Best Toys for Chihuahuas: Safe, Fun Picks for Tiny Dogs

Chihuahuas are small, clever, and full of attitude, which makes toy shopping surprisingly tricky. Many popular dog toys are too big, too hard, or too easy to shred for such a tiny mouth.

The best toys for Chihuahuas are light enough to carry, soft enough to protect delicate teeth, and engaging enough to burn off nervous energy. This guide focuses on safe, proven options that suit different play styles, from gentle cuddlers to bold little chewers.

Quick picks

• KONG Classic Dog Toy, Small – Best for strong chewers and solo play
  Durable natural rubber with a bit of bounce makes this a great choice for adult Chihuahuas who like to chew and chase. You can stuff it with soft food or treats to keep your dog busy and calmer when alone.
• ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Small Squeaky Toys – Best for cuddle and squeak lovers
  These lightweight, floppy plush animals are easy for tiny dogs to grab, shake, and snuggle. With no stuffing in the body, there is less mess and less risk if your Chihuahua eventually tears one open.
• Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Rings, Petite – Best for teething and gentle chewers
  Softer nylon and a ring shape give small mouths something satisfying to gnaw without being rock hard. Ideal for puppies and light chewers who need to soothe sore gums.
• Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Toy, Small – Best for smart, easily bored Chihuahuas
  This plush puzzle tree lets your dog pull squeaky squirrels out of little openings, which taps into their natural hunting instincts. It is great for mental stimulation on rainy days or when you cannot go for a long walk.
• JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball, Small – Best for fetch and treat games
  The soft, rubber lattice design is easy for tiny teeth to grip and gentle for indoor fetch. You can also tuck small treats or fabric strips inside to turn it into a simple puzzle toy.

In-depth reviews

KONG Classic Dog Toy, Small review

The KONG Classic Dog Toy in Small is a solid starting point for most adult Chihuahuas who enjoy chewing and solo play. It is made from thick natural rubber with some give, so it is softer than hard nylon chews but still durable enough for most small power chewers. The odd shape gives it a fun, unpredictable bounce that keeps fetch interesting in tight indoor spaces.

Where this toy really shines is as a food puzzle. You can smear a bit of canned dog food, pumpkin, or peanut butter inside and freeze it, which turns anxious pacing into focused licking. Compared with the Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Rings, Petite, the KONG is better for adult jaws and for stuffing with food, while the Nylabone is gentler for young puppies.

The main drawback is weight. For very tiny Chihuahuas under about 4 pounds, the Small size can feel a bit heavy, so the extra small Puppy or Senior KONG versions may be more comfortable. If your dog lives for fetch and lighter toys, the JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball, Small will feel bouncier and easier to carry.

ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Small Squeaky Toys review

ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz are ideal for Chihuahuas that love soft toys, squeaks, and carrying their “prey” around the house. Each pack includes three long, skinny critters with multiple squeakers and no stuffing in the body, so they are floppy and very lightweight. That makes them easy for even 3 pound dogs to grab and shake without straining their necks.

Because there is minimal stuffing, there is less mess if your dog eventually tears a seam. However, these are still plush toys, so they are not meant for determined chewers who like to rip things apart. Compared with the KONG Classic Dog Toy, Small and Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Rings, Petite, Skinny Peltz are better suited to gentle chewers and snuggle bugs rather than dogs who really work a toy with their teeth.

The biggest downside is durability for rough players. If your Chihuahua likes to dissect plush toys, expect to rotate these out once they develop holes, and always supervise play so you can remove them before your dog reaches the squeakers. For a longer lasting plush-style mental challenge, the Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Toy, Small offers more structured play but should also be supervised.

Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Rings, Petite review

The Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Rings in Petite are designed for young or very light-chewing Chihuahuas who need something to gnaw that is not your fingers or furniture. The flexible nylon has more bend and softness than adult Nylabones, and the textured ridges help massage sore gums. The ring shape is easy for small paws to hold and prevents sharp corners from poking the roof of the mouth.

