The main problem with purchasing toys for Chihuahuas is that they are extremely tiny. Therefore, it can be challenging to find toys that are small enough for them. Most toys are simply too large for them to use effectively—even those technically designed for small dogs.
Luckily, there are some toys on the market that work for most Chihuahuas. Typically, these toys are designed for very small dogs, or just happen to be light enough for a Chihuahua to play with.
Below, we’ve reviewed 10 of our favorite toys for Chihuahuas. We recommend having a range of toys available, as dogs often like some variety.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Multipet Loofa Plush Dog Toy
Inexpensive
Squeaks
Plushy
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Best Value
Kong Plush Teddy Bear Dog Toy
No stuffing used
Replaceable squeaker
Inexpensive
Check Price
Premium Choice
Kong Floppy Knots Dog Toy
Minimum stuffing
Knotted rope
Squeaker
Check Price
Multipet Lamb Chop Dog Toy
Inexpensive
Internal squeaker
Versatile
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Kong Wubba Classic Dog Toy
Durable nylon
Tennis ball inside
Easy to grab and throw
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The 10 Best Toys for Chihuahuas
We love the Multipet Loofa Dog Original Squeaky Plush Dog Toy for a few different reasons. Firstly, it comes in a mini size that is plenty small enough for most Chihuahuas. Even a puppy could play with this toy to some extent. This small of a toy is hard to come by. Secondly, this toy is quite inexpensive. You’d expect most small toys to be fairly inexpensive, as they’re made with less material. However, you’d be surprised by how expensive some of these toys can be.
Type: Plushy
Squeaks?: Yes
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Finally, dogs simply like this toy. It squeaks and offers many places for them to chew. While it is plushy, it should withstand most Chihuahuas. They don’t tend to be particularly tough on toys, anyway.
The only downside is that you don’t get to pick the color. The toy ships in a random color, which may be disappointing to some pet parents (though we don’t think your dog will mind that much).
For all these reasons, we consider this to easily be the best overall toy for Chihuahuas available.
Pros
Inexpensive
Squeaks
Plushy
Very small
Cons
Random colors
If your dog likes plushy animals, we highly recommend the Kong Plush Teddy Bear Dog Toy. As the name suggests, this toy is simply a plushy bear. However, it is small enough for most Chihuahuas to carry around and play with. There are several sizes available, though we recommend the smallest one for most Chihuahuas. It is made from quality material that is completely non-toxic. Because it is made by the Kong brand, we do expect this toy to be pretty sturdy.
Inexpensive
Squeaks
Plushy
Very small
- Inexpensive
- Squeaks
- Plushy
- Very small
Random colors
- Random colors
Type: Plush
Squeaks?: Yes
This toy does come with a built-in squeaker that can be replaced as needed. If the squeaker breaks, you can purchase replacements from the company.
We also love that this design doesn’t utilize any stuffing. Therefore, you can rest assured that this toy won’t leave a huge mess around your home. For this reason, it is the best toy for chihuahuas for the money.
Pros
No stuffing used
Replaceable squeaker
Inexpensive
Small
Cons
Not all Chihuahuas like plushy toys
The Kong Floppy Knots Dog Toy is designed to be part tug toy and part chew toy. It is made from a natural knotted rope that also features a squeaker. Therefore, it can withstand a lot of chewing and pulling, making it a great option for dogs that are a bit rougher on toys. It has a floppy design that encourages shaking and throwing. Plus, with so many different knotted limbs, there are plenty of things for your dog to hold onto.
No stuffing used
Replaceable squeaker
Inexpensive
Small
- No stuffing used
- Replaceable squeaker
- Inexpensive
- Small
Not all Chihuahuas like plushy toys
- Not all Chihuahuas like plushy toys
Type: Toy
Squeaks?: Yes
The stuffing used is minimum. Therefore, when your dog rips it open, you don’t have to worry about them making a huge mess. This toy can still be used for some time after your dog rips off a limb or two, as well, making it a good choice for dogs that destroy just about everything.
However, all of these high-quality features come at a price. This dog toy is much more expensive than other options. It is a bit larger, too, but that may help it stand up to rougher dogs.
