Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and beloved dog breeds around. These gorgeous dogs love to work, play, and be part of a family. However, when they aren’t on the job, it’s not uncommon to find them looking for things to keep their minds and bodies occupied. This is where toys come into play. Toys can help your Border Collie get the exercise they need while providing the stimulation their minds crave. In this review, we’ll take a look at 8 of the best toys for Border Collies. Hopefully, this can help you determine which toys may be right for your furry friend to offer them hours of fun and enjoyment.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
ChuckIt! Sports Launcher
Hands-free design to avoid touching a wet ball
Tosses balls up to 3xs farther than your arm alone
Everything needed to play comes with the purchase
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Best Value
Outward Hound Tail Teaser Toy
Affordable
Great way to interact with your pet
Toys resemble and sound like real prey
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Premium Choice
Trixie Chess Activity Game
Offers mental stimulation
Rewards efforts with treats
Keeps Border Collies occupied when they can’t be outside
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Best for Puppies
Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Toy
Soft for puppies
Offers 3 sizes to grow with your dog
Great way to ignite prey drive and play
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ZippyPaws Burrow Hide and Seek Squeaky Plush Toy
Keeps dogs occupied during bad weather
Replacements can be bought if lost or damaged
Squirrels squeak and are removable for other games
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The 8 Best Toys for Border Collies
Our choice for the best overall toy for Border Collies is the Chuckit! Sports Launcher. Border Collies are known for being energetic and active. If they don’t have work to do or animals to herd, this sports launcher is the perfect way to run off that energy. This launcher works as an extension to your throwing arm allowing you to play with your pet without tiring yourself out. You’ll find that the ball will launch up to 3 times farther than you can throw without the launcher and even keeps you from handling drool-covered balls thanks to the hands-free design. The ball comes included in the purchase with other balls easily findable on Chewy.
Toy type: Launcher
Weight: 8.80 ounces
Material: Plastic
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Our only issue with the Chuckit! Sports Launcher isn’t the throwing device itself, but the balls. They do tend to break easily. Be prepared to buy replacement balls for energetic dogs like the Border Collie.
Pros
Hands-free design to avoid touching a wet ball
Tosses balls up to 3xs farther than your arm alone
Everything needed to play comes with the purchase
Cons
Balls break easily
For the best toy for Border Collies for the money, we suggest the Outward Hound Tail Teaser. Border Collies love to chase things. That’s what makes this cat toy designed for a dog such a hit. The cord is flexible nylon making it ideal for hours of fun. The toys at the end are designed to resemble real prey and even squeak to keep your dog engaged. You’ll also love that the toys are replaceable if your dog happens to chew them up and the toy itself is very affordable.
Hands-free design to avoid touching a wet ball
Tosses balls up to 3xs farther than your arm alone
Everything needed to play comes with the purchase
- Hands-free design to avoid touching a wet ball
- Tosses balls up to 3xs farther than your arm alone
- Everything needed to play comes with the purchase
Balls break easily
- Balls break easily
Toy type: Squeaky teaser
Weight: 7.20 ounces
Material: Polyurethane and plastic
Like many dog toys, the Outward Hound Tail Teaser Toy isn’t indestructible. If you have heavy chewers, don’t leave the toy lying around. They could chew through the cord and put an end to the fun.
Pros
Great way to interact with your pet
Toys resemble and sound like real prey
Affordable
Cons
Heavy chewers may break the cord
As we’ve already mentioned, Border Collies need mental stimulation. That’s why we recommend the Trixie Chess Activity Game. This game is designed for dogs that are already puzzle solvers. If your Border Collie isn’t to that stage yet, Trixie offers lower game levels to get them prepared. With this puzzle, there are doors to open, knobs, and sliders. Once your dog is successful, it’ll receive treats for its efforts. Puzzle games are great ways to keep a Border Collie occupied when they can’t be outside burning off energy.
