10 Best Toys For Maltese Dogs in 2026

At four inches long and barely a whisper in weight, this plush duck is built for the smallest of dogs. The removable squeaker means you can replace it when the inevitable silence arrives, and the minimal stuffing keeps cleanup simple when the toy eventually meets its end. It’s a cuddle companion first, a fetch toy second, and that’s fine for a breed that often prefers lap time over retrieving.

The trade-off for that low-stuffing design is a toy that feels more like a soft pillow than something you’d toss across the room. The KONG Duckie is a straightforward plush squeaker toy with no puzzle elements or multiple pieces. It’s best for owners of extra small dogs who want a soft, lightweight toy with a replaceable squeaker and minimal mess.

Three separate animals in one pack mean your toy breed gets a rotating cast of squeaky friends without you having to buy three different toys. Each one is sized for toy breeds and puppies, so a small dog can actually carry and shake it without dragging it. The low-stuffing design reduces mess, which is a practical mercy when you’re picking up after a tiny dog three times a day.

The trade-off is that low stuffing also means less to sink teeth into. If your Maltese likes to dig fluff out of a toy like a raccoon excavating a trash can, these will feel thin. The KONG Duckie is a single plush with minimal stuffing, but this variety pack gives you three different characters for the same kind of light, squeaky play. The removable squeakers and the spare squeaker included mean you can keep the noise going longer than you’d expect from such small toys, which is either a pro or a con depending on your tolerance for squeaking.

The textured surface with soothing nubs is the key feature here, designed specifically to massage sore gums and ease discomfort from emerging teeth. That makes this a purpose-built tool for the teething phase, not just another chew toy. It suits small-breed puppies whose developing teeth need something gentle, and the chicken flavor helps encourage positive chewing habits. For owners dealing with a teething puppy, this addresses the discomfort directly with a safe, soft surface.

Teething puppies need a chew that won’t damage their emerging teeth, and this Nylabone bone delivers exactly that with its specially textured surface designed to soothe sore gums. The chicken flavor encourages positive chewing habits, which means your pup actually wants to use it instead of your furniture. Reviewers note that the X-Small size is ideal for breeds up to 15 pounds, so it fits comfortably in a small dog’s mouth without being overwhelming. Just keep in mind that this is a gentle teething aid, not a long-term chew toy for adult teeth.

Three squeaky squirrels tucked inside a plush tree trunk turn fetch into a mental workout. The hide-and-seek design engages a dog’s natural hunting instincts, as the toy holds three squirrels for pups to find and tug out. At just 0.2 pounds and 5 by 7 inches, it’s small enough for a small dog to carry around the house. The soft plush material and cozy stuffing make it suitable for cuddling after the puzzle is solved.

Durability is the trade-off here. For a light chewer who prefers nosing and tugging over shredding, this will last. For a dog that likes to destroy things, the KONG Low Stuffing Squeaker Toy skips the stuffing and the small parts, making it a safer bet for supervised play.

At just 2.0 inches in diameter, this ball is sized for small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Poodles, not for larger dogs. The soft natural latex rubber is gentle on small teeth and gums, and the textured bumps offer a light dental scrub while your dog chews. It squeaks, bounces unpredictably, and even floats, so it works for indoor fetch, backyard games, or a trip to the beach. For a small breed that likes to chase and carry, this set of four gives you backups when one inevitably rolls under the couch.

Latex is soft by design, so a determined chewer might puncture it faster than a more rigid material. If your small dog is more of a gentle fetcher than a destroyer, the HOLYSTEED set offers a safer, gentler option that’s gentle on teeth. But if your dog treats every toy as a chew challenge, you may want a more durable alternative.

A 2-inch diameter means these balls are small enough for a Maltese to carry but not so small they become a choking hazard. The three-pack gives you an erratic bouncer, a whistler, and a glow ball, so fetch stays interesting without buying separate toys.

If your dog prefers soft plush toys like the KONG Duckie Plush Squeaker Toy, this pack might feel too firm. For owners who want a durable, high-bounce fetch set that works with Chuckit! ball launchers, this pack delivers variety without the fluff.

At 0.1 pounds and 7 inches long, this sloth is light enough for a small dog to carry easily. The ultra soft plush and built-in squeaker make it suitable for gentle play, shaking, fetching, and cuddling as described in the product details. For a dog that enjoys snuggling more than chewing, this toy provides a soft companion that fits a small dog’s needs.

If your dog is a light chewer who prefers shaking and carrying to gnawing, the SPOT Fun Sloth is a fine match. This 7-inch plush toy is built for gentle play, not for dogs that treat stuffed animals like chew toys. It includes a squeaker for interactive fun and is made from soft, non-toxic materials, making it a safe option for puppies and small adult dogs. Unlike the single plush with minimal stuffing and a removable squeaker, the Sloth takes a more traditional cuddly approach.

At just 2.75 inches long and designed for dogs up to 8 pounds, this chew toy fits the tiny mouth of a Maltese without overwhelming it. The flexible, gummy material is deliberately softer than standard nylon bones, which means less risk of chipped teeth or sore gums for a small dog that likes to gnaw. The flavor pockets let you smear in peanut butter or wet food, turning a simple chew into a mini puzzle that keeps a curious dog busy. Freezing it adds a cooling sensation, useful for teething puppies or warm afternoons.

This toy is designed for dogs up to 8 pounds, so larger or more determined chewers will need something else. The flexible, gummy material is gentler on teeth than standard nylon bones, but it won’t stand up to heavy gnawing. For a small dog that mouths rather than chomps, it offers a safe way to keep busy with a treat-filled chew.

A 6.2-inch plush with zero stuffing means your Maltese can shake, thrash, and toss this fox without leaving a trail of fluff across your living room. The jumbo squeaker gives a satisfying noise that keeps small dogs engaged, while the K-9 TUFF GUARD interior and heavy-duty binding add chew resistance for teething puppies or determined toy destroyers. This is the toy for owners who want the soft feel of plush without the cleanup headache, perfect for indoor play or supervised roughhousing.

No toy is truly indestructible, and Outward Hound says so plainly: remove it if damaged. The KONG Duckie Plush has minimal stuffing, but this Outward Hound model goes further by eliminating stuffing entirely, making it the cleaner choice for a messy player. But if your Maltese prefers a toy to carry around rather than destroy, the Duckie’s smaller 4-inch size and removable squeaker might be a better cuddle companion. For active play with less mess, this fox delivers.

At 0.1 pounds, this toy is light enough for small dogs to carry easily, and the soft chenille fabric means no scraped gums during extended fetch sessions. It’s built for the dog who wants to chase indoors without you worrying about dented baseboards or scratched hardwood, making it a natural fit for indoor play on rainy days or late-night games.

The biggest thing to know is that this toy is built for fetch, not chewing, the lightweight multilayer construction that keeps it easy to toss also means it won’t hold up to a determined gnawer. If your dog is more of a shredder than a fetcher, the KONG Duckie Plush Squeaker Toy has a removable squeaker and minimal stuffing.