Pros
Minimum stuffing
Knotted rope
Squeaker
Floppy design
Cons
Expensive
- Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
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Type: Plush
Squeaks?: Yes
For dogs that like plushy toys, we also recommend the Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy. This small plushy toy is perfect for smaller dogs like Chihuahuas. It is designed explicitly for tiny dogs, though it does work best for Chihuahuas that aren’t very rough on their toys. It is a versatile toy that can be chewed on, thrown, and drug around the house. However, it isn’t the most durable.
Minimum stuffing
Knotted rope
Squeaker
Floppy design
- Minimum stuffing
- Knotted rope
- Squeaker
- Floppy design
Expensive
- Expensive
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The internal squeaker entices most dogs to play with this toy. It isn’t replaceable, so once your dog rips it out, the fun is over.
We love that this toy is very inexpensive, though. Even if your dog does tear it up in a week or so, it’s cheap enough to purchase a new one.
Pros
Inexpensive
Internal squeaker
Versatile
Small size
Cons
Not as durable as other options
The Kong Wubba Classic Dog Toy is an interesting dog toy. It can be utilized as a ball and a tug toy. It’s great for dogs that like to play fetch but don’t like giving the ball up for you to throw. It is made with durable nylon, which is able to withstand even tougher dogs. Plus, the small size makes it usable by most Chihuahuas. (However, there are reports that it is too large for smaller Chihuahuas.)
Inexpensive
Internal squeaker
Versatile
Small size
- Inexpensive
- Internal squeaker
- Versatile
- Small size
Not as durable as other options
- Not as durable as other options
Type: Ball
Squeaks?: Yes
There isn’t an actual squeaker on the inside. However, there is a tennis ball as the base of the toy. Therefore, it does squeak when thrown or squeezed hard. The tennis ball also helps the toy remain durable. Even if your dog gets through the nylon, they will have to get through the tennis ball, too.
For the most part, this toy is extremely durable, which is the point. However, it is also expensive due to all the reinforced fabric. You also don’t get to choose the color, which may be upsetting for some dog owners.
Pros
Durable nylon
Tennis ball inside
Easy to grab and throw
Reinforced fabric
Cons
Expensive
Can’t pick the color
We love the Kong Classic Flyer Dog Toy because it provides you with the opportunity to play with your dog. Many dogs like playing frisbee, but most frisbees are much too large for a Chihuahua. This frisbee is small enough for most Chihuahuas to play with. It’s designed to fly high and accurately, allowing you to provide your dog with plenty of exercise. It’s also very soft and gentle on your dog’s teeth, while also withstanding quite a bit of chewing.
Durable nylon
Tennis ball inside
Easy to grab and throw
Reinforced fabric
- Durable nylon
- Tennis ball inside
- Easy to grab and throw
- Reinforced fabric
Expensive
Can’t pick the color
- Expensive
- Can’t pick the color
Type: Flyer
Squeaks?: No
With that said, this flyer isn’t designed to be used as a chew toy. It isn’t the most durable toy, as it’s designed mostly for flight instead. Therefore, we only recommend it for dogs that don’t chew constantly. It probably isn’t the best choice for puppies, for instance.
Pros
Flies accurately
Soft and gentle
Small size available
Cons
Not for use as a chew toy
- Nylabone Power Chew Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy
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Type: Toy
Squeaks?: No
For dogs that like to chew, the Nylabone Power Chew Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy may be a good option. This toy is solely designed for your dog to chew on. It may help clean their teeth and promote good oral health. It may even help your dog’s breath smell a bit better, for instance. These toys are great for puppies and other dogs that like to chew. Plus, this very small size helps ensure that even the tiniest Chihuahuas can use this toy.
Flies accurately
Soft and gentle
Small size available
- Flies accurately
- Soft and gentle
- Small size available
Not for use as a chew toy
- Not for use as a chew toy
Type: Toy
Squeaks?: No
As you’d imagine, this toy is extremely durable. It’s made for heavy chewers, and it lasts a very long time. Therefore, it’s a great option for dogs that tend to tear up everything else.
