Best toys for Dachshunds

Dachshunds are small, stubborn, and very smart, which makes toy shopping trickier than it looks. The right toys keep their long backs safe, protect their teeth, and burn off that endless hound energy without wrecking your furniture.

This guide focuses on practical, durable toys that fit Dachshunds’ size and personality, from puppies to seniors. Each pick is something a typical household can use daily, not a novelty that gets ignored after a week.

Quick picks

• Burrow & Seek Plush Hideaway Set (best for hunting and burrowing instincts). A soft fabric “den” with several squeaky critters to stuff inside, this satisfies a Dachshund’s urge to dig and root around without destroying your blankets. Great for indoor play and nervous dogs that like to nest.
• FlexiBite Rubber Ring Chew (best for moderate chewers and dental health). A small, flexible rubber ring that is gentle on teeth yet tough enough to stand up to daily gnawing. Textured ridges massage gums and help reduce plaque while your dog chews.
• SnackQuest Adjustable Puzzle Feeder (best for fast eaters and bored adult dogs). A treat ball and puzzle combo that lets you dial in difficulty so your Dachshund has to nudge, spin, and paw to free each piece of food. Ideal for keeping meal times slow and brains busy.
• Mini Glide Indoor Fetch Ball (best for safe, low jump fetch). A lightweight, slightly squishy ball that rolls and glides rather than bouncing high, which helps protect your dog’s back. Works well in hallways and small living rooms.
• SniffScape Nosework Snuffle Mat (best for scent work and calming play). A fabric mat with lots of folds and pockets where you can hide kibble or tiny treats, turning mealtime into a sniffing adventure. Excellent for rainy days, older dogs, and anxious pups.

In-depth reviews

Burrow & Seek Plush Hideaway Set review

If your Dachshund loves to dig in blankets or burrow under pillows, this plush hideaway set channels that energy into something safer. The set includes a soft fabric “den” and several small squeaky toys that tuck inside, so your dog has to sniff, dig, and pull them out one by one.

The materials are soft and lightweight, which suits small dogs and nervous rescues that prefer gentle play. Unlike a basic stuffed animal, this toy provides a sequence of little wins that keeps a Dachshund’s hunting brain engaged for longer. Because the pieces are separate, it also works for multi-dog households that like to share toys.

The main downside is durability if your dog is a true shredder. Heavy chewers may eventually tear seams or remove squeakers, so this is better as a supervised play or quiet-time toy rather than a 24-7 chew. If your Dachshund routinely destroys plush toys, you may be happier starting with the FlexiBite Rubber Ring Chew instead.

FlexiBite Rubber Ring Chew review

The FlexiBite ring is designed for small to medium dogs that love to chew but do not need an ultra-hard toy. The ring shape makes it easy for short Dachshund legs to hold, and the flexible rubber has enough give to be comfortable on smaller jaws while still feeling satisfying to gnaw.

Raised textures and gentle nubs help clean along the gum line, which matters for Dachshunds that are prone to dental problems. It works well as a couch toy, crate chew, or reward after a walk, and it can be tossed for short, low fetch games without putting pressure on the spine. The material is also quieter on hardwood floors than hard plastic bones.

Very aggressive chewers may still bite off small pieces over time, so it is important to supervise early sessions and retire the toy if it gets heavily damaged. For dogs that constantly shred rubber, focus more on mental work with the SnackQuest Adjustable Puzzle Feeder or the SniffScape Nosework Snuffle Mat instead of long chewing sessions.

SnackQuest Adjustable Puzzle Feeder review

Many Dachshunds bolt their food and then beg for more, which is hard on their digestion and their waistline. The SnackQuest puzzle feeder turns kibble or small treats into a problem-solving game, using sliding panels and rotating sections that your dog has to move with their nose or paws.

The best feature is the adjustable difficulty. Simple setups keep puppies and new adoptees from getting frustrated, while more complex layouts can challenge even a clever adult Dachshund. You can use it as a full meal bowl for small dogs or as a once-a-day brain workout filled with a portion of their diet.

Like all puzzle feeders, this toy should be used under supervision so no one tips it over and chews the plastic. It is not a good outlet for chewing by itself. If you want more physical play, pair SnackQuest with the Mini Glide Indoor Fetch Ball for short, controlled games between puzzle sessions.

Mini Glide Indoor Fetch Ball review

Dachshund backs are vulnerable, so classic high-bounce tennis balls can encourage too much jumping and twisting. The Mini Glide ball is lighter and a bit squishier, so it tends to roll and glide along the ground instead of shooting straight up. That lets you play more fetch in hallways and small rooms without the acrobatics.

The soft outer surface is gentle on teeth and reasonably quiet against walls and floors, which your neighbors will appreciate if you live in an apartment. The size is small enough for Dachshunds to carry comfortably but not so tiny that it becomes a choking risk for most adults. For variety, you can even smear a little soft dog-safe treat on it and let your dog chase and lick it clean.

This is not the right choice for intense outdoor fetch or powerful chewers that like to sit and strip fuzz off balls. If your Dachshund prefers solo play, or if you cannot supervise fetch closely, the Burrow & Seek Plush Hideaway Set or the SniffScape Nosework Snuffle Mat provide safer independent activity.