Great way to interact with your pet
Toys resemble and sound like real prey
Affordable
- Great way to interact with your pet
- Toys resemble and sound like real prey
- Affordable
Heavy chewers may break the cord
- Heavy chewers may break the cord
Toy type: Puzzle
Weight: 3 pounds
Material: Plastic
Many reviewers feel this level 3 toy isn’t difficult enough for puzzle-loving dogs. However, you can add more obstacles to the puzzle if you have lower-level Trixie games lying around the house.
Pros
Keeps Border Collies occupied when they can’t be outside
Rewards efforts with treats
Offers mental stimulation
Cons
The game could be too easy for some dogs
Expensive
Puppies love plush toys. When it comes to Border Collie pups, however, the Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Toy is an excellent choice. The appearance ignites a Border Collie’s prey drive. The sound of the squeaky sends them over the edge with the need to play, chew, and interact. You’ll even find that puppies love snuggling up with this soft toy when it’s time to settle down. This plush even comes in 3 sizes so it can grow with your puppy and remain a favorite toy and cuddle buddy.
Keeps Border Collies occupied when they can’t be outside
Rewards efforts with treats
Offers mental stimulation
- Keeps Border Collies occupied when they can’t be outside
- Rewards efforts with treats
- Offers mental stimulation
The game could be too easy for some dogs
Expensive
- The game could be too easy for some dogs
- Expensive
Toy type: Plush
Weight: 3.68 ounces
Material: Polyester and synthetic fabric
Unfortunately, stitching can be a real issue with this toy. If you notice issues when your plush arrives, request a replacement or take the time to restitch and strengthen the toy yourself.
Pros
Great way to ignite prey drive and play
Soft for puppies
Offers 3 sizes to grow with your dog
Cons
Stitching quality is poor
The ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Squeaky Plush Toy is a great way for a Border Collie to pass time on a rainy afternoon. The squirrels of this toy feature squeakers. They are hidden inside the tree trunk and it’s up to your dog to search them out. You’ll even find that the squirrels are removable. This makes it fun to play fetch and other games with your pet. If the squirrels get damaged, you can buy replacements. While this toy may not be as challenging as puzzle toys, it will gain and hold your Border Collie’s attention for lots of fun times.
Great way to ignite prey drive and play
Soft for puppies
Offers 3 sizes to grow with your dog
- Great way to ignite prey drive and play
- Soft for puppies
- Offers 3 sizes to grow with your dog
Stitching quality is poor
- Stitching quality is poor
Toy type: Hide-and-seek squeaky
Weight: 10.58 ounces
Material: Fleece and synthetic fabric
Like most toys, this one can be damaged. If your Border Collie is a heavy chewer, it may rip and tear the toy in search of the squirrels. Luckily, the toy is inexpensive if this happens.
Pros
Keeps dogs occupied during bad weather
Squirrels squeak and are removable for other games
Replacements can be bought if lost or damaged
Cons
Heavy chewers may damage the toy
For Border Collies that are fans of balls and tug ropes, the Jolly Pets Romp n Roll combines the best of both worlds. This toy is made from durable materials making it difficult for your pooch to destroy. You’ll also love the versatility of this tug-and-play ball as it can also be used in the water since it floats. The shape will be retained even after your dog punctures the toy. The best part, however, is that this ball and rope are made from non-toxic materials that are safe for chewing fun.
Keeps dogs occupied during bad weather
Squirrels squeak and are removable for other games
Replacements can be bought if lost or damaged
- Keeps dogs occupied during bad weather
- Squirrels squeak and are removable for other games
- Replacements can be bought if lost or damaged
Heavy chewers may damage the toy
- Heavy chewers may damage the toy
Toy type: Floating ball and rope combo
Weight: 15.2 ounces
Material: Rubber
Unfortunately, like with many toys of this type, the rope isn’t the most durable. Don’t be surprised if you find that your Border Collie can fray the rope or unravel it in a short time.