However, nylabones aren’t the safest option by any means. This isn’t an edible toy, and your dog will likely break pieces off of it eventually. Therefore, your dog will eventually eat something that they aren’t meant to. The tough material can also damage your dog’s sensitive teeth.
Pros
Promotes good oral health
Lasts a long time
Flavored
Cons
Not the safest option
- Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope Toy
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Type: Tug toy
Squeaks?: No
We love the Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope Toy for very small dogs simply because it is one of the few rope toys that’s small enough. If you have a Chihuahua, most other rope toys on the market just aren’t going to work. Luckily, this brand makes their mini rope toy small enough for even tiny Chihuahuas.
Promotes good oral health
Lasts a long time
Flavored
- Promotes good oral health
- Lasts a long time
- Flavored
Not the safest option
- Not the safest option
Type: Tug toy
Squeaks?: No
However, that comes with a downside. It’s a bit too small and short for a human to actually tug on. Therefore, you may find it challenging to play tug with your smaller dog. That’s simply the price you pay for a tug toy so short.
This toy is made from 100% cotton, making it safe and durable. It is designed for strong chewers that tend to break other toys, though that doesn’t mean this rope is indestructible. It is not a chew toy and can make quite a mess when your dog starts tearing off fibers.
Pros
100% cotton
Small enough for most Chihuahuas
May promote oral health
Cons
Too small to tug on
Can make a mess
- JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy
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Type: Balls
Squeaks?: No
Balls can be a fun toy for active Chihuahuas. However, most balls are simply too big for their mouth. The JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy solves this problem in a unique way. The ball is covered in holes and it isn’t solid. Therefore, the dog doesn’t necessarily have to wrap their mouth all around the ball. Instead, they can get a grip using the holes. For this reason, we consider it one of the better balls you can purchase for a small dog.
100% cotton
Small enough for most Chihuahuas
May promote oral health
- 100% cotton
- Small enough for most Chihuahuas
- May promote oral health
Too small to tug on
Can make a mess
- Too small to tug on
- Can make a mess
Type: Balls
Squeaks?: No
This ball is made to be extremely durable. It is double-molded to withstand plenty of chewing. The material is malleable to be stretched and tugged, but it isn’t so malleable that your dog can just rip it apart.
You can fill the ball with treats, which is what it’s advertised to do. However, we found the ball’s holes too large for it to be used as a puzzle toy. It just isn’t challenging enough. The treats will fall through the holes and come out the other side.
Pros
Durable
Holes for added grip
Malleable for tugging and pulling
Cons
Cannot be filled with treats
The Multipet Gumby Squeaky Plush Dog Toy is just like any other plushy toy on the market. However, it is slightly more expensive for no obvious reason, which is why we rated it lower. It isn’t so expensive that it’s inaccessible to the average dog owner, but the value is simply lower than other options.
Durable
Holes for added grip
Malleable for tugging and pulling
- Durable
- Holes for added grip
- Malleable for tugging and pulling
Cannot be filled with treats
- Cannot be filled with treats
You can purchase this toy in both rubber and plush forms. We recommend the plush form for most Chihuahuas, as it is lighter. The rubber may be a tad too heavy to carry around. However, for tough chewers, the rubber may make a great chew toy.
There is an internal squeaker to encourage dogs to interact with the toy, and it’s pretty durable. However, it does have stuffing inside it, so if your dog breaks it open, it will make a mess.
Pros
Plush and rubber available
Internal squeaker
Small enough for most Chihuahuas
Cons
Expensive
Not extremely durable
Plush and rubber available
Internal squeaker
Small enough for most Chihuahuas
- Plush and rubber available
- Internal squeaker
- Small enough for most Chihuahuas
Expensive
Not extremely durable
- Expensive
- Not extremely durable
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Toys for Chihuahuas
Choosing a toy for your dog may not seem that complicated. However, when you’re standing in the toy aisle, it can quickly become overwhelming. There are simply so many options out there that it is difficult to figure out which ones your dog might like. When you’re dealing with a dog as small as a Chihuahua, things can get even more complicated.
