7 Best Toys for Great Danes | Top Picks & Buyer's Guide
Contents
- What do Great Danes like to Play With?
- Types of Dog Toys for your Great Danes
- OUR TOP PICK
- List of 7 Best Toys For Great Danes
- 1. Kong Classic Dog Toy – Durable Natural Rubber
- Features:
- Product Description:
- Specifications:
- Company Review:
- About the Product:
- 2. ChuckIt Sports Ball Launcher – Best fetch toy
- Features:
- Product Description:
- Specifications:
- Company Review:
- About the Product:
- 3. Petstages Dogwood Chew Toy – Long-lasting chewable stick
- Features:
- Product Description:
- Specifications:
- Company Review:
- About the Product:
- 4. ChuckIt Fetch Toy Ball – Extra durable outdoor ball
- Features:
- Product Description:
- Specifications:
- Company Review:
- About the Product:
- 5. Jalousie 5 Packs Dog Squeaky Toys – Stress Relief
- Features:
- Product Description:
- Specifications:
- Company Review:
- About the Product:
- 6. Youngever 6 Pack Dog Rope Toys – Best for price
- Features:
- Product Description:
- Specifications:
- Company Review:
- About the Product:
- 7. PetSafe Busy Buddy Treat Holding Dog Toys – Excellent for strong chewers
- Features:
- Product Description:
- Specifications:
- Company Review:
- About the product:
- Comparison of ChuckIt vs. Kong
- ChuckIt
- Kong
- Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Dog Toys for your Great Danes
- Temperament
- Age
- Safety
- Size
- Rotate your Great Dane Toys
- Tips for Entertaining your Great Danes
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Are kid Toys Safe for Great Dane?
- How Do I know if the Toy is Safe for my Great Dane?
- What Should I Do if My Great Dane is not Interested in playing Fetch?
- How Can I Stop My Great Dane From Chewing My Stuff?
- Why Does My Great Dane Stare at me?
- Wrapping up
- Sources
Great Danes are delicate giants known as the "Apollo of dogs," as the American Kennel Club puts it. They were originally bred in Germany to hunt boar, but today's Danes are friendly, easygoing companions with moderate energy.
Great Danes enjoy toys, including puzzle toys that give them something to figure out. The challenge is finding toys that are big and durable enough for a giant dog.
In this article, we list the best toys for Great Danes, plus a buying guide to help you choose safely.
What do Great Danes like to Play With?
Many Great Danes love balls, especially with a launcher that lets you throw farther. They also enjoy tug, puzzle toys, and hide-and-seek games with their people.
Types of Dog Toys for your Great Danes
There are many kinds of toys to choose from. Here is what each type offers your Great Dane.
Plush Toys
Plush toys are soft stuffed toys, often with a squeaker inside. Many dogs love to shake, carry, and cuddle them.
They are not built for heavy chewing. Supervise play, because dogs may tear a toy open to get at the squeaker and swallow it.
Fetching Toys
Fetch toys are easy to throw and fun to chase. Fetch is great exercise and builds your bond with your dog.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys give your Great Dane mental stimulation. You put treats inside, and your dog works out how to get them.
Rope Toys
Rope toys are great for tug-of-war. Use them for interactive play, and throw them away once they start to fray, because swallowed strings can cause serious intestinal problems.
Chew Toys
All dogs like to chew. Good chew toys give your Great Dane a safe outlet and help protect your furniture.
The best chew toys don't splinter or break into pieces. A toy that is too hard can break teeth, so match the toy to your dog's chewing style.
