The 6 Best Dog Toys For Border Collies
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Border collies are a smart breed that become bored when left with no stimulation. They were originally bred to be working dogs and enjoy having tasks to keep them busy throughout the day. Without stimulation, this high-energy dog may redirect its energy and misbehave.
It is important to find dog toys that can help stimulate your border collie when you are at work, or away from home. Finding the best dog toys for border collies can be difficult due to the endless options.
Here is a breakdown of the best dog toys for border collies and their purpose.
Compare Best Dog Toys For Border Collies
Dimensions 4x 2.75x 2.75 inches | Dimensions 14x 14x 14 inches | Dimensions 5.5x 6 x 1.25 inches | Dimensions 14 x 5.5x 5.5 inches | Dimensions 2.625x 3.625x 28.438 inches |
Weight 5 lbs - 85+lbs | Weight 2.0 pounds | Weight 0.08 Pounds | Weight 0.13 Kg | Weight 11.68 ounces |
Lifestage Adult | Lifestage Adult | Lifestage Adult | Lifestage Adult | Lifestage Adult |
Breed Size Large Breeds | Breed Size Giant Breeds, Large Breeds | Breed Size Large Breeds | Breed Size Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds | Breed Size Medium Breeds |
Toy Feature Training | Toy Feature Water Toy | Toy Feature Tough Chewer, Dental | Toy Feature Squeaky | Toy Feature Exercise |
Material Rubber | Material Plastic | Material Nylon | Material Fleece | Material Plastic |
How We Tested The Dog Toys:
- We purchased the best dog toys for border collies
- We spent a few hours testing these toys on our dogs.
- We put safety first when selecting dog toys to review.
- These products were purchased with our own money, and were not received in exchange for a favorable review.
The Best Rated Dog Toys For Border Collies Reviewed
Types of Dog Toys
Here are several types of dog toys to consider for your pups playtime needs. You may want to buy one of each kind to give him plenty of opportunities to release energy.
- Fetch Toys – Fetch toys are rubber balls, plush balls, discs, sticks, frisbees, and more in this category. Some might bounce, float, glide or glow in the dark. Some are great for use in the house, in the pool or water and even in low light. Playing fetch with your dog keeps him moving and can also strengthen your bond.
- Chew Toys – Chew toys are important in preventing behavior problems and discouraging your dog from chewing on inappropriate items. Chewing on certain types of chew toys can keep his teeth clean, and his mind occupied. A dog that has chewed for 30 minutes is busy, happy and more likely to take a nap than chew the furniture.
- Plush Toys – Plush toys are a favorite for dogs, but unfortunately they are not always safe. Plush toys can still be fun for your dog when supervised to make sure they are not being torn apart. Plush toys are great for puppies to snuggle up with at night before the teething stage.
- Rope and Tug Toys – Rope and tug toys are specifically designed to be yanked back and forth by you and your dog without breaking. These toys come in many shapes and sizes and are designed for gripping with your hands and the dogs mouth. These toys can also be used for fetching purposes too.
- Interactive Toys – Interactive toys were designed to entertain your pup when you are not around and to keep him from being bored and lonely. Some come with compartments to hide treats, puzzles to explore or hide and seek toys within a toy.
OVERALL BEST
1.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 4x 2.75x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 5 lbs - 85+lbs
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Large Breeds
- Toy Feature: Training
- Material: Rubber
Pros
- Ultra durable design
- Reduces boredom, and separation anxiety
- Erratic bouncing for longer play
Cons
- Needs to stuff with treats to keep dogs interested
- Treats fall out easily
KONG is the classic tough and reliable dog toy. The Classic’s unique all-natural red rubber formula is ultra-durable, with an erratic bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew, while also fulfilling their need to play. This toy is virtually indestructible making it perfect for mouthy border collies dogs.
The classic Kong dog toy can be stuffed with KONG’s Stuff’N Easy Treat, Snacks or Ziggies (sold separately) or any of your dogs favorite rewards like peanut butter, yogurt or kibble. This toy is also great for teething puppies and comes in several sizes and colors.
The classic Kong dog toy can be stuffed with KONG’s Stuff’N Easy Treat, Snacks or Ziggies (sold separately) or any of your dogs favorite rewards like peanut butter, yogurt or kibble. This toy is also great for teething puppies and comes in several sizes and colors.
BEST FOR HERDING BREEDS
2.
Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Dog Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 14x 14x 14 inches
- Weight: 2.0 pounds
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Giant Breeds, Large Breeds
- Toy Feature: Water Toy
- Material: Plastic
Pros
- Great for energetic dogs
- Comes in different colors
- Can be used to play soccer with your pup
Cons
- Some dogs are afraid of it
- Some dogs are able to chew through
Your border collie is a herding dog and will spend hours nosing and pushing around the Push-N-Play dog toy from Jolly Pets. This giant ball will impress medium to large sized dogs with its 14-inch size, and will keep him moving. These balls can roll, run and float making them great for water play. You may want to make an interactive game of soccer with your pup for bonding. The ball comes in 3 colors and is made with hard plastic materials making it almost indestructible.
BEST FOR TEETHING PUPPIES
3.
Nylabone DuraChew Double Bone Dog Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 5.5x 6 x 1.25 inches
- Weight: 0.08 Pounds
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Large Breeds
- Toy Feature: Tough Chewer, Dental
- Material: Nylon
Pros
- Bacon flavored
- Allows for easy chewing on any 4 side tips
- Comes in 3 different sizes
Cons
- Chewers may destroy fast if allowed
- Some dogs do not like flavor
The Nylabone DuraChew Double Bone Dog Toy has a bacon flavor that encourages your border collie to chew it and not your shoes. This dog chew toy features durable nylon construction that even the most aggressive chewer will have a difficult time destroying. It is also designed to remove tartar and plaque, help freshen breath, and safeguard your household items from your dogs strong desire to chew. This dog toy comes in x-small, medium and x-large sizes.
BEST FOR INTERACTIVE PLAY
4.
ZippyPaws Burrow Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 14 x 5.5x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 0.13 Kg
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
- Toy Feature: Squeaky
- Material: Fleece
Pros
- Toy meerkats make squeaking sounds
- Keeps your dog entertained for hours
- Refillable meerkats available for purchase
Cons
- Not recommended for strong chewers
- Difficult for some dogs to get in den compartment
If your border collie enjoys burying his nose into burrows or playing hide and seek, this maybe the toy for him. You can hide one, two or all three of the included squeaky meerkats in the plush den, while this interactive toy challenges your dog to dig them out.
You can purchase the squeaky meerkats on their own if more are needed. This interactive toy is great for border collies who constantly need to stimulate their brain. However it may not be the best toy for your pup if he is an aggressive chewer. It is machine washable, making cleaning a breeze.
You can purchase the squeaky meerkats on their own if more are needed. This interactive toy is great for border collies who constantly need to stimulate their brain. However it may not be the best toy for your pup if he is an aggressive chewer. It is machine washable, making cleaning a breeze.
BEST FOR EXERCISE
5.
Chuckit! Classic Launcher
Product Info
- Dimensions: 2.625x 3.625x 28.438 inches
- Weight: 11.68 ounces
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Medium Breeds
- Toy Feature: Exercise
- Material: Plastic
Pros
- Exercise your dog while saving your arm
- No need to touch slobbery ball
- Launcher throws ball extremely far
Cons
- Aggressive chewers may destroy ball
- Ball not as durable as launcher
With the Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher, you can easily throw three times further and without ever bending over or touching a slobbery ball again. Use the comfortable handle to press down on the ball, and let it fly. You will wear your energetic border collie out in no time. This is a perfect toy for the dog park and wide open spaces. You can also use any 2.5 inch size Chuckit! ball with the launcher and it is available in different colors.
6.
Mammoth Cottonblend 5 Knot Dog Rope Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 36x 4.94x 4 inches
- Weight: 1.68 Pounds
- Lifestage: Puppy, Adult
- Breed Size: Giant Breeds
- Toy Feature: Dental
- Material: Cotton
Pros
- Great for strong chewers
- Comes in different sizes
- Safe chew toy
Cons
- Strings may come loose
- Some dogs are able to destroy
Mammoth rope toys are made from premium materials like 100% premium cotton. This rope toy comes in many shapes for Border Collies of all sizes but XXL for especially strong chewers.
The rope fibers floss your dog’s teeth as he chews and plays. This is a safe, long lasting dog toy that is great for games, fetch and play. The Mammoth is built strong to chew, making it perfect for Border Collies.
The rope fibers floss your dog’s teeth as he chews and plays. This is a safe, long lasting dog toy that is great for games, fetch and play. The Mammoth is built strong to chew, making it perfect for Border Collies.
Dog Toy Safety
There are many things to consider when choosing a safe toy for your dog. A number of them depend on the size of your dog, activity level and play preferences. It is also important to consider the environment where your dog spends his play time.
While there are no guarantees on how safe a dog toy is, we can offer some guidelines for making safe choices when buying dog toys.
- Size – Buy toys of appropriate size for your dog. Toys that are too small may be swallowed or become lodged in your dog’s throat.
- Washable – You should be able to put a toy the dishwasher or washing machine to be periodically cleaned and disinfected.
- Chemicals – Avoid toys treated with fire retardants or stain guard, as they may contain formaldehyde and other chemicals.
- Suction Traps – Avoid balls with single air holes, which can create a deadly suction trap on your pups mouth.
- Noise Makers – Beware of toys with bells and squeakers because your dog may chew them out and swallow them.
- Rips and Tears – Dispose of dog toys when they start to break into pieces or are torn.
- Check Labels – Look for labels that indicate dog toys are “phthalate free” and “BPA free.
- Avoid Natural Bones – Dogs can break their teeth on rib bones, cow hooves, and pig bones. Dental bones are safer.
Final Thoughts
Stimulating your border collie with exercise and interactive play is a great way to develop his intelligence and keep in entertained. Because border collies are energetic and eager to learn, they need to be kept busy with toys and attention. Always keep them busy with toys that can hold their interest while you are away, and only offer a few toys at a time so your border collie does not become bored.
