Shih Tzu Toys: A Guide to Choosing the Best

Choosing the right toys for your Shih Tzu is crucial for their mental and physical stimulation.

Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that require a variety of toys to keep them engaged.

Their small size and delicate features mean they need toys that are gentle on their teeth and paws.

A good rule of thumb is to choose toys that are durable and made from non-toxic materials.

Their short coats mean they don't need toys that will get tangled in their fur.

Shih Tzus love to chew and play with their toys, so it's essential to choose toys that can withstand their playtime.

Shih Tzus enjoy a variety of toys, including plush toys, chew toys, and interactive rubber toys.

Soft teething toys are a great option for Shih Tzu puppies, as they massage sore gums and provide pain relief during teething.

Peanut butter stuffed Kong toys and other dog food-dispensing toys are a hit with pups of all ages, keeping them engaged and stimulated.

Plush toys and tennis balls offer a nice mix of options for your Shih Tzu to pick and choose their favorites.

Shih Tzus appreciate having a variety of toys to play with, and it's a good idea to rotate them regularly to keep things interesting.

The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball is a great interactive toy that's perfect for Shih Tzus of all ages and sizes.

This toy is durable and dog-safe, made from phthalate-free vinyl material, and can be taken with you anywhere, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor play.

Here are some specific features to consider when choosing a toy for your Shih Tzu:

For teething puppies, firm yet gentle toys like the Mini Orka Chew or the KONG Classic are great options to relieve sore gums and promote dental health.

These toys are designed specifically for small breeds like Shih Tzus, with small mouths and statures in mind.

Interactive puzzle toys like the Treat Maze are also excellent for mental stimulation and can keep your dog busy for hours.

The KONG Classic is a great all-around toy that's perfect for chewing, games of fetch, and even relieving separation anxiety.

These toys are recommended by veterinarians and trainers worldwide, and are made in the USA with naturally sourced rubber materials.

Treat Dispensing Toys are a great way to keep your Shih Tzu engaged and stimulated. They work by hiding treats inside the toy, which your dog must figure out how to get out.

These toys are perfect for Shih Tzus with overeager eating habits, as they slow down the eating process and make mealtime more enjoyable. The Loobani Treat Puzzle, for example, is a two-in-one treat dispensing puzzle that merges the benefits of a slow bowl with the entertainment factor of an interactive puzzle.

The adjustable openings on the Loobani Treat Puzzle dispense treats at a pace that prevents rapid eating, making it an excellent choice for Shih Tzus who inhale their meals. This toy is also great for highly active Shih Tzus, especially young pups, and its adjustable height ensures a fun and comfortable experience for your small dog.

Some popular treat dispensing toys for Shih Tzus include the KONG Puppy Goodie Bone and the KONG Classic Small Breed. These toys are designed to be durable and long-lasting, with naturally sourced rubber materials that are safe for your dog to chew on. The KONG Classic Small Breed, for example, is perfect for treat stuffing and can be customized with your dog's favorite snacks.

Here are some key features to look for in a treat dispensing toy for your Shih Tzu:

By choosing a treat dispensing toy that meets your Shih Tzu's needs, you can help keep them engaged, stimulated, and happy for hours on end.

The Kong Puppy Goodie Bone is a treat dispensing toy that's perfect for Shih Tzu puppies. It's made with softer rubber that helps soothe gums and teeth.

This toy is designed for puppies up to 9 months old, making it a great option for those just starting to lose their teeth. The open ends of the bone are perfect for hiding treats, providing a fun and interactive way for your pup to eat.

One of the best things about the Kong Puppy Goodie Bone is that it's made in the United States, using naturally sourced rubber materials. This gives pet owners peace of mind, knowing that the toy is safe and durable.

The Kong Puppy Goodie Bone is also recommended by vets and trainers alike, making it a trustworthy choice for pet owners.

Recommended read: Shih Tzu Puppy Care

Two-in-One Treat Dispensing toys are a great way to keep your furry friend engaged and stimulated. They offer a fun challenge for your dog to figure out how to get the treats out.

These toys are perfect for Shih Tzus, especially young pups, as they are highly active and need constant mental stimulation. The Loobani Treat Puzzle is a great example of a Two-in-One Treat Dispensing toy that is designed specifically for Shih Tzus.

The puzzle has adjustable openings that allow you to customize the difficulty level to suit your dog's skill level. This feature is especially useful for Shih Tzus, as they can get bored with puzzles that are too easy or too hard.

You can place the toy in a bamboo stand, making it a fun challenge for your dog to maneuver it to get to the treats. This feature adds an extra level of engagement and stimulation for your dog.

Here are some key features to look for in a Two-in-One Treat Dispensing toy:

By incorporating a Two-in-One Treat Dispensing toy into your dog's play routine, you can help keep them engaged, stimulated, and happy.

Interactive puzzle toys are a great way to mentally stimulate your Shih Tzu, and they're excellent for boredom-busters.

You can hide kibble or treats inside and watch your dog figure out how to solve the maze and get their kibble reward. This treat maze is a level 2 puzzle toy.

Not all puzzle toys have to be store-bought, though - you can make your own DIY brain games with basic household items.

Try the Muffin Tin Puzzle Game, which uses a muffin tin and some balls or plush toys to create an easy yet endlessly amusing DIY puzzle.

This game provides hours of rewarding entertainment and reinforces natural foraging behaviors while encouraging problem-solving through safe object play.

Avoiding toys made with BPA-containing plastics is crucial, as BPA can cause health problems in dogs.

Make sure to inspect toys for smaller pieces that your dog may swallow, as they can become a choking hazard.

Toys that come apart easily should be avoided, as your dog may ingest the smaller pieces.

Shih Tzus are generally not aggressive chewers due to their jaw alignment, so you don't need to worry about buying toys for hardcore chewers.

Heavy chewers, however, require special attention, as they may ingest destroyed toys and end up costing pet owners a lot at the vet.

Shih Tzus can be tough on toys, but some hold up better than others. Cash's favorite toy has lasted well, even though it's not tear-proof.

Some Shih Tzus don't play with toys much, even as puppies. Deanna F. had 4 Shih Tzus at one time and none of them really played with toys.

For Shih Tzus that do play with toys, the pink pig from a set is durable. Mary Jo R. got her Lacey this toy and it's still intact after 8-10 years.

Shih Tzus can be picky about toys, some will destroy a Kong ball in 5 minutes. But others, like Corlis H.'s Shih Tzu, won't touch balls.