OUR TOP PICK
Best Pick
Kong Classic Dog Toy
- Size for a Great Dane: XL or XXL
- Material: Natural rubber
Check Price
Budget Pick
Chuck It Sports Ball Launcher
- Ball Size: Choose a large ball for a Great Dane
- Material: Plastic launcher
Check Price
Editor Pick
Petstages Dogwood Chew Toy
- Size for a Great Dane: Large
- Material: Synthetic wood blend
Check Price
List of 7 Best Toys For Great Danes
- Kong Classic Dog Toy
- ChuckIt Sports Ball Launcher
- Petstages Dogwood Chew Toy
- ChuckIt Fetch Toy Ball
- Jalousie 5 Pack Dog Squeaky Toys
- Youngever 6 pack Dog Rope Toys
- PetSafe Busy Buddy Treat Holding Dog Toys
Product details below were taken from the product listings at the time of writing. Sizes, materials, and pack contents can change, so check the current listing before you buy.
1. Kong Classic Dog Toy – Durable Natural Rubber
Check Price
Reasons to Buy
- Tough natural rubber
- Can be stuffed with food
- Easy to clean
- Bright red makes it easy to find
Reasons to Avoid
- Must buy the right size: a small Kong can be swallowed by a giant dog
Features:
- Great for stuffing with food
- Erratic bounce for fetch games
- Keeps your dog busy and mentally engaged
Product Description:
The Kong Classic is a hollow, snowman-shaped toy made of tough natural rubber. Its shape gives it an erratic bounce, and you can fill it with treats or food.
It comes in several sizes and in a tougher "Extreme" version for strong chewers. For a Great Dane, choose an XL or XXL, never a small or medium.
Specifications:
| Size for a Great Dane | XL or XXL |
| Material | Natural Rubber |
| Type | Chew, treat, and fetch toy |
Company Review:
Kong is a well-known dog toy brand best known for its rubber toys. Its toys are designed with strong chewers in mind.
About the Product:
The Kong Classic is a long-lasting toy for fetch and chewing. It's available in standard and tougher rubber, depending on your Great Dane's chewing power.
You can fill it with food or treats to keep your Dane busy when you are not around. Food puzzles like this can help bored dogs settle.
Highlights: It keeps your Great Dane's brain busy and comes in sizes big enough for giant breeds.
2. ChuckIt Sports Ball Launcher – Best fetch toy
Check Price
Reasons to Buy
- Throws farther with less effort
- Picks up the ball without touching it
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Reasons to Avoid
- Some dogs do not enjoy fetch
Features:
- Comfortable handle
- Less strain on your arm
- Hands-free ball pickup
Product Description:
This fetch toy is a long plastic launcher that holds a ball in a cup at the end. It lets you throw farther than you can by hand and pick up a slobbery ball without touching it.
Launchers come in different lengths and ball sizes. For a Great Dane, use a ball large enough that it can't be swallowed.
Specifications:
| Ball size for a Great Dane | Large or extra large |
| Material | Plastic |
| Type | Fetch Dog Toy |
Company Review:
ChuckIt makes fetch toys, including ball launchers, balls, flying discs, and glow toys. Its toys come in bright colors that are easy to spot.
About the Product:
The ChuckIt launcher makes long games of fetch easier on your arm. Your Great Dane gets a good run, and you don't have to bend over to pick up the ball.
Highlights: The launcher is easy to carry and affordable.
3. Petstages Dogwood Chew Toy – Long-lasting chewable stick
Check Price
Reasons to Buy
- Stick shape dogs like
- Safer alternative to real wood sticks
- Floats in water
Reasons to Avoid
- Not indestructible for power chewers
Features:
- Wood-scented synthetic material
- Floats in water
- Available in different sizes
Product Description:
Petstages Dogwood is a synthetic stick toy made to look and smell like wood. It's an alternative to real sticks, which can splinter and injure a dog's mouth.
Specifications:
| Size for a Great Dane | Large |
| Material | Synthetic wood blend |
| Type | Chew and Chase Dog Toy |
Company Review:
Petstages makes toys for dogs and cats, including chews, games, and feeders.
About the Product:
This Petstages Dogwood stick is made for chewing and for playing fetch. Because it floats, it also works for dogs that like to swim.
No chew toy is indestructible. If your Great Dane starts chewing off pieces, take the toy away, because swallowed pieces can cause choking or a blockage.
Highlights: It comes in different sizes and works indoors and outdoors.
