10 Best Toys For Australian Shepherd in 2026

The KONG Extreme is made from KONG’s most durable natural rubber formula, designed specifically for power chewers who need a toy that can withstand aggressive gnawing. Its hollow interior lets you stuff it with kibble or peanut butter, turning treat time into a longer, more engaging activity. The erratic bounce adds unpredictability to fetch, keeping dogs entertained during play. This toy is recommended by veterinarians and trainers worldwide, and it’s dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

At 4 inches long and half a pound, the Extreme is sized for large dogs, not for herding large rolling objects like the SHEENLULU Herding Ball (17.7 inches). If your dog’s main drive is circling and pushing a big ball, this toy’s size and bounce won’t match that instinct. But for chewing, treat stuffing, and interactive fetch, it offers durability and versatility. Just monitor treat intake if you’re stuffing it daily to avoid overfeeding.

At 18 inches across and 2.6 pounds, this herding ball has enough heft to roll steadily through grass and gravel without bouncing away. The three knotted rope handles let your dog grab, fling, and redirect it mid-chase, turning nose-pushing drills into interactive tug-of-war fun that burns pent-up energy through vigorous physical exercise. The bright blue-and-yellow shell uses the hues dogs see best, so your pup can track it even in dusk light or thick grass. This ball satisfies natural herding instincts and redirects boredom and destructive habits into healthy, satisfying outdoor chasing fun.

The trade-off is that this ball is built for interactive sessions, not solo chewing. The rope handles and nylon cover hold up well during supervised yard play, but if your dog tends to settle in for a long chew session, the materials aren’t designed for that kind of abuse. Compared to the YHPCZP Calming Jumbo Ball, which has similar dimensions, this one has a reinforced inner core and double-stitched seams that handle rougher terrain and more aggressive chasing. You’ll need to be part of the game, but that’s exactly what makes it work for a breed that thrives on engagement.

A hollow interior that you can stuff with kibble or peanut butter turns mealtime into a mental workout, perfect for a dog that needs to think as much as it runs. The natural rubber formula is designed for average chewing dogs and bounces unpredictably, so fetch stays engaging. Veterinarians and trainers worldwide recommend it for helping with chewing, teething, boredom, crate training, digging, and barking.

The KONG Classic is built for average chewers, not the dedicated destroyers some dogs turn into. If your dog has already shredded a ‘tough’ toy in minutes, the KONG Extreme offers a denser rubber that holds up better. For most dogs, though, the Classic hits the sweet spot between durability and affordability, and the treat-stuffing feature keeps them occupied when you need a break.

With 28 hidden treat compartments and a Level 4 Expert difficulty rating, this puzzle demands real problem-solving from your dog. Each session involves sliding tiles, spinning a wheel, and moving sliders to uncover kibble, turning mealtime into a 15-minute brain workout that equals 30 minutes of physical exercise. That mental engagement is exactly what a high-energy dog needs when you want to slow down a fast eater without resorting to a basic bowl.

Unlike fetch toys or herding balls, the MultiPuzzle is a stationary floor puzzle. If your dog lives for chasing a ball across the yard, it won’t satisfy that instinct. But when you need to redirect that drive into focused problem-solving, the sliding and spinning mechanisms keep a smart dog busy without wearing out your floors or your patience.

A 2.5-inch diameter ball that floats and bounces high means you can keep the game going on land or in the pool without losing the toy to the bottom. That buoyancy, paired with a thick rubber core, makes it a practical choice for Australian Shepherds who love to chase and retrieve. It’s built to handle rough play, and the rubber is soft on the mouth. The two-pack gives you a spare when the first one gets lost, and it works with medium Chuckit! launchers for longer throws that really let your dog stretch out.

