Shih Tzus may be pocket-sized, but their play drive is larger than life. Beneath that silky coat and aristocratic expression beats the heart of a canine comedian who insists that every game ends in giggles. Choosing toys that respect their flat-faced anatomy, moderate exercise needs, and royal sense of entitlement is the fastest way to turn five minutes of “fetch” into an all-day love affair—with you, not the sofa cushions.
Before you fill an online cart with pastel plushies, it helps to understand how a Shih Tzu actually plays. Their brachycephalic jaw, compact stride, and heat-sensitive respiratory system create a unique playbook: short bursts, low-impact wrestling, and plenty of independent squeak sessions sandwiched between lap naps. Below, we unpack the science, safety, and shopping strategy behind the toys that keep this breed mentally stimulated without physically over-taxing them.
Top 10 Shih Tzu Toy
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Multipet Lamb Chop Dog Plush Toy – Squeaky Dog Toy for Small & Medium Dogs – Extra Soft Plush Dog Toy – Stuffed Animal Dog Toy for Cuddling & Playing – Cute Pet Toy (10″, Cream, 5 Squeakers)
Overview: The Multipet Lamb Chop Dog Plush Toy revives Shari Lewis’ classic puppet as a 10-inch, cream-colored squeaky companion built for small-to-medium dogs. Five internal squeakers are sewn into an ultra-plush body that invites both gentle mouthing and enthusiastic flopping, making it as much a bedtime cuddle buddy as a daytime prey substitute.
What Makes It Stand Out: Few budget toys combine nostalgic pop-culture charm with multi-squeaker engineering; the lamb’s floppy ears and limbs trigger shake-and-kill instincts, yet the exterior remains pillow-soft for dogs that prefer snuggling to shredding.
Value for Money: At $6.88 you’re paying roughly $1.40 per squeaker—cheaper than most replacement squeaker packs alone—while still getting a recognizable, gift-ready character toy.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Irresistibly soft, lightweight for tiny jaws, five squeakers keep interest high, machine-washable, price under seven dollars.
Cons: Not reinforced; power chewers can gut it in minutes, white fabric shows dirt quickly, supervision required to prevent ingestion of stuffing or squeakers.
Bottom Line: A lovable, low-cost morale booster for gentle or moderately playful dogs—just don’t expect it to survive a terrier’s “stuff-ectomy” skills.
2. CGBD 6 Pack Puppy Chew Toys for Teething, Interactive Dog Toys for Small Breed Puppies to Clean Teeth, Soft & Durable Chew Toys for Small Dogs, Pink Dog Toys
Overview: CGBD’s six-pack of pastel-pink puppy chew toys targets teething small breeds with varied shapes—rings, bones, and spiked keys—each molded from non-toxic natural rubber. Molar ridges massage gums while scraping tartar, turning sore-mouthed puppies away from shoes and toward appropriate outlets.
What Makes It Stand Out: The set delivers a full orthodontic toolkit: different textures reach incisors, canines, and molars, and the uniform pink palette is Instagram-ready for proud pet parents.
Value for Money: $13.99 breaks down to $2.33 per toy—less than a single coffee and far cheaper than replacing chewed sneakers or paying for dental scaling.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Food-grade rubber, lightweight for tiny mouths, freezer-safe for extra soothing, bright color easy to find under furniture, doubles as fetch toys.
Cons: Too small for large breeds or powerful jaws; some pups ignore the plain vanilla scent; rubber can pill after weeks of dedicated gnawing.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective starter kit that steers teething rage away from human belongings while giving puppy teeth the spa treatment they deserve.
3. Bearington Dog Stuffed Animal – Puppy Realistic Stuffed Animals – Plush Dog Toys for Kids Shih Tzu – Butch 11 Inch
Overview: Bearington’s “Butch” is an 11-inch Shih-Tzu replica aimed at kids yet sturdy enough to become a dog’s nap companion. Hand-sewn nose, weighted bean-bag paws, and silky, washer-safe plush create a lifelike lap dog without the grooming bills.