SniffScape Nosework Snuffle Mat review

Scent work was what Dachshunds were bred to do, and a snuffle mat gives them a safe, low-impact way to use that skill every day. The SniffScape mat is made of soft fabric strips and pockets where you scatter kibble or tiny treats, then let your dog use their nose to hunt each piece.

This type of toy is especially helpful for anxious or high-strung Dachshunds. The repetitive sniffing and gentle foraging can be very calming, which makes it perfect before bedtime or when you need your dog to relax while you work from home. It also slows down eating for dogs that inhale their food.

The biggest drawback is cleaning. You will want a mat that can go in the washing machine or that can be shaken out easily between uses, since crumbs and slobber build up. If your dog likes to flip the mat and chew the backing, supervise closely or swap to the SnackQuest Adjustable Puzzle Feeder for a more structured feeding game.

How to choose the best toys for your Dachshund

Dachshunds are unique in both body and temperament, so not every small dog toy is a good match. Start by thinking about how your individual dog likes to play. Do they chase, tug, shred, or sniff? The best toy collection usually includes at least one option for each of their favorite play styles.

Size and weight matter more than many people realize. Toys that are too big put extra strain on the neck and back, while toys that are too small can slide too far into the mouth and become a choking risk. Look for toys made specifically for small dogs, and avoid anything heavier than what your Dachshund can carry comfortably for several steps.

Next, match durability to your dog’s chewing habits. Soft plush toys are fine for gentle players and supervised games, but stronger chewers need rubber or tightly woven rope with minimal small parts. When in doubt, start with a more durable toy like the FlexiBite Rubber Ring Chew and add softer toys once you understand how rough your dog likes to be.

Finally, do not overlook mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and hideaway toys give Dachshunds a job to do, which can dramatically reduce barking and destructive behavior. Even ten minutes a day with the SnackQuest Adjustable Puzzle Feeder or a snuffle mat can make your dog easier to live with.

Safe play tips for Dachshunds

Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so high-impact play needs to be limited. Keep fetch low to the ground and avoid games that encourage jumping on and off furniture. Instead of long, twisting leaps, aim for short chases down hallways with soft balls like the Mini Glide Indoor Fetch Ball.

Supervision is key, especially with new toys. Watch how your dog interacts during the first few sessions. If they immediately try to rip pieces off or swallow chunks, that toy becomes a supervised-only option or goes in the trash. Check toys regularly for loose seams, missing pieces, or sharp edges and replace them before they become dangerous.

Rotate toys to keep them interesting. Most Dachshunds do better with three to five options out at any given time and the rest tucked away. Swapping in the Burrow & Seek set one day and the SniffScape mat the next keeps your dog excited without you constantly buying new gear.

Lastly, remember that no toy is indestructible. Build quiet check-ins into playtime so you can see how the toy is holding up, and choose play styles that match its strengths. Throw balls, chew chews, and sniff mats but do not ask a plush toy to double as a tug rope or chew stick.

See also

If you love understanding what makes your dog tick, you may also enjoy our deep dive into the Embark dog DNA test kit.

• Curious about smart gear on the cat side of the family? Read our hands-on Litter-Robot 4 self-cleaning litter box review.

Final thoughts

For most Dachshunds, a balanced toy kit starts with one digging or burrowing toy, one chew, and one brain game. The Burrow & Seek Plush Hideaway Set, FlexiBite Rubber Ring Chew, and SnackQuest Adjustable Puzzle Feeder cover those needs for many homes.

If your dog is anxious or easily overexcited, lean heavily on scent work and slow feeding with the SniffScape Nosework Snuffle Mat and SnackQuest. For playful young dogs that love to chase, add the Mini Glide Indoor Fetch Ball and keep your games low and controlled. With the right mix, you can protect your Dachshund’s back, save your sofa, and truly tire out that little hound brain.

FAQ

How many toys should a Dachshund have?

Most Dachshunds do well with three to five toys available at any one time and a few extras rotated in from a closet. Too many options can actually make some dogs restless and less engaged. Focus on variety, such as one chew, one fetch toy, one puzzle, and one soft comfort toy.

Are squeaky toys safe for Dachshunds?

Squeaky toys are fine for many Dachshunds as long as you supervise and remove the toy if your dog starts to work hard at finding and chewing out the squeaker. Choose toys that are sized for small dogs so the squeaker is not too large, and always throw away ripped or leaking toys before they become a choking hazard.

What toys are best for Dachshund puppies?

Puppies need softer toys that are gentle on baby teeth and gums, plus plenty of safe chewing options to get them through teething. Small plush toys, flexible rubber chews, and very simple puzzle feeders work well. Keep play sessions short and positive, and avoid any games that require jumping off furniture or climbing stairs.

Can toys help with Dachshund separation anxiety?

Thoughtful toy use can make time alone easier for anxious Dachshunds. Stuffable chew toys, snuffle mats set up just before you leave, and puzzle feeders that take 10 to 15 minutes to finish can turn your exit into the start of a rewarding routine. Severe anxiety still needs training and possibly help from a professional, but toys are a useful part of the toolkit.

How often should I replace my Dachshund’s toys?

Inspect toys weekly and replace anything with torn seams, missing pieces, or deep chew marks. Strong chewers may need new rubber toys every few months, while gentler dogs can safely use the same items for a year or more. When in doubt, err on the side of safety and retire questionable toys early.

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