10 Best Toys For Herding Dogs in 2026

A 12-inch egg shape that rolls unpredictably across grass, sand, and water means this toy triggers the chase-and-push instincts herding dogs are bred for. It floats, so pool or lake sessions add another layer of engagement. The smooth hard surface forces dogs to nose and push rather than chew, which keeps the toy intact longer and encourages the kind of active outdoor play that burns mental and physical energy. This design suits herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Corgis.

The trade-off is that same smooth surface: your dog cannot pick it up in their mouth, so if they prefer to carry or fetch, they’ll be frustrated. Compared to the Race&Herd Original Herding Ball Set, which includes a cover and inner ball, the Jolly Egg offers no grip and no way to grab it. That’s perfect for herding drive but not for dogs who want to retrieve. Always supervise play, as no toy is indestructible, but the erratic motion and floatation make this a standout for instinct-driven fun.

The 25-inch herding ball is too big for a dog to carry, so herding breeds push, chase, and steer it with their shoulders and nose, just like they would with livestock. The complete set includes a protective zip cover, an inner ball, a hand pump, repair patches, and an IACP-approved training guide, so you don’t have to track down extras or guess how to start. For owners of Border Collies, Blue Heelers, or similar dogs in the 18-40 lb range, this package has everything needed to begin herding play right away.

This ball is built for supervised herding play, not chewing or roughhousing. If your dog likes to puncture toys, the cover takes the abuse and the inner ball is replaceable, but you still need to keep an eye on playtime. The Race&Herd set includes a cover, inner ball, pump, and repair patches, offering more components for a structured herding session than the 14-inch Push-n-Play Ball from Jolly Pets. It’s not the toy you leave in the yard, it’s the one you bring out for a focused session.

Ideally suited for extra-large dogs over 110 pounds, this 14-inch ball gives big pups something substantial to push and chase. It’s designed for constant motion, so dogs that love herding can keep moving, and because it floats, the fun works on land or in the water. Owners can fill it with water, sand, or gravel to add challenge as their dog gets the hang of it, which keeps the game fresh without needing a different toy.

At just one pound empty, the ball is light enough for a dog to push around easily, though a heavier herding ball like the Outdoggy 25-inch option weighs three pounds for comparison. If your dog enjoys pushing and herding more than heavy chewing, this ball’s size and fillable design offer practical versatility. It’s a straightforward, no-frills tool that does exactly what it says, and that’s refreshing.

Designed for large breeds 60 to 100-plus pounds, this 6.6-inch herding ball is tough enough for serious chewers while remaining soft on teeth. The built-in handle lets you play tug-of-war without grabbing a wet ball, and the unpredictable bounce keeps dogs guessing during fetch. It floats, so pool or beach sessions stay fun, and the blueberry-apple scent adds enrichment between throws. This toy turns fetch into an interactive game where you’re part of the action.

At 6.6 inches across, it’s noticeably smaller than the Jolly Pets Jolly Egg at 12 inches, so it won’t cover as much ground when pushed across a field. The scent is a nice touch, but if your dog ignores aromas, that feature won’t add much. For owners who prioritize tug-of-war and water play over pure herding size, this is a durable choice.

At 10 inches, this herding ball is sized specifically for small herding breeds like Corgis and Mini Australian Shepherds. The double-stitched 1800D Oxford cover and six handles let you toss, tug, and roll it for training or play. The burst-proof PVC inner ball deflates slowly if punctured, so you won’t get a sudden pop mid-session. It’s a practical pick for owners of small herders who want a ball that channels that chasing instinct into healthy exercise without overwhelming their dog.

This ball needs to be pumped rock-hard before the cover fits tight; under-inflation leaves it loose and the roll won’t be straight. The Jolly Pets Jolly Egg targets dogs over 40 pounds, so the YECRAFT is the better fit for smaller breeds, but if you have a larger herder, you’ll want a bigger ball. It’s not built for aggressive chewers either, so keep an eye on playtime.

A free-moving rattling jack inside a durable outer ball makes this toy tumble and roll in ways that keep a dog’s brain and body busy at the same time. At about eight inches across and a pound, it’s easy to kick or toss for fetch, and the internal noise taps into chase instincts without driving you crazy with squeaking. For energetic dogs who need unpredictable movement to stay engaged during solo play, this design keeps them chasing and herding.