Not all toys are small enough for a Chihuahua, even if the toy comes in a “small” size. Therefore, the challenge becomes finding a toy that your dog will like and be able to play with.
Here are some of the things you should consider when purchasing a toy for your Chihuahua.
Size
First and foremost, size is the very first thing you should look at. However, it can be challenging to determine if a toy is small enough for your dog to use, especially when shopping online. We recommend looking for toys that come in “small” and “mini” sizing options. Regular-sized dog toys aren’t going to be appropriate.
However, even toys advertised as small may not actually be small enough. Therefore, your best option is to take a look at reviews like ours to see if a Chihuahua can properly play with the toy. If available, you can also look at pictures provided by the company of the toy with a dog. Many companies have pictures of their toys next to smaller dogs, which may help you determine the size a bit more accurately.
On top of the apparent size, also consider the weight of the toy. Plush toys are very light and often malleable enough for Chihuahuas to play with—even if the toy is almost the size of them. However, rubber and nylon toys are much heavier. Therefore, you need to get much smaller rubber toys than plush toys. In many cases, the weight will be the true deciding factor in whether or not your puppy can play with it.
Variety
Dogs naturally pick out their favorite toys, just like people. But what a dog likes may change at the drop of a hat. Your dog may love a toy one day, become bored, and then love a different toy the next day. We recommend having many toys available of different types—especially if your Chihuahua is a puppy.
For instance, we highly recommend having chew toys, tug toys, balls, and plushy toys available. Getting at least one toy of each type allows you to see what your dog likes. It also means that a toy is available of each type should your dog suddenly like that sort of play. For instance, a puppy may never touch a chew toy until they start teething. Then, a chew toy may be very necessary.
Having one already available can prevent your pet from trying to play with something that isn’t a dog toy.
Once you’ve provided a variety of different toys, you’ll have a better idea of what your dog will like. Then, you can purchase more toys that fit into that category. If your dog typically plays fetch, you can purchase multiple balls. If your dog likes to chew, try multiple chew toys.
However, do keep in mind that you don’t need tons of toys of each type. Once a dog has two or three balls, they really don’t need any more unless one breaks.
Durability
Chihuahuas aren’t known for being extremely tough chewers. However, they are still dogs and they still have teeth—they can do some damage to a toy if they want to. How much damage a dog does to a toy will largely depend on their personality and age. Puppies tend to do more damage, as they are often teething. Older dogs may not chew much at all.
When you first adopt your dog, you won’t know how much chewing to expect. In this case, we recommend opting for tougher toys. Now is not the time to choose a plush toy filled with stuffing (unless you accept the risk of that stuffing being spread all over your house). Instead, choose toys with minimum stuffing or avoid plushy toys altogether.
Once you get to know your dog, you’ll figure out if they tend to destroy toys or not. For gentler dogs, you can purchase plush toys and not care too much about a toy’s durability. However, for tougher chewers, you’ll have to spend a lot of your time worrying about a toy’s durability.
Price
The price of a toy does matter, even if we would rather it didn’t. Luckily, the price of a toy is often tied to the amount of material used to make it. Because Chihuahuas need very small toys, this fact often makes their toys extremely inexpensive. Many Chihuahuas toys only cost a few dollars each. Therefore, you can often purchase quite a few for less than $10.
With that said, there are some that are on the more expensive side. Often, these toys are larger or made of more durable materials. Sometimes, you’re simply paying for the brand.
Conclusion
We recommend purchasing your Chihuahua a variety of toys to try out. We like the Multipet Loofa Dog The Original Squeaky Plush Dog Toy the most. This toy is plushy and includes a squeaker and it’s small enough for most Chihuahuas.
We also like the Kong Plush Teddy Bear Dog Toy. It’s plushy and extremely inexpensive, so there is little reason not to purchase it. It’s also one of the smallest toys on the market, making it suitable for even Chihuahua puppies. If you have a dog that likes to chew, consider the Kong Floppy Knots Dog Toy. It’s a bit more expensive, but the durability makes it worth the cost.
Hopefully, you found plenty of dog toys on this list suitable for your Chihuahua.
Featured Image Credit: Myriams-Fotos, Pixabay