What Makes It Stand Out: Award-winning Bearington craftsmanship delivers breed-specific realism—right down to the pushed-in snout—elevating it above generic stuffed animals.
Value for Money: $29.55 sits in the premium plush bracket, but you’re paying for heirloom-grade stitching, weighted huggability, and a keepsake gift that survives toddler AND canine affection.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Gorgeous detailing, weighted body feels alive, washable, no hard buttons to swallow, doubles as décor on a nursery shelf.
Cons: Not a chew toy—enthusiastic dogs can shred it; higher price for something you may hide when the dog gets rowdy; spot-cleaning long fur takes patience.
Bottom Line: Buy it for the child (or inner child) and supervise shared cuddle time; Butch is a keepsake, not a tug-of-war victim.
4. Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy for Small, Medium, and Large Breeds, Cute No Stuffing Duck with Soft Squeaker, Fun for Indoor Puppies and Senior Pups, Plush No Mess Chew and Play – Yellow
Overview: Best Pet Supplies’ Crinkle Duck deletes stuffing entirely, replacing it with an internal crinkle sheet and one gentle squeaker. The 12-inch yellow duck sports reinforced seams and a flat body that shakes like prey yet won’t explode into fluff.
What Makes It Stand Out: The “no-mess” philosophy solves the top complaint about plush toys, while crinkle paper provides auditory feedback for dogs that find single squeakers under-stimulating.
Value for Money: $6.79 buys peace of mind—no midnight vacuum sessions chasing polyester snow—and six color options let multi-dog households color-code toys.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Stuffing-free gut safety, crinkle + squeaker combo, lightweight for seniors or small breeds, reinforced edges last longer than standard plush, price under seven bucks.
Cons: Thin outer plush can still be ripped by determined chewers; squeaker is single and mild; crinkle may flatten over time.
Bottom Line: Ideal for tidy households, senior pups, or dogs that eviscerate stuffed toys—cheap, cheerful, and couch-friendly.
5. Zeaxuie 9 Pack Luxury Puppy Toys for Teething Small Dogs, Puppy Chew Toys with Cute Squeaky Dog Toys, Ball and More Rope Dog Chew Toys
Overview: Zeaxuie’s nine-piece “luxury” bundle mixes four no-stuff squeaky plushies, three cotton rope toys, a treat-dispensing puzzle ball, and a bonus poop-bag roll—enough variety to stock a puppy shower gift basket.
What Makes It Stand Out: One purchase covers comfort, dental, mental stimulation, and cleanup accessories; the treat ball alone rivals solo puzzle toys costing the full set’s price.
Value for Money: $13.99 nets nine items ($1.55 each) and a free roll of bags—an all-in-one starter kit that replaces multiple separate purchases.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Diverse textures keep puppies engaged, natural cotton & tough plush, machine-washable plush toys, treat ball adjusts difficulty, ropes floss teeth.
Cons: Rope toys may unravel under heavy chewing; plush limbs still vulnerable to surgical removal; bag roll is a one-time freebie.
Bottom Line: A convenient, bargain-priced treasure chest that channels teething energy across multiple outlets—perfect for new small-breed parents who want instant toy box gratification.
6. Petstages Cool Teething Stick for Dogs – Soothing Chew Toy for Teething Puppies – Freezable for Added Relief – Durable & Safe Dental Aid, Multicolor, One-Size
Overview:
The Petstages Cool Teething Stick is a budget-friendly, freezable chew toy designed to soothe teething puppies. Measuring about the size of a fat marker, it’s made from a cotton-poly fabric shell that can be soaked in water and frozen to provide cold relief for sore gums.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike hard rubber teething toys, this stick delivers a soft, cold surface that numbs gums without risking baby teeth. The freezable feature is the star—pop it in overnight and puppy has a “pupsicle” by morning. Its lightweight, toss-able shape also doubles as a fetch toy on hot days.