4. ChuckIt Fetch Toy Ball – Extra durable outdoor ball
Check Price
Reasons to Buy
- Big enough for a giant dog
- Easy for a dog to grab
- Bright, easy-to-find color
Reasons to Avoid
- Not for tough chewers
Features:
- Large size
- Grooves that are easy to grab
- Bright color
Product Description:
The ChuckIt fetch toy ball is a large ball for fetch and kicking games. Its size makes it a good fit for a Great Dane that loves to run.
It's a play ball, not a chew toy. Pick it up when the game ends so your Dane doesn't chew it apart.
Specifications:
| Size | Large |
| Type | Fetch Dog Toy |
Company Review:
ChuckIt makes ball launchers, balls, flying discs, and glow toys in bright colors.
About the Product:
This ChuckIt ball looks a bit like a soccer ball, with grooves that make it easy for a big dog to pick up. You can kick it for your Dane instead of throwing it.
Highlights: This ball is easy to pick up and throw.
5. Jalousie 5 Packs Dog Squeaky Toys – Stress Relief
Check Price
Reasons to Buy
- Variety pack
- Soft and cuddly
- Good value
Reasons to Avoid
- Not for aggressive chewers
Features:
- Soft plush with squeakers
- Animal characters
- Several toys in one pack
Product Description:
This pack includes several plush dog toys with squeakers. Gentle players enjoy carrying and squeaking them.
Plush toys aren't indestructible. Supervise play, and throw a toy away as soon as it tears so your dog can't swallow the stuffing or squeaker.
Specifications:
| Material | Soft plush |
| Type | Plush and squeaky dog toys |
Company Review:
Jalousie sells pet toys and accessories for dogs and cats.
About the Product:
Your Great Dane gets several toys instead of one, so you can rotate them to keep things interesting.
These are best for gentle Danes that like to carry and cuddle toys rather than shred them.
Highlights: A fun variety pack for gentle players at a reasonable price.
6. Youngever 6 Pack Dog Rope Toys – Best for price
Check Price
Reasons to Buy
- Good value
- Variety of shapes and knots
- Great for tug games
Reasons to Avoid
- Not for dogs that shred and swallow rope
Features:
- Cotton rope
- Pack of 6 different ropes
- Sized for medium and large dogs
Product Description:
This six-pack of rope toys is made for tugging and tossing. The pack includes different sizes and knot styles.
Rope toys are best for supervised, interactive play. Put them away afterward, and throw them out once they fray, because swallowed strings can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage.
Specifications:
| Breed Size | Medium, Large |
| Material | Cotton |
| Type | Rope and tug Dog Toys |
Company Review:
Youngever sells a range of household products, including pet toys.
About the Product:
If your Great Dane loves tug-of-war, a rope pack gives you plenty of options. Choose the largest, thickest ropes for a giant dog.
Some rope toys are marketed as cleaning teeth, but they are no substitute for brushing and veterinary dental care.
Highlights: A good variety pack for interactive tug games.
7. PetSafe Busy Buddy Treat Holding Dog Toys – Excellent for strong chewers
Check Price
Reasons to Buy
- Treat puzzle keeps dogs busy
- Refillable
- Sized options for large breeds
Reasons to Avoid
- Tough chewers may break the parts
Features:
- Treat-holding chew toy
- Refillable treat rings
- Easy to clean
Product Description:
This puzzle toy makes your Great Dane work for its treats. Treat rings fit onto the toy, and your dog chews and turns it to get them off.
It's good mental stimulation, but supervise strong chewers and remove any broken parts.
Specifications:
| Breed Size | Large Breeds |
| Material | Nylon, Rubber |
| Type | Chew and puzzle Toys |
Company Review:
PetSafe is a long-established pet products brand. It makes treat-dispensing toys, feeders, and other pet supplies.
About the product:
The PetSafe Busy Buddy is a good challenge for a smart Great Dane. You can make the puzzle easier or harder depending on where you place the treat rings.
