The German Shepherd is an active breed with a high level of energy! Since they are working dogs, play time is definitely essential for this canine’s overall well-being.
How do you romp with a GSD? Since they are large-sized dogs and powerful in stature, you’ll need dog toys that won’t be shredded to bits in 5 minutes. They are also highly intelligent, so don’t forget to add interactive toys to the list.
In this post, we’ll cover 11 of the top German Shepherd toys specifically hand-picked to cater to what this breed needs to stay strong and fit.
See also: Best food for your German Shepherd
Tone the Energy Down With Beneficial Activities
German Shepherds are considered to be high energy dogs. If they don’t get the mental and physical stimulation they need, destructive behavior ensues.
You might find your favorite leather loafers riddled with teeth punctures or your yard suddenly pock-marked by custom doggie-dug holes.
One of the responsibilities of being a dog owner is ensuring poochie gets plenty of daily exercise to prevent bad behavior.
For the German Shepherd, this means more activity than the average- at least one hour per day. And, you’ll need to get creative! This breed likes a brain challenge as well as pushing the body’s limit.
Here are our suggestions:
- Exercise together by taking long jogs or walks
- Set up a training obstacle course in your backyard
- Play with high-quality toys that prevent destructive behavior, such as chewing
- Take her to the dog park to socialize with other dogs
- Having a big, fenced-in yard for her to run around and explore freely is a big plus (Having the best wireless dog fence installed for her safety is even better.)
Hip Dysplasia and Exercise
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic disorder that causes hip deformity. It is extremely painful and can lead to severe mobility complications.
If your GSD is susceptible to this disease, you’ll want to keep exercise low key. Too much activity can make this condition worse.
What Are The Best Toys For German Shepherds?
As a working dog, the GSD likes to have a job to do or something to occupy her time. That’s why you’ll want to choose toys that are durable, mentally stimulating and fun. It doesn’t hurt to have some comfort toys for long hours in the crate!
These are the different types of German Shepherd dog toys we recommend:
- Tug toys: They are made to be strong and long-lasting for hardcore biting and tugging. This is a great option for puppies, as tug toys strengthen teeth.
- Puzzle/interactive: These toys are made to challenge a dog mentally and often incorporate treats as a reward.
- Teething/chew: Indestructible and made from thick rubber or plastic, this is a great German Shepherd puppy toy and beneficial for dental health.
- Soft/plush: These toys are for comfort. Go for a plush toy with no stuffing to prevent swallowing.
- Training toys: These will keep your GSD physically and mentally stimulated; great for puppies learning to obey commands. You can also take a look at our training guide, specifically designed for this breed.
Want to build your own German Shepherd obstacle course, but need some inspo? Check out this video for ideas.
These 11 German Shepherd Toys Get Our A-PAW-roval
We’ve chosen a wide spectrum of quality toys that are perfect for German Shepherds. Let’s get to it, play time awaits!
1. Kong Classic
Price: $$
Our Rating: 5
Main Features
- Toy type: Indestructible; chewing; fetching
- Made from rubber
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Our Overview
This is one of the best indestructible dog toys for German Shepherds. The Kong brand is well-known by dog lovers everywhere. The reputation this toy has for durability is high up there, and dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes love it!
The rubber is thick, so it stands up against chewing. The bulbous shape and hollow center make it a challenging chew that will keep your GSD busy. It’s great for strengthening puppy gums and teeth as well.
Besides chewing, you can play fetch with the Kong or, my German Shepherd's favorite, fill up the center with peanut butter and let them go wild. This is a top-quality, versatile toy that any GSD owner should try.
For pricing and availability click here.
2. NylaBone DuraChew
Price: $$
Our Rating: 4.5
Main Features
- Toy type: Indestructible; chewing; fetching
- Made from nylon
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Our Overview
Here is another chew toy that stands up well against aggressive chewers, although not as well as the Kong, in my opinion.
The textured material and yummy bacon flavoring kept my GSD mesmerized for hours. Just make sure to supervise in case pieces are bitten off and swallowed on accident.