These are a good pick for supervised chewing sessions, especially during the intense teething months. They last longer than plush toys like the ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Small Squeaky Toys and are more satisfying for steady nibblers. However, they are not intended for full grown, heavy chewers, and you should always replace them once they become small enough to swallow or develop sharp edges.

Compared with the KONG Classic Dog Toy, Small, the Nylabone rings are quieter and less messy, since there is no food involved. On the other hand, the KONG provides more mental enrichment when stuffed, and its softer rubber can be gentler on senior teeth. Choose Nylabone for focused chewing and KONG for combined chewing and problem solving.

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Toy, Small review

The Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Toy in Small is a great choice for smart, energetic Chihuahuas that get bored easily. It includes a plush “tree trunk” with holes and several small squeaky squirrels that you stuff inside. Your dog then has to dig, tug, and pull the squirrels out, which mimics natural hunting behaviors and burns mental energy.

The soft trunk is light enough that a Chihuahua can nudge or paw at it without frustration, and the tiny squirrels are sized for small mouths. You can even tuck a few small treats in with the squirrels to keep your dog searching. This toy offers more structured puzzle play than the simple fetch focus of the JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball, Small and can keep a curious dog engaged longer than a basic plush like the ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Small Squeaky Toys.

The tradeoff is durability. Both the trunk and the squirrels are plush, so they are not suitable for serious chewers or dogs that like to de-stuff toys. Always supervise play, remove loose stuffing, and retire the set when holes appear. For a longer lasting puzzle that can handle more chewing, the KONG Classic Dog Toy, Small is a safer bet.

JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball, Small review

The JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball in Small is a versatile toy that works for indoor fetch, light chewing, and simple food puzzles. Its rubber lattice design makes it very light and easy to compress, so even tiny Chihuahuas can pick it up without straining their jaw. The open pattern also allows you to stuff the ball with kibble, soft treats, or strips of fleece to turn it into a basic puzzle.

For households with limited space, this ball shines because it is soft and less likely to damage walls or furniture compared with hard plastic balls. It also encourages interactive games like tug and fetch, which many Chihuahuas love alongside their people. Compared with the KONG Classic Dog Toy, Small, the Hol-ee Roller is bouncier and easier to carry, while the KONG is thicker and better suited for serious chewing.

The main limitation is that heavy chewers can eventually bite through the rubber, especially if the ball is too small. Make sure you choose a size that your Chihuahua cannot fit entirely into their mouth, and retire the toy once any chunks are missing. If your dog consistently destroys rubber toys, lean more on supervised fetch and puzzle toys like the Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Toy, Small instead.

How to choose the right toy size and material for Chihuahuas

Because Chihuahuas are so small, size and material matter more than brand names. The right toy should fit comfortably in your dog’s mouth without being so tiny that they can swallow it.

Use these guidelines when you shop:

• Size and weight: Aim for toys that are roughly the size of your Chihuahua’s muzzle or slightly larger, and light enough that they can carry them without dragging. Avoid anything that could fit fully behind the back teeth.
• Material firmness: Softer rubber, flexible nylon for puppies, and plush with reinforced seams are usually safer than rock-hard plastics or bones. If you cannot press a fingernail into it at all, it may be too hard for tiny teeth.
• Shape and texture: Rings, small balls with some give, and flat plush characters are easier for Chihuahuas to grip than large knotted ropes. Gentle textures can help clean teeth without scraping.
• Noise level: Squeakers are fun, but some nervous dogs prefer quieter toys. If your Chihuahua startles easily, try toys without squeakers or with softer crinkles.
• Ease of cleaning: Rubber and silicone toys like the KONG are simple to wash, which is important if you stuff them with food. Plush toys should be machine washable so you can remove drool and odors.

Skip very hard chews like antlers, hooves, and dense bones, which can crack small teeth. Also avoid toys with loose parts, glued-on eyes, or easily removed bells that could become choking hazards.