Highlights: A refillable puzzle that keeps your Great Dane busy.
Comparison of ChuckIt vs. Kong
ChuckIt
- ChuckIt focuses on fetch: ball launchers, balls, flying discs, and glow toys.
- Its toys come in bright, easy-to-spot colors.
- Its balls are made for throwing and chasing, not for chewing.
- Prices are generally affordable.
Kong
- Kong is known for durable rubber chew and treat toys.
- Its toys are designed with strong chewers in mind.
- The Classic comes in several sizes and tougher rubber options.
- Kong toys cost more than basic toys but tend to last.
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Dog Toys for your Great Danes
Toys give your Great Dane exercise, mental stimulation, and a safe outlet for chewing. Some Danes chew a lot, others barely chew at all. Here is what to consider before you buy.
Temperament
Consider your dog's play style. An active, strong chewer needs tough rubber toys, while a gentle Dane may be happy with plush toys.
Age
Puppies have baby teeth and chew a lot while teething. Choose puppy-appropriate toys that are soft enough not to damage teeth but still big enough not to be swallowed.
Safety
Choose toys that can't be swallowed and have no strings, ribbons, or loose parts. The Humane World for Animals advises supervising play with squeaky toys and throwing away toys that start to break apart.
Size
Size matters most with a giant breed. A toy that is fine for a Labrador can be a choking hazard for a Great Dane, so buy the largest size made for each toy.
Rotate your Great Dane Toys
Keep only a few toys out at a time and rotate them every week or so, which keeps them interesting. You can leave one favorite comfort toy out all the time.
Interactive games such as hide-and-seek and tug also keep your Great Dane active and mentally engaged.
Tips for Entertaining your Great Danes
Follow these tips to entertain your Great Dane:
- Give your Dane a safe place to burn off energy with walks, fetch, and tug-of-war.
- Take your adult Great Dane hiking, building up distance gradually.
- Teach basic manners such as come, sit, and down.
- Use puzzle toys so your Dane can earn treats.
Want More Tips? Check Out These Articles:
- 5 Steps About Caring For A Great Dane Puppy
- What To Feed A Great Dane Puppies
- How Much Does Great Dane Weigh | Growth & Lifespan Chart
- 11 SECRETS ABOUT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN GREAT DANE
- How Much To Feed A Great Dane Puppy | Growth Chart
- When Do Great Danes Stop Growing | Weight & Growth Chart
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are kid Toys Safe for Great Dane?
No. Children's toys aren't made to stand up to a dog's teeth, and pieces can be swallowed and cause choking or a blockage. Keep kids' toys out of your dog's reach and give your Great Dane toys made for large dogs.
How Do I know if the Toy is Safe for my Great Dane?
Pick a toy too big to swallow and sturdy enough for your dog's chewing style. Avoid toys with strings, ribbons, or parts that can be chewed off, supervise play with squeaky toys, and throw away any toy that starts to break apart.
What Should I Do if My Great Dane is not Interested in playing Fetch?
Don't worry if your Great Dane has no interest in fetch. Many Danes prefer puzzle toys, tug, or sniffing games, so try a few kinds of play to see what your dog enjoys.
How Can I Stop My Great Dane From Chewing My Stuff?
Give your Great Dane its own safe chew toys and swap them in whenever it picks up something it shouldn't. Puppies chew more while teething. Keep tempting items out of reach, and rotate toys so they stay interesting.
Why Does My Great Dane Stare at me?
Dogs often stare at their owners to get attention, ask for something such as food or a walk, or read your cues. A soft, relaxed gaze from a familiar dog is usually a sign of attention and attachment.
Wrapping up
Every dog has different needs and preferences. Choose toys in the right size, match them to your Great Dane's chewing style, and supervise play.
No toy is indestructible. Check toys often and replace them when they wear out. If your dog swallows part of a toy, call your vet right away.
Sources
- How to pick the best and safest dog toys, Humane World for Animals
- Great Dane Dog Breed Information, American Kennel Club