Pros
The ball is made of durable material
Non-toxic and safe for pets
A versatile toy that even floats in water
Cons
The rope frays and unravels easily
While they may prefer working, that doesn’t mean your Border Collie isn’t a fan of chew toys. Luckily, with the Kong Classic Dog Toy, you won’t be watching your pet destroy toy after toy. Instead, this chew toy is made of durable natural rubber and can stand up to the hardest chewers. Kong ensures that its toys are sized for any dog breed. You can even add treats or peanut butter to help keep your dog’s attention.
The ball is made of durable material
Non-toxic and safe for pets
A versatile toy that even floats in water
- The ball is made of durable material
- Non-toxic and safe for pets
- A versatile toy that even floats in water
The rope frays and unravels easily
- The rope frays and unravels easily
Toy type: Chew toy
Weight: 2.56 ounces
Material: Rubber
While this toy promises to be super durable, no dog toy is indestructible. Heavy chewers can damage this toy. However, Kong offers an even stronger chew toy for those types of dogs.
Pros
Made from durable materials
Can have peanut butter or treats placed inside
Features multiple sizes for different dog breeds
Cons
Can be damaged by heavy chewers
The Starmark Treat Dispensing Bobs-a-Lot Dog Toy is a great way to keep dogs entertained. This toy features two chambers for filling with your dog’s favorite treats or kibble. Chewing isn’t the goal with this toy. Your dog has to jiggle and wobble the toy in hopes of making treats fall out. This is a great way to keep active dogs like Border Collies mentally challenged. The toy is weighted to help keep your dog from losing it, and features an anti-slip base for lots of play. The Bobs-a-Lot also comes apart for quick cleaning.
Made from durable materials
Can have peanut butter or treats placed inside
Features multiple sizes for different dog breeds
- Made from durable materials
- Can have peanut butter or treats placed inside
- Features multiple sizes for different dog breeds
Can be damaged by heavy chewers
- Can be damaged by heavy chewers
Toy type: Dispensing wobbler
Weight: 1.58 pounds
Material: Plastic
Unfortunately, the design of the Bobs-a-Lot prevents you from placing large treats or kibble inside. This can be frustrating for some dogs. You’ll also find that this toy is quite loud and should be considered a daytime activity.
Pros
Dispenses your dog’s fave treats and kibble
Offers hours of play
Weighted and easy to clean
Cons
Not compatible with large kibble or treats
Noisy
Dispenses your dog’s fave treats and kibble
Offers hours of play
Weighted and easy to clean
- Dispenses your dog’s fave treats and kibble
- Offers hours of play
- Weighted and easy to clean
Not compatible with large kibble or treats
Noisy
- Not compatible with large kibble or treats
- Noisy
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Toys for Border Collies
Now that we’ve shared a few of our favorite toys for Border Collies, let’s take a deeper look at what you should consider when making your choice. This will help you buy toys your dog will love without wasting time and money on items they simply don’t enjoy.
Types of Toys
Border Collies are considered the most intelligent dog breeds out there. As working dogs, they get bored when they don’t have something to do. This is why toys and activities are so important when having this dog breed in the family. When it comes to toys, Border Collies seem to prefer ones that entertain and stimulate them. But, not every dog is the same. Perhaps your dog prefers to chase things and initiate its prey drive. Then again, they could be food motivated and love the challenge presented by puzzle games. You know your dog best, so choosing a type of toy you feel they would enjoy is key. If you happen to be bringing a Border Collie pup into the family, be prepared to offer them a few different things until you can learn their preferences and begin catering to them.
Durability
Border Collies are not fans of downtime and boredom. This means any toy you introduce needs to withstand hours of play. Your pooch could even be a heavy chewer or a fan of rough play. To avoid going through countless toys, you should choose ones that not only adhere to the type of play your dog enjoys but are designed to stand up to the punishment of an energetic Border Collie. Keep craftsmanship, materials, and design in mind. This will help you choose durable toys instead of wasting time and money on flimsy ones that don’t last a day with your dog.