Value for Money:
At under five bucks you get a dual-purpose teething and cooling aid. Comparable freezable toys start around $8-10, so this is a genuine bargain, especially if you buy two and rotate them from freezer to floor.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: inexpensive, freezer-ready, gentle on mouths, helps curb furniture chewing.
Cons: fabric soaks up drool and gets grubby quickly, not machine-washable, heavy chewers can shred the outer layer in days, cotton core stays wet and may mildew if left in toy bin.
Bottom Line:
Perfect short-term aid for the teething phase—keep one in the freezer at all times and replace monthly. Supervise closely and pair with a sturdier rubber chew for longevity.
7. Best Pet Supplies 2-in-1 Stuffless Squeaky Dog Toys with Soft, Durable Fabric for Small, Medium, and Large Pets, No Stuffing for Indoor Play, Supports Active Biting and Play – 1Wild Duck, Small
Overview:
Best Pet Supplies’ 2-in-1 Stuffless Duck is a floppy, stuffing-free plush that crinkles and squeaks. The small size (≈11″ long) ships with squeakers in head and tail; larger sizes add a Velcro pouch that accepts an empty water bottle for extra crunch.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The “no fluff” design means zero polyester snowstorms if your dog tears in. The crunch of a standard bottle is irresistible to most pups, and when the bottle dies you simply swap in a new one—built-in recycling program for your kitchen empties.
Value for Money:
Six dollars for a washable, refillable crinkle toy undercuts most single-use plushies. You’re essentially getting three textures—soft plush, squeaker, and crackle—for the price of a coffee.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: lightweight for indoor fetch, no mess, dual squeakers, bottle pouch extends life, available in multiple critter shapes.
Cons: not for power chewers—Velcro and seams rip within minutes of determined jaws; small size lacks bottle slot; fabric wears thin after repeated washes.
Bottom Line:
Great entertainment for gentle mouths or supervised play. Buy the medium if you want the bottle feature, and keep a spare so the fun never stops.
8. Aurora® Adorable Miyoni® Tots Shih Tzu Pup Stuffed Animal – Lifelike Detail – Cherished Companionship – Brown 11 Inches
Overview:
Aurora’s Miyoni Tots Shih Tzu is an 11-inch hand-stuffed plush that targets collectors and kids who want a lifelike but huggable puppy. Bean-filled paws give it a gentle flop, while air-brushed ear tips and pink tongue add realism.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Miyoni line uses premium, minky-touch fabric and individual hand-stitching—rare at this price tier. Each pup arrives with a hang-tag containing Shih Tzu facts, doubling as an educational token for young owners.
Value for Money:
Fifteen dollars lands you a mid-tier collectible that normally retails closer to twenty-five in museum gift shops. Comparable realism from Douglas or Wild Republic runs $20-30, so Aurora undercuts without skimping on material weight.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: ultra-soft, weighted beans help it sit upright, safe for all ages, gift-ready hang-tag.
Cons: polyester fur mats after frequent cuddles, plastic eyes could scratch delicate skin, size is smaller than photos suggest, not machine-washable (surface-clean only).
Bottom Line:
A charming shelf or bedtime companion for Shih Tzu lovers. Expect show-piece looks rather than rough-play durability, and you’ll be delighted.
9. PetDroid Interactive Dog Toys Dog Ball,[2025 Newly Upgraded] Durable Motion Activated Automatic Rolling Ball Toys for/Small/Medium/Large Dogs,USB Rechargeable (Orange)
![PetDroid Interactive Dog Toys Dog Ball,[2025 Newly Upgraded] Durable Motion Activated Automatic Rolling Ball Toys for/Small/Medium/Large Dogs,USB Rechargeable (Orange)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41noLQzf0wL._SL160_.jpg)
Overview:
PetDroid’s 2025 motion-activated ball is an electronic chase toy that rolls or bounces unpredictably while flashing colored LEDs. A 600 mAh USB-rechargeable core gives up to four hours of intermittent play on hardwood, tile, thin carpet, or grass.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Two distinct play modes (rolling vs. tennis-cover bouncing) let you tailor intensity to flooring and dog drive. Motion sensor conserves battery—toy sleeps until nudged, so you’re not constantly switching it on.
