🦴 Updated on July 14th, 2023
When you think of Great Danes, it’s hard not to think of their considerable size. But despite their propensity to loom, Great Danes need as much entertainment and exercise as other dogs.
Finding toys for Great Danes that are appropriate for their size without choking them or wearing them out in minutes can be challenging.
Best Toys for Great Danes Reviewed
After careful research and dozens of toys we have tested, we put together a list of our favorite toys for Great Danes.
While there are many excellent toys for large dogs, we liked the Kong Classic Dog Toy best. It’s an affordable, flexible toy for Great Danes with many different uses.
But it’s not the only Great Dane dog toy there is. Here are some of our other selections of equally excellent toys to help you find the right one for your dog.
Best Great Dane Toy Overall: Kong Classic Dog Toy
The Kong Classic Dog Toy is our top pick because it’s affordable, versatile, and durable.
Great Danes are infamous chewers, and the Kong Classic Dog Toy stands up to their serious playing. However, one thing you need to watch with this toy for Great Danes is the size.
This tough rubber ball is perfect for hours of playtime and can also be stuffed with treats for extra fun. The KONG Classic is also vet recommended and made in the USA.
The Kong comes in various sizes to accommodate all kinds of dogs, so make sure you get one big enough for your pup.
Otherwise, the Kong Classic Dog Toy has a simple rubber design that lends itself to various types of play. More energetic dogs will enjoy rounds of fetch with it, while lazier dogs can lounge in their favorite sunspot and gnaw it.
Another thing that sets apart the Kong Classic Dog Toy is that it’s an excellent way to engage a food-motivated Great Dane in play sessions. The shape of the Kong is perfect for filling with dog treats.
Best Chew Toy for Great Danes: Elkhorn Premium Chew
If you want to find safe, long-lasting Great Dane chew toys, the Elkhorn Premium Chew is the solution you’ve been looking for.
The Elkhorn Premium Chew makes a heavy-duty Great Dane chew toy. One of its benefits is that it’s long-lasting. Again, you need to pay attention to the sizes listed and size the Elkhorn appropriately for your dog’s jaw and chewing method.
Made with the best ingredients nature has to offer, these chews are long-lasting and virtually mess-free. Plus, they don't produce any unpleasant odors, so you can rest easy knowing your home will always smell fresh.
Once you’ve selected the perfect size, you have a safe, durable chew toy. The pieces are hand-cut and smoothed to avoid splinters, making it the best bone for Great Danes on the market.
Moreover, this is one of the best Great Dane chew toys because there are no hidden ingredients. The Elkhorn Premium Chew is exactly what it says on the tin.
It’s also odorless and mess-free, which isn’t something you can say for all Great Dane chew toys. However, over time the size of the bone will decrease and
Best Rope Toys for Great Danes: Youngever
Another of the best toys for Great Danes is the Youngever rope toy, a wonderful interactive dog toy.
It’s ideal for tug-of-war with your gentle giant, and it doubles as a toy for rounds of fetch, too. The rope is durable, so it stands up to hours of intensive play and heavy chewing.
Looking for a tough, durable dog rope toy that can handle even the strongest chewer? The ropes are specially designed to promote dental health and keep your large breed pup entertained for hours on end. Plus, they're made from all-natural materials that are safe and eco-friendly.
Youngever is also popular because the materials are natural. There’s a strong likelihood part of this Great Dane toy will get ingested, but you don’t need to worry about it with such natural ingredients.
The Youngever rope toy for Great Danes helps with more than increasing activity levels and sociability. It’s also an excellent Great Dane toy for promoting healthy teeth and gums. The texture of the rope helps remove plaque and reduce gum disease.
Another advantage of these particular toys for Great Danes is that they come in packs of six. The variety of toys on offer enables your dog to rotate through the different chew toy options, so they last longer than a single, favorite rope toy might.
However, depending on how vigorously your Great Dane’s chewing, the durability of the Youngever toys for Great Danes may vary.
Best Great Dane Plush Toy: Jalousie
While the Jalousie plush toys aren’t indestructible, Jalousie does its best to ensure they last as long as possible. For that reason, they are one of the best Great Dane plush toys on the market.
Like other toys for Great Danes on this list, Jalousie comes in various sizes, ensuring you choose a Great Dane plush toy appropriate for the size of your dog. This package of multiple Jalousie Great Dane plush toys includes two plush toys with stuffing and three without.
