristles helps clean the dog’s teeth and prevent tartar buildup
- Helps satisfy your Shih Tzus’ natural desire for chewing
Our next toy is perfect for dog owners who are dealing with a teething puppy. The Nylabone Puppy Chew teething pacifier is great for encouraging non-destructive chewing habits while satisfying the puppy’s natural urge for chewing.
It is made from the softest material that is specifically designed for teething puppies. The toy features a fun shape that helps entice the dog, but also helps clean the dog’s teeth and prevent tartar buildup.
One thing is for sure – your puppy will love chewing on this, and it will keep him busy for hours.
“Our new 3 lb. Shih-Tzu puppy loves this puppy chew pacifier, & so do we! She is teething like crazy, & it has been very helpful in keeping her occupied instead of chewing clothing, shoes, furniture, & us!” — Amazon Customer
RELATED: How Often Should You Bathe A Shih Tzu? Tips And Tricks
Comfort Toys
Comfort toys are soft, typically plush toys that have many benefits for your dog. They can be used to comfort your dog, train, and be played with; however, they are mostly used to soothe and provide relief to your pooch.
10. Multipet LambChop Plush Dog Toy
- Features an extra-soft plush exterior that is perfect for cuddling
- Includes a squeaker for fun fetch playtime
- Comes in four different sizes (mini, regular, standard, and jumbo)
- Great design and durability
- Helps with separation anxiety and stress
Our last two products are reserved for the most special type of dog toys, and those would be comfort toys. A lot of puppies can make a special connection with a certain toy (the same way small children do), usually with the one that is made out of soft, plush material.
The first comfort toy that we will mention is none other than the famous Shari Lewis’ Lamb Chop, which is adored by many dogs out there.
This toy is made out of extra-soft plush material that is perfect for cuddling, and it features a built-in squeaker for fun fetch playtime.
You can choose between four different sizes, but for a Shih Tzu’s size, we would recommend a 6-inch mini or a 10-inch standard. Whether your pup loves to fetch or cuddle, I am sure that this adorable plush toy will bring a lot of happiness to your household.
“This is the favorite toy of my little shih tzu, Bella. She plays with it all the time and sleeps with it. She would give it 10 stars if she could!!!” — Trish Cornelison
11. Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy
- In addition to reducing negative behavior (barking, whining, and anxiety), it is helpful in training dogs to use their crate/kennel.
- Made from safe, certified materials, has an easy-to-use interface, and can be easily cleaned (machine washable)
- Features a pulsing, real-feel heartbeat with two modes
- A heat pack, and 2 AAA batteries included
- Odorless, mess-free, and provides an extra source of comfort for your pooch
The last product on our list of the best toys for Shih Tzus is the Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy. This is the original pet anxiety and comfort aid that has helped so many dogs ever since it first came out in 1997.
The Snuggle Puppy has many great characteristics, but the most important one is that it helps reduce negative behavior in dogs. It helps with crate or kennel training by reducing barking, whining, and separation anxiety; thus, helping you get more sleep at night.
The plush toy comes with a pulsing “Real-Feel” heartbeat with two modes (24/7 continuous, and 8 hours with auto turn-off), 2 AAA batteries that can last up to two weeks with 24/7 continuous mode, and a heat pack.
The toy is made out of certified safe materials that are easy to use and easy to clean. It is odorless, mess-free, simple to use, and does not use electricity, and it provides a great source of comfort for your small pooch.
Even though Snuggle Puppy is a little bit pricey for a dog toy, it is something that we highly recommend because it is very durable, definitely worth the price, and has helped so many puppies all around the world.
READ NEXT: Top 10 Choices For The Best Dog Food For Shih Tzus
You Asked: “How Do I Entertain My Shih Tzu?”
Providing your dog with new toys is definitely one of the best ways to keep your Shih Tzu entertained. However, there are many other creative ways to keep your puppy occupied and happy.
Sure, dog toys are great, but for an affectionate dog like a Shih Tzu, nothing can compare to a good time spent with his owner.
Whenever you can, try to spend as much time as possible with your furry friend. A Shih Tzu is a friendly and cuddly dog breed, so a regular cuddling session will be much appreciated by your pooch.
RELATED: 39 Best Lap Dog Breeds: Ultimate List Of Ultimate Cuddlers
Although they don’t need a lot of exercise, going for a short walk is still a great way to keep them entertained, and also healthy. You can also visit a dog park. It is the perfect place for a puppy to run a little bit, burn off some energy, and socialize with other dogs.
While you are outside, you can also engage in an outdoor play session, and even use some of those dog toys that we have mentioned. A game of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek are just some fun examples.
Sometimes, getting your furry friend a friend, i.e., another puppy, is the best solution if you want to keep your dog constantly entertained and happy. However, this is not a possibility for everyone.
If you are still struggling with how to keep your dog entertained while you are away or at work, I recommend checking out our article that deals with this issue specifically. It might give you some new points of view and interesting ideas.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Shih Tzu entertained doesn’t have to be so demanding when you have the right sources. Our list of the best toys for a Shih Tzu is something that every pet owner needs. These dog toys will definitely be something that your pooch adores and loves to play with.
Dog toys are not only entertaining, but they are also essential for your dog’s mental, physical, and dental health. A poorly-stimulated dog will not only be extremely bored and unhappy, but it also can resort to all kinds of destructive behavior.
No pet owner wants this, so I truly hope that you have managed to find something on our list that works and makes your puppy happy!
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