Value for Money:
Twenty-one dollars buys tech that used to live only in $40+ products like the Wickedbone. Spare tennis covers are included, effectively doubling the outer shell life.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: USB charging saves cash on batteries, auto shut-off prevents midnight freak-outs, bright LEDs keep dogs engaged, covers muffle noise on tile.
Cons: not for aggressive chewers—plastic gears exposed if outer shell cracks; rolling mode struggles on plush carpet; 2-minute cycle may leave high-energy dogs wanting more; charging port flap pops off easily.
Bottom Line:
Excellent electronic babysitter for moderate chewers who need extra stimulation. Use on hard floors, store out of reach between sessions, and you’ll extend its lifespan considerably.
10. Bearington Collection Shih Tzu Stuffed Animal Plush Puppy – 13-Inch Barkston Shih Tzu – Realistic Soft & Cuddly Stuffed Dogs That Look Real – Toy Dog Yorkie Plush for Kids
Overview:
Bearington’s 13-inch Barkston Shih Tzu is a premium plush designed to mirror the real breed—complete with hand-trimmed fur, soulful glass eyes, and a weighted, bean-bag bottom that allows the toy to sit naturally on a shelf or a child’s bed.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Bearington’s quarter-century reputation for luxury plush shows in details: air-brushed coat shading, stitched nose, and silky, shed-resistant fibers. The stuffing is dense enough for “flopability” yet soft enough for bedtime snuggles.
Value for Money:
At roughly twenty-six dollars you’re paying mid-range for near-artisan quality. Comparable realistic dogs from Gund or Melissa & Doug flirt with forty dollars, making Barkston a relative bargain in the gift-shop tier.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: breed-accurate coloring, sturdy seams survive dragging, weighted bottom prevents topples, gift-box presentation with ribbon.
Cons: surface-wash only—full bath risks clumping; plastic eyes can loosen if chewed; price leaps quickly if you move up to the 16″ version; not intended for rough dog play.
Bottom Line:
Ideal keepsake for Shih Tzu devotees or kids begging for a “real” puppy. Treat it as a collectible that tolerates gentle hugs and it will retain its showroom charm for years.
Understanding the Shih Tzu Play Personality
Shih Tzus were bred to warm laps in Chinese palaces, not to sprint alongside chariots. Their play mirrors that heritage: theatrical, social, and over quickly enough to avoid breaking a sweat. Expect dramatic pounces, “kill” shakes that last three seconds, and a victory strut that ends in your lap.
Why Toy Choice Matters for Brachycephalic Breeds
A shortened muzzle isn’t just cute—it limits airflow and jaw extension. Toys that are too large, too firm, or require prolonged tugging can trigger reverse sneezing or overheating. The right toy shortens play sessions, maximizes enrichment, and protects delicate soft palates.
Size & Texture: Matching Toys to a Tiny Mouth
A Shih Tzu’s mouth is barely wider than a golf ball. Oversized toys cause frustration, while micro-balls can lodge in throats. Aim for 2–2.5-inch diameters with a compressible foam or plush outer layer that yields to shallow bites.
Squeaker Psychology: How Sound Triggers Prey Drive
High-pitched squeakers mimic distressed rodent vocalizations—catnip for a Shih Tzu’s inner predator. Rotate squeaky toys weekly to prevent habituation, and choose dual-squeaker models so the game survives the inevitable “squeaker-ectomy.”
Durability vs. Cuddliness: Striking the Balance
Durability often equals dense rubber, but a Shih Tzu’s preference is a toy soft enough to sleep with. Look for reinforced seams, double-layered plush, or hybrid designs that combine a chew-resistant core with a marshmallow exterior.