Made with durable materials, these toys are built to last. But best of all, they're a lot of fun for dogs of all ages.
To extend the life of these Great Dane plush toys, they include a durable inner liner. That way, even if your Great Dane breaks the toy’s surface, they won’t immediately get into the stuffing. It gives them extra durability that lets them stand up to more rigorous play than the average plush toy.
Additionally, these toys for Great Danes include three squeakers per toy. While this provides ample opportunity for fun, don’t be surprised if your dog’s immediate response is to rip each of these squeaky hearts out of the toy.
You want to supervise their play if they succeed since squeakers pose a potential choking hazard. Alternatively, scoop the squeakers up as they leak out of the Jalousie toy, and the plush for Great Danes will once again be safe to play with.
Finally, while these are excellent toys for Great Danes that play gently, they aren’t suitable for more aggressive chewers.
Best Great Dane Balls: Chuckit!
Much like plush toys, when looking for Great Dane balls, you want to find something that can last. So, tennis balls aren’t an option.
For dogs that enjoy fetch, one advantage of the Chuckit Great Dane ball and launcher is that you can play as many rounds as you like without exhausting your arm.
The ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher is perfect for anyone who loves spending time with their furry friend. This sweet little gadget provides a fun and easy way to exercise your dog, without wearing out your arm in the process!
The launcher is made with light, durable plastic, and the experienced launcher can propel the Fabulous Orange Ball a considerable distance.
Another benefit of this Great Dane ball is that it’s one of the few Great Danes toys that are genuinely nigh-indestructible. It stands up to heavy-duty chewing as well as repeated rounds of fetch.
However, the elasticity of the Chuckit ball cup decreases with time. While the ball might hold up, you may find you need to replace the launcher part of this toy for Great Danes. Note that how long it takes to wear out will depend on how often and how intensive your Great Dane’s fetch games are.
Best Great Dane Dog Toy for Training: Puller Collar
Next on our list of toys for Great Danes is the Puller Collar. This Great Dane dog toy is part toy, part training tool.
Great Danes aren’t instinctual retrievers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have fun honing that instinct. Each puller collar pack comes with two rings, so you can tussle with your Great Dane for one toy while throwing the other.
Puller Multifunctional dog toy is an innovative toy that can be used as a tug-of-war toy, fetch toy, or even as part of a fitness workout routine for your dog.
The puller collars are made of lightweight foam. They’re ideal for fetch, tug-of-war, wrestling between dogs, and water play because the rings float on water.
In other words, it’s a flexible toy that exercises your Great Dane’s neck, back, and hip muscles.
The puller collar also advertises that while it’s not chewable, your dog can bite it. Depending on your Great Dane’s chewing aggression, they may wear through the puller collar faster than expected.
They add that the rings quickly develop teeth marks, so they may not be the best chew toy for Great Danes. But don’t let that discourage you. The ring’s many other uses ensure that chewed or unchewed, this toy for Great Danes gives you your money’s worth.
Best Soft Chew Toy for Great Danes: Fuzzu
Fuzzu is as much a toy for humans as it is a toy for Great Danes. The company is notorious for its clever parody chew toys, and this plush toy is no exception.
Despite the soft appearance, the combination of reinforced seams and durable fabric mean you should get more than a few hours out of this chew toy for Great Danes. The squeaker will keep your dog engaged, and if they should penetrate the material, both it and the stuffing are safe for dogs.
FUZZU chew toy is made from rough-n-tough polyester canvas, and it has the scent of an American president on it. Let your dog sniff at it, touch, and chew. Uncle Joe himself doesn't recommend it, but your pup will love it!
Like some of the other best chew toys for Great Danes, this toy comes in several sizes. Of course, the size small is much too tiny for a massive Great Dane. So, ensure you select the larger option if you want your Great Dane to get more than a few minutes of entertainment from Fuzzu’s line of toys.
Remember, though, that an aggressive chewer can work through seams and fabric in no time. The squeakers are also proportionately sized for the toy, so if your Great Dane does break the surface of the toy, supervise them closely and remove squeakers as you see them.
Nevertheless, this Fuzzu’s great Dane toy will provide hours of entertainment for you and your dog – especially if you have a political bone to pick with the parody toy you opt for.