It’s a toy first and a dental stick second. This is a great option if you want to keep your dog’s chompers sharp and sparkling, with small ridges designed to clean plaque. It’s a formidable teething toy for German Shepherd puppies as well.
You can’t fill this toy with a tasty treat, but the shape makes it easy to throw and fetch. The nylon it is manufactured from is also top quality.
For pricing and availability click here.
3. Chuckit! Ultra Ball
Price: $
Our Rating: 4.5
Main Features
- Toy type: Indestructible; chewing; fetching
- Made from rubber
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Our Overview
The Chuckit is perfect for any high-energy German Shepherd. It covers all the bases with durability and versatility.
It’s constructed from rubber that is easy to clean, with an extra thick inner core that makes the ball indestructible.
You can play fetch all day long. It also bounces, encouraging your doggo to leap and jump. If you have a pool, toss it in and get your dog swimming- it also floats.
One danger we noticed is that if the core were to be chewed out, it leaves a gaping hole that could be dangerous, causing a suction problem. It’s a tough ball, but just keep this small detail in mind if you decide to purchase it.
For pricing and availability click here.
4. Pet Artist 3 Tug Toy
[amazon fields="B073N89XC3" value="Price: $$$
Our Rating: 4.5
Main Features
- Toy type: Biting; Interactive; tugging; training
- Made from cotton & nylon
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Our Overview
This is a classic bite pillow toy utilized by dog trainers all over the world, especially for German Shepherds. Perfect for puppies and adults, you can use it for tugging and training.
It’s manufactured for durability with woven jute and nylon handles. Please note that this is not a chew toy and will get shredded if left alone with your dog. Put it away after the tug session has finished.
The three handles allow for different positions to challenge biting holds during training. If you don’t use this toy for training, it’s a great way to challenge your dog mentally while keeping those teeth strong.
For pricing and availability click here.
5. Puller Training Rings
Price: $$$
Our Rating: 4
Main Features
- Toy type: Biting; interactive; tugging; training
- Made from rubber
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Our Overview
These rubber rings are great for exercise and stimulation. The lightweight ring shape allows for a variety of activities, from fetch to swimming and training to biting.
The materials are meant to be durable. Though they are non-toxic and the rings can be bitten into for comfort, we found that if bitten hard enough, teeth will go straight through after prolonged use. Don’t expect this toy to last forever. For the price, that can be a bit of a disappointment.
Regardless, this is a great toy that focuses on overall health, working all muscle groups and burning energy. The rings also come with a set of special exercises, which is an inspirational plus if you plan to use them for training. Try adding them to a homemade obstacle course for your Shepherd!
For pricing and availability click here.
6. HDP 18 Ft. Dog Training Tunnel
Price: $$$$
Our Rating: 4.5
Main Features
- Toy type: Interactive; training
- Made from intertwine wove oxford Dacron & steel spring
- Can be used outdoors
Our Overview
This professional training tunnel is perfect for your big backyard and to challenge your smarty pants German Shepherd. It’s the perfect addition for an obstacle course.
The quality of the tunnel is top notch and holds up well against quick-moving dogs. It comes with 8 stakes to keep it tethered to the ground. The stakes don’t seem to be very strong though, as they pulled out after a few rounds of use. You might need to invest in stronger camping stakes.
Overall, if you want to get your German Shepherd thinking on her feet and moving her body through different types of space, this is the perfect training tool (although we did find it to be pricey).
For pricing and availability click here.
7. Otterly Pets Assorted Medium to Large Rope Dog Toys
Price: $$
Our Rating: 5
Main Features
- Toy type: Indestructible; interactive; chewing; tugging
- Made from all natural, non toxic cotton fibers
- Can be used indoors & outdoors
Our Overview
You can’t go wrong with a good old fashioned chew rope; it’s one of the best toys for German Shepherd puppies.
We love this one because there is a variety pack of goodies made from non toxic materials, so it won’t harm your dog. Just watch out for pulled fibers and remove them quickly before your dog can swallow them.