At just under eight inches, it’s not going to satisfy a dog that wants a big ball to push across a field. The KONG is better for smaller-space play where you want less noise and more erratic movement than the 14-inch Push-n-Play Ball from Jolly Pets. Just remember it’s meant for supervised play, so you’ll want to keep an eye on how your dog chews it over time.

The KONG Extreme Ball is built from the brand’s toughest natural rubber, making it puncture-resistant and ready for relentless fetch sessions. At just 2 inches across and 0.9 pounds, it’s a compact, dense ball that bounces unpredictably, great for dogs who love to chase and catch, but not for those who need a larger target to nudge or herd. It suits power chewers who destroy softer balls quickly, especially if you’re looking for a toy that holds up to aggressive mouthing without shredding.

At just 2 inches across, this ball is too small for dogs that like to push or nudge a ball with their nose or chest. In comparison, the 14-inch Push-n-Play Ball from Jolly Pets is much larger and lacks a handle, so it is better suited for fetch-focused play rather than for dogs that prefer to roll or steer a ball. If your dog’s idea of fun is chasing and chomping, this is a durable option; if they prefer a larger target to push, look at a larger herding-specific design.

A 25-inch diameter means this ball is made for serious herding breeds like Aussies, Border Collies, and cattle dogs, dogs that need to push and chase something substantial. The double-layer canvas cover wraps a puncture-resistant inflatable bladder, so it can take the abuse of grass, dirt, and rough outdoor sessions without popping. The heavy-duty construction stands up to grass, dirt and rough outdoor sessions, and a quick hose-off gets it clean when things get muddy. For owners of medium to large herding dogs who want a durable, interactive toy that channels instinctive energy into exercise and training, this is a practical, no-nonsense pick.

This is a herding tool, not a chew toy, if your dog likes to gnaw on things, the canvas cover won’t hold up to that kind of wear. Compared to the 12-inch Jolly Pets Jolly Egg, the Outdoggy is much larger and heavier, which makes it less portable and trickier to store. It also requires inflation and occasional re-inflation, so it’s not grab-and-go like a solid rubber ball. But if your dog’s idea of fun is pushing a big ball around the yard for an hour, this is built for exactly that job.

An 18-inch diameter means this ball is designed for the full-body push and chase that working breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds naturally crave. The thickened fabric and reinforced stitching are built to hold up under rough play, and the ball is tested against sharp surfaces and friction to resist punctures and tears. It’s also 100% waterproof, so a quick rinse with the garden hose is all it takes to clean off slobber and mud. That combination of size, durability, and easy maintenance makes it a strong fit for owners who want a tough, low-fuss toy that channels their dog’s herding instincts into healthy exercise rather than destructive chewing or digging.

At 18 inches, this ball is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For smaller herding breeds or dogs under 40 pounds, the 14-inch Push-n-Play Ball from Jolly Pets might be easier to push and carry. But if you have a larger, high-drive working dog that tends to destroy flimsier toys, the MWATT’s reinforced straps and tear-proof cover give it a clear edge in longevity. The straps are great for interactive tug-of-war, but they do add a potential snag point on rough ground compared to a completely smooth ball. Still, for owners of strong, energetic working breeds who need a toy that can take a beating and keep rolling, this ball is built to handle the challenge.

The wand weighs 0.2 pounds, making it easy to flick for short play sessions without tiring your arm. The flexible fiberglass rod bends rather than snaps, which helps when a dog grabs the toy mid-air. It suits owners who want an interactive way to burn off that herding instinct indoors or in a small yard, because the crinkle attachment triggers tracking and jumping behaviors. The swappable design lets you replace the toy end when it wears out.

At 17.7 inches, the wand keeps you close to your dog during play, which is ideal for guided interaction and bonding but means a fast herder might accidentally catch your hand. The Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball lets the dog chase independently without you holding anything, so if your herder prefers solo ball-chasing, that option gives them freedom. The FlyFetch’s crinkle attachment is swappable and sparks chasing instincts, but it’s not built for determined chewers.