Toys for Great Danes: A Buying Guide
Playing is an integral part of your dog’s life. It’s a fantastic way to keep them active and for you to spend time with them. That makes toys for Great Danes essential for a happy, healthy, mentally-stimulated dog.
But not all toys are suitable for all dogs.
What Toys Are Best for Great Danes?
The average Great Dane needs approximately two hours of exercise a day – but not much more than that. Because of their size, they are more at risk for joint problems than other dogs.
Consequently, owners need to be mindful not to over-exercise them. And playtime is an excellent way to meet that need without over-exerting the dog or owner.
Some of the best toys for Great Danes have an interactive component. They aren’t always keen on fetch, but you can train them to play, making balls a fantastic choice of toy for your Great Dane.
Another option is rope toys, which work both for games of fetch and for tussles between dogs – or dogs and humans.
Of course, the best Great Dane toys should be durable. You need toys that stand up to the wear and tear your Great Dane will put on toys while playing. Otherwise, those games of frisbee will only last as long as the frisbee keeps its shape.
Dog Toys to Avoid
However, while some toys will give your Great Dane hours of enjoyment, others are less suitable.
One of the toys you are better avoiding is rawhide bones.
Many owners favor rawhide bones, but these can be difficult to swallow. Consequently, they’re not the best bones for Great Danes.
You are also better off avoiding soft dog toys. Chewing aggression varies between Great Danes, but if your dog is an aggressive chewer, then soft dog toys don’t stand a chance. By the time you’ve brought one home, it will be in pieces.
There are exceptions, though. If you want to treat your Great Dane to a plush toy, look for plushies that either disintegrate into something else entertaining – like a rope toy – or look for durable plushies with reinforced seams.
Dog Toy Safety Tips
While all toys reviewed here are safe, you can never be too cautious. Supervision is essential for the safest playtime experience for your Great Dane – especially with squeaky toys.
The more your Great Dane munches on them, the higher the chance of exposing the squeaker. If you aren’t vigilant, these can quickly become a choking hazard.
If you don’t have the spare time to supervise your Great Dane with a chew toy, the best advice is to remove the squeaker yourself once your dog breaks through the fabric. To keep the toy interesting, bury a treat inside.
Another way to avoid choking hazards is by ensuring you select toys that are an appropriate size for your Great Dane. Buy one too small, and the pieces might lodge in your dog’s throat. Select one too big, and they won’t be able to play with it properly.
Finally, ensure the materials in your Great Dane’s toys are safe. Especially with rope toys, there’s a strong possibility your dog will partially consume the toy, and the last thing you need is an emergency vet bill after a round of tug-of-war.
You should also be cautious about what you put inside dog toys. For instance, many dogs enjoy wrestling peanut butter off the inside of a kong, and it’s an excellent way to get them playing.
However, many brands of peanut butter now use xylitol, which can be toxic. Always check the ingredients before stuffing a Kong with it.
FAQ
What is the best toy for a Great Dane?
We like the Kong Classic Dog Toy. It’s affordable, durable, and entertaining. Your dog can play with it in several different ways. It’s ideal for independent play but can also hold up to a game of fetch for more active dogs.
What type of toys do Great Danes like?
Great Danes are typically big fans of anything that makes a lot of noise or is really soft and cuddly. They also love to play fetch and will happily chase a ball around for hours on end.
How do I keep my Great Dane entertained?
Some ideas include playing fetch, taking them for walks or runs, and giving them puzzles or toys to play with. Make sure your Great Dane has plenty of room to run around and play – they need exercise just like any other dog.
What do Great Danes love the most?
They love food, of course! But they also love playing and being around people. They make great family pets because they’re so friendly and playful. And their large size makes them an imposing figure, which most people find quite impressive.
How do you stimulate a Great Dane?
Some would say that the best way to stimulate a Great Dane is with a big bone, while others might recommend lots of exercise.
Conclusion
There are a variety of toys for Great Danes available, ranging from the best bones for Great Danes to Great Dane plush toys and balls.
Of all of these, the one we like the best is the Kong Classic Dog Toy. It’s affordable, durable, and entertaining. Your dog can play with it in several different ways. It’s ideal for independent play but can also hold up to a game of fetch for more active dogs.
Whatever toys you settle on, here’s hoping you and they get long hours of entertainment out of them.
This tough rubber ball is perfect for hours of playtime and can also be stuffed with treats for extra fun. The KONG Classic is also vet recommended and made in the USA.