Interactive Toys for Independent Play
Treat-dispensing puzzles keep your lion dog busy while you answer emails. Opt for shallow channels that release kibble with minimal rolling—Shih Tzus lack the snout length to push heavy cubes across hardwood.
Teething Relief for Shih Tzu Puppies
Between 12 and 24 weeks, itchy gums rule the roost. Chill-able, knotted cotton ropes soaked in low-sodium chicken broth numb gums without the sugar crash of commercial teething biscuits.
Dental Health Features to Look For
Raised nubs and rope fibers act like floss, but only if they’re softer than adult tooth enamel. Run your fingernail across the surface; if it doesn’t leave a mark, it won’t scratch puppy pearls.
Avoiding Overheating During Play
Brachycephalic dogs exchange heat through panting, not evaporative tongue droop. Pause every five minutes, offer tepid water, and choose toys that can be frozen—think plushies soaked, wrung out, and popped in the freezer overnight.
Travel-Friendly Toys for the Shih Tzu on the Go
Fold-flat crinkle mats and stuffing-free skins tuck into designer carriers without bulk. Bonus points for clips that attach to purse hardware so your pup can par-tay at pet-friendly cafés.
Rotating Toys to Prevent Boredom
Canine memory peaks at roughly two weeks. A three-bin rotation system—living room, bedroom, suitcase—keeps each toy “new” without bankrupting you. Re-introduce after a five-day hiatus and watch your Shih Tzu react like it’s canine Christmas.
Safety Red Flags: What to Skip Entirely
Say no to latex balloons, rawhide knots, and anything labeled “indestructible for power chewers.” If you can’t compress it with two fingers, your Shih Tzu can’t compress it with one jaw.
Budget-Friendly Enrichment Hacks
A clean sock knotted around an empty plastic water bottle becomes an instant crinkle toy. Remove the cap and ring first, and toss the entire creation once the first hole appears—usually after one epic royal battle.
Eco-Conscious Materials Gaining Traction
Organic cotton, hemp rope, and recycled-poly fill now outperform conventional plush in wash tests. They’re also free of azo dyes that can leach when your Shih Tzu inevitably soaks a toy in the water bowl between victories.
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Machine-wash plush on cold inside a pillowcase to prevent bald spots. Hand-wash rubber with diluted white vinegar; it neutralizes saliva proteins that turn clear toys yellow. Air-dry everything—dryers melt glue and turn squeakers into sad whistles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many toys should a Shih Tzu have out at one time?
Three to four rotated daily prevents overwhelm while still offering variety.
2. Are rope toys safe for supervised tug-of-war?
Yes, if the rope is thinner than your pinky finger and you limit sessions to 30-second bursts.
3. Can Shih Tzus use tennis balls?
Standard tennis balls are too abrasive for their enamel; choose felt-free mini balls designed for small breeds.
4. What’s the best way to introduce a new toy?
Rub it between your palms for 10 seconds to transfer your scent, then present it during a quiet moment—not when your pup is already overstimulated.
5. How often should I wash my Shih Tzu’s toys?
Plush toys weekly, rubber and nylon bi-weekly, or immediately after outdoor use.
6. Do Shih Tzus like laser pointers?
The erratic light can trigger obsessive tail-chasing; swap lasers for treat-dispensing balls to protect their mental health.
7. Is catnip safe for dogs?
Catnip won’t harm dogs, but it has zero effect on canines. Save it for the feline siblings.
8. Are edible chews better than rubber toys?
Edible chews add calories and can splinter; limit to once a week and size them wider than your Shih Tzu’s molar ridge.
9. Why does my Shih Tzu hoard toys under the couch?
It’s a nesting instinct. Provide a low-entry toy box near their favorite resting spot to honor the habit while saving your furniture.
10. When should I retire a toy?
As soon as you see foam stuffing, exposed squeaker, or jagged edges—usually one to three months for plush, six to 12 months for rubber.