Chihuahuas are known for their surprising stamina and resilience, meaning they sure do love to play. Finding the right toy can assist in training and keep our dogs healthy and happy. However, it’s tough to pin down what might be right for your chihuahua. Below, we discuss the best toys for chihuahuas, what kinds they like and how you can understand your dog’s behaviour. Understanding chihuahua behaviour One of the smallest dog breeds around, the chihuahua is known for its confidence, loyalty and smart, cheeky behaviour. It’s a small dog packed with a big personality. Although small, they’re very energetic and alert, meaning they do require patient training from a young age. We always recommend positive reinforcement training and play is an essential part of this. Sometimes, getting the right toy can be a lifesaver, and help iron out bad habits early. Read our chihuahua fact file for more. Toy types for chihuahuas There are different types of toys you can buy, but we’ve categorised them in: Each provides different types of stimulation, from mental to emotional. Plush toys for chihuahuas There are hundreds of dog plush toys you can buy, but we recommend choosing one that is: Interactive toys and puzzles for chihuahuas Interactive toys and puzzles keep your dog mentally stimulated and rectify boredom, especially in breeds as smart as the chihuahua. We recommend finding one that is: Chew toys for chihuahuas Chew toys promote excellent oral hygiene, which is one of the most common health issues in chihuahuas. A lot depends on your chihuahuas personality, as chew toys may not be appropriate if they tend to inhale everything down quickly. Generally, look for a chew toy that is: As a note, you can even make safe, homemade chew toys . Benefits of toys for chihuahuas Dog toys have a few clear benefits, especially for chihuahuas. Dental health Toys can help to keep the mouth clean, which, as mentioned, is essential for chihuahuas. Bonding Playing with your dog, especially games like tug-of-war, is an excellent way to form bonds. Exercise Chihuahuas love to exercise, and toys provide an avenue to exert physical and mental energy. Fun Dogs can get bored, and chihuahuas are prone to chewing things they shouldn’t when in this state. Toys help prevent this. Chihuahua toy safety tips The main thing for Chihuahua-specific toys is the size. Don’t get toys which are too big, but don’t get ones that are small enough to be a choking hazard. It’s beneficial to get toys which promote good oral hygiene , like toothbrush toys, as toy breeds are more prone to dental disease. Most importantly, get toys which suit your dog’s personality – you know your chihuahua best. Our guide on safe toys for puppies can help. Keep your chihuahua safe Owning a chihuahua is a joy, and you’ll soon find these small dogs are full of fun and energy. However, it’s important you keep yours safe. Our chihuahua insurance can help protect against unexpected incidents, with £15,000 of lifetime cover and unlimited 24/7 vet video calls.