Building a safe play routine for your Chihuahua

The best toys only work if they fit into a safe, consistent play routine. Chihuahuas are bright and energetic, but their small size and fragile joints mean they need thoughtful play instead of endless roughhousing.

Try structuring your dog’s day like this:

• Short interactive sessions: Aim for several 5 to 10 minute play bursts with fetch, tug, or puzzle toys instead of one long, exhausting session. This protects joints and prevents overexcitement.
• Rotating toy selection: Keep two or three toys out at a time and rotate weekly. Swapping a KONG for a Hol-ee Roller or trading plush squirrels for Skinny Peltz can make old toys feel new again.
• Supervised chewing: Reserve chews and softer plush toys for times when you can watch closely. This lets you step in quickly if pieces start to come loose.
• Calm alone-time toys: For crate time or when you leave the house, use safe, sturdy options like a properly sized KONG stuffed and frozen with food. Avoid toys with long strings, ribbons, or easily removed squeakers when unsupervised.
• Regular safety checks: Once a week, inspect each toy for tears, missing chunks, or sharp edges. When in doubt, throw it out and replace it.

Be mindful of your Chihuahua jumping on and off furniture during play, especially with fetch. Using soft toys indoors and playing in a hallway or on a rug can reduce the risk of slips and falls.

See also

If you are curious about your Chihuahua’s breed mix and inherited health traits, our Embark dog DNA test review can help you decide whether genetic testing fits your pet care plan.

• For homes with both dogs and cats, our detailed Litter-Robot 4 review explains how an automatic litter box can simplify cat cleanup while you focus on your pup.

Final thoughts

For most Chihuahuas, a small set of well-chosen toys is better than an overflowing basket. A durable rubber option like the KONG Classic Dog Toy, Small, a soft squeaky choice such as ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Small Squeaky Toys, and a puzzle toy like the Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Toy, Small will cover chewing, cuddling, and mental exercise.

From there, adjust based on your dog’s personality. Add gentler chews like Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Rings, Petite for teething pups or a JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball, Small if your Chihuahua lives for fetch. With the right toys and a thoughtful play routine, your tiny dog can stay safe, happy, and entertained every day.

FAQ

What kind of toys are best for Chihuahuas?

The best toys for Chihuahuas are small, lightweight, and slightly soft so they do not stress tiny teeth. Look for small rubber chew toys, gentle teething chews, soft plush squeakers, and simple puzzle toys designed for small breeds. Avoid very hard bones and chew toys that you cannot dent with a fingernail, since these can crack teeth.

How many toys does a Chihuahua really need?

Most Chihuahuas do well with 4 to 8 toys in total, with only a few available at any one time. Aim for a mix of chewing, plush, and puzzle options, then rotate them weekly to keep things interesting. A smaller, curated collection you swap out regularly is more engaging than a big pile your dog ignores.

Are squeaky toys safe for Chihuahuas?

Squeaky toys can be safe for Chihuahuas as long as they are small breed specific, used under supervision, and replaced when damaged. Many dogs love hunting for the squeak, but determined chewers may try to remove and swallow the squeaker. If your dog fixates on destroying toys, stick with sturdier rubber options and tougher plush toys, and always throw away any toy once the squeaker is exposed.

Can Chihuahuas play with cat toys?

Some cat toys are size appropriate for Chihuahuas, but many are not designed to withstand dog teeth and can fall apart quickly. Feathers, thin strings, and tiny plastic pieces are easy to swallow and should be avoided. If you use a cat toy for gentle play, supervise closely and remove it at the first sign of damage.

How often should I replace my Chihuahua’s toys?

Inspect your Chihuahua’s toys at least once a week and replace anything with loose parts, missing chunks, or sharp edges. Chew toys that have been worn down to a size that could fit fully in the mouth should be thrown away. Plush toys usually need more frequent replacement than rubber toys, especially if your dog likes to shake and tug them.

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