Manufactured from braided cotton and thick plastic, you get a hardy toy that is built for tugging and chewing. You can be sure this durable product will last and it’s great for dental health. It cleans teeth, massages gums and helps thwart destructive behavior around the house.
Simple and sturdy, the rope is a great first-time toy for GSD owners.
For pricing and availability click here.
8. West Paw Interactive Toy
Price: $$
Our Rating: 4
Main Features
- Toy type: Indestructible; chewing; puzzle
- Made from recycled materials (rubber)
- Can be used indoors & outdoors
Our Overview
The quality and functionality of this puzzle toy for German Shepherds is top-notch and challenging for any dog. Get ready to keep your pup captivated for hours!
A smaller rubber bowl fits and locks inside of a larger one. You can hide a treat inside and your GSD will have to chew and pull to unlock the clever contraption and reach the reward.
Thick rubber makes this toy hold up against heavy chewing. It can be used to play fetch as well. The only drawback is the price. You must purchase the smaller and larger piece separately.
This toy floats, so it can be used in the pool. It’s also dishwasher friendly, which makes it a breeze to clean.
For pricing and availability click here.
9. Chuckit! Paraflight Dog Toy
Price: $$
Our Rating: 4
Main Features
- Toy type: Indestructible; biting
- Made from nylon & rubber
- Can be used outdoors
Our Overview
No dog toy list is complete without a frisbee, and Chuckit is back with another top-quality toy that will keep your GSD healthy with plenty of running and jumping.
Woven from tough nylon, the aerodynamic shape of this flying disc is meant to be lightweight. It can float, making it suitable for pool use as well.
Although the brand claims it can stand up to chewing, the rubber edges tend to get bent when caught during a round of fetch. This can make it fly a bit wonky than in a straight line.
Still, for the price and quality, this is a durable frisbee option.
For pricing and availability click here.
10. Tether Tug
Price: $$
Our Rating: 4.5
Main Features
- Toy type: Indestructible; interactive; chewing; tugging
- Made from high quality cloth fibers
- Can be used indoors & outdoors
Our Overview
This isn’t your standard chew rope. Sure, it’s highly durable and can be pulled and tugged every which way. But, the added bonus with this rope is that it attaches to a tug pole that can easily be set up in your backyard.
The tug pole allows dog owners to sit back and watch as their pooches go up against a flexible opponent that can bend and rotate 360 degrees. The convenience factor is huge and your dog can play as long as she can, until exhaustion takes over.
This is a solid option for puppies and adult dogs. You get the same dental health benefits that you would from any classic rope toy. Just watch out for loose fibers that can be swallowed and pose a major health risk.
For pricing and availability click here.
11. Zippy Paws No Stuffing Plush Toy
Price: $
Our Rating: 5
Main Features
- Toy type: Comfort
- Made from high quality cloth fiber; no stuffing
- Can be used indoors & outdoors
Our Overview
When your GSD isn’t busy tearing up the training course, she’s going to want to curl up at home with a comfort buddy. That’s where this adorable plush squeaky toy comes in.
Besides an unbeatable low price, this manufacturer thought of everything when it comes to plush toys for dogs. There are 10 squeakers inside the toy, ensuring hours of play time. We also love the fact that there is no stuffing, making it safe and easy to clean.
Best of all, you can choose your dog breed! So, your dog can have a mini German Shepherd stuffed animal to sleep with in her crate and keep her company.
For pricing and availability click here.
Conclusion: This Is Our Favorite German Shepherd Toy
German Shepherds are high energy pups that need daily mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Incorporating toys into your exercise routine is a smart way to keep her interested and curious, especially when there are a varied selection to choose from.
You definitely want to be picky when purchasing toys for a GSD. Since they are physically powerful and intelligent, go for durability and products that challenge the brain.
That’s why our favorite pick is the Kong Classic. It’s a simple design that goes a long way. The thick rubber and bulbous shape make chewing tolerable. The hollow inside can hold treats, which will keep your dog’s mind working as she tries to reach the treat from every angle.