The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is a fetch toy, not a chew toy. If your Australian Shepherd is an aggressive chewer who destroys everything, the rubber core won’t hold up to constant gnawing. Compared to the KONG Extreme Dog Toy, which is a treat-filling chew and fetch toy made from durable natural rubber, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball is strictly for chasing and retrieving. It’s best for dogs in the 20-60 lb range, so it fits most Aussies, but if your dog is on the larger side, you might want to size up. For straightforward, high-energy fetch sessions, this ball delivers exactly what it promises.

A 9.75-inch flying disc that floats means you can play fetch at the lake or pool without losing your toy to the bottom. The nylon interior and soft rubber edges keep it gentle on your dog’s mouth while still delivering long, arcing throws that give an Australian shepherd plenty of running room. It’s built for mid-air catches and gradual descents, which suits a breed that lives for the chase.

Four long-lasting chews in one box means your dog gets variety without you buying separate toys. Each bone is curved so a paw can hold it steady, dogs don’t have thumbs, and that small detail makes a real difference during a good gnawing session. The flavors are real bacon, fish, and maple wood, not artificial coatings, so the scent grabs attention fast. This set is designed for power chewers who destroy ordinary bones in minutes, and the USA-made construction adds to its durability. It’s a straightforward value play: more chewing, less boredom, and no single toy wearing out too quickly.

Four durable dog toys in one box means your pup can rotate, stash, and rediscover chews, which keeps them busy longer. Built for power chewers under 60 lbs who destroy ordinary bones in minutes, these are tougher than real bones and super-chewer approved. For a dog that simply loves to gnaw, this multipack delivers four long-lasting options at once.

An 18-inch inflatable ball with a heavy-duty polyester cover means this is built for pushing and chasing, not for gnawing. The high-contrast blue and yellow colors are designed to catch a dog’s eye, which helps keep an energetic Australian Shepherd engaged during outdoor play. It comes with a pump, so you can inflate it quickly, and the cover zips off for machine washing after a muddy session. This toy works well if your dog loves to herd and needs an outlet that encourages nose and paw work rather than destructive chewing.

This herding toy is not a chew toy. The YHPCZP ball works best when you’re there to supervise and redirect, turning chasing into a structured game. For owners who want a lightweight, portable option that taps into herding instincts without taking up much storage space, this ball delivers exactly that.

Six squeaky squirrels tucked inside a plush tree trunk turn fetch into a hide-and-seek game that taps straight into a dog’s hunting instincts. That means your dog gets to sniff, paw, and tug each squirrel out one by one, turning playtime into a mini puzzle session. The soft, stuffed body makes it fine for carrying around or cuddling between rounds, so it’s not just a one-trick toy. For dogs that love to figure things out and need a little mental work along with physical play, this hits a sweet spot between enrichment and comfort.

Durability is the trade-off here: the plush material and stuffing won’t hold up to a determined chewer who wants to tear rather than tug. If your dog is more of a destroyer than a detective, a more durable rubber toy like the KONG Extreme Dog Toy may last longer for heavy chewing. But for a dog that enjoys the challenge of finding and pulling out each squirrel, this toy delivers hours of low-impact, brain-engaging fun without the hard rubber feel of a treat puzzle.

A 3-in-1 design means your dog gets to tear open a plush shark layer to reveal two more toys inside, a crinkly fin and a near indestructible rubber ball. That layered destruction is exactly what makes this a strong pick for aggressive chewers who love to shred but also need something that lasts beyond the first five minutes. The stuffing-free plush stands up to extreme chewers, and the bouncy ball keeps fetch going long after the outer layer is history. It’s built for dogs that treat every toy as a challenge to destroy, not just something to gnaw on.

At just 6 inches across and half a pound, this toy is small enough for indoor play, unlike the 18-inch SHEENLULU Herding Ball that’s meant for outdoor chasing. The plush outer layer is stuffing-free and reinforced with durable polyester fiber, so even if a determined chewer shreds it, there’s no fluff mess. Inside, a near-indestructible rubber ball keeps bouncing, giving heavy chewers a second toy to chase after the outer shark is torn open.