Materials
The materials used to make a dog toy help determine whether it’s durable enough to withstand an onslaught by an excited Border Collie. As we’ve mentioned in this review, no toy is indestructible. Certain dogs enjoy finding ways to tear apart things. If that’s your dog, the materials don’t really matter. However, if your dog simply enjoys playing and having fun, then top-notch materials are a good way to extend the life of their favorite toys and keep them happy. Here are a few of the materials used in the making of the toys mentioned above to help you understand why they are a good choice for your Border Collie.
Rubber
Rubber is a great choice when making a chew toy for a Border Collie. It’s strong and can hold up to your dog’s play. It’s also very satisfying for your pooch when they are chewing on it. Rubber also bounces well, so it provides an added layer of fun for your pup. You’ll also notice that anxious dogs and teething pups enjoy chewing on rubber to ease what they are experiencing. The key with rubber is to make sure the products you buy use 100% natural rubber or rubber that is non-toxic.
Nylon
You may find that nylon is used in certain dog toys. Often this material is used for softer dog toys instead of polyester. This is because nylon is the stronger of the two materials. You’ll even find that nylon is often used for chew toys as it can withstand your pet’s play.
Rope
Rope is a good way to stimulate your dog and take part in the fun. But did you know that rope can also help your dog’s teeth? The fibers can act as dental floss to remove build-up and pieces of food. You can’t rush out to the local store, however, and grab just any rope. A rope that is intended for your dogs has not been treated or exposed to any harsh or dangerous chemicals.
Polyester & Plush Materials
While polyester and plush aren’t the strongest materials used in dog toys, they are great for certain dogs. Not every Border Collie wants to run, tug, and chew all day long. If you have a Border Collie that also loves to cuddle and relax, plushies are an ideal choice. Always pay close attention to your pet’s plushies, however. They can be damaged if your pet begins to chew on them and can become a choking hazard.
Safety
Finally, safety is possibly the biggest concern when it comes to dog toys. When you are making your choices, read everything. Knowing the materials used in making the toy, the brand name, and even other dog owners’ experiences with the toy can help you determine whether it is safe for your Border Collie. Again, always supervise your dog and keep a check on their toys. When they begin to break down, it’s time for a replacement.
- Rubber
Rubber is a great choice when making a chew toy for a Border Collie. It’s strong and can hold up to your dog’s play. It’s also very satisfying for your pooch when they are chewing on it. Rubber also bounces well, so it provides an added layer of fun for your pup. You’ll also notice that anxious dogs and teething pups enjoy chewing on rubber to ease what they are experiencing. The key with rubber is to make sure the products you buy use 100% natural rubber or rubber that is non-toxic.
- Nylon
You may find that nylon is used in certain dog toys. Often this material is used for softer dog toys instead of polyester. This is because nylon is the stronger of the two materials. You’ll even find that nylon is often used for chew toys as it can withstand your pet’s play.
- Rope
Rope is a good way to stimulate your dog and take part in the fun. But did you know that rope can also help your dog’s teeth? The fibers can act as dental floss to remove build-up and pieces of food. You can’t rush out to the local store, however, and grab just any rope. A rope that is intended for your dogs has not been treated or exposed to any harsh or dangerous chemicals.
- Polyester & Plush Materials
While polyester and plush aren’t the strongest materials used in dog toys, they are great for certain dogs. Not every Border Collie wants to run, tug, and chew all day long. If you have a Border Collie that also loves to cuddle and relax, plushies are an ideal choice. Always pay close attention to your pet’s plushies, however. They can be damaged if your pet begins to chew on them and can become a choking hazard.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best toy for your Border Collie, the picks we’ve shared in this review are all great ideas. However, we feel that our choice for the best overall toy for Border Collies is the Chuckit! Sports Launcher. This toy is great for hours of fun and gets you in on the action. It also helps focus your Border Collie’s energy and gives them the exercise they need. For a fun toy that’s also a great value, we recommend the Outward Hound Tail Teaser Toy. Again, you get to be part of playtime and avoid spending tons of money to keep your dog stimulated and happy. Just remember, any toy you choose should coincide with your dog’s likes and personality. If you keep that in mind, your dog will love anything you buy.
Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock
