9 Best Dog Toys for Greyhounds + Tips for Playing with Your Greyhound
Contents of Article
These dogs have muscles made for speed and can run up to 45 miles per hour! Historically, greyhounds have been used for racing and are known for their speed and agility. However, despite their need for speed, most greyhounds enjoy a quiet, relaxed home atmosphere.
Categorized as large dogs, Greyhounds have big personalities to match. They’re well-mannered and eager to please, which makes training them easier compared to other dogs. To make sure your Greyhound is getting the care they deserve, you need to have a variety of toys to satisfy all their needs!
What is the Best Dog Toy for a Greyhound?
- Hyper Pet Wildlife Critter Dog Toy
- KONG Extreme Dog Toy
- Ethical Pet Skinneeez Forest Series Fox Stuffing-Free Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
- Spunky Pup Tennis Ball Squeaky Dog Ball Toy, Large
- Chuckit! Pro Launcher Dog Toy
- West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc Dog Toy
- Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Game Dog Toy
- KONG Wubba Friend Dog Toy, Large
- KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy
Different Types of Dog Toys for Greyhounds
Although Greyhounds can be sweet and mild-mannered, we cannot forget their roots. Sighthounds, just like their name implies, hunt on sight, so it’s important to get toys that keep them entertained and tap into their hunting nature without attacking literal prey.
Stuffed animal toys are a great way to tap into the Greyhound’s hunting nature. Most times, companies model these realistic-looking toys after prey like squirrels, rabbits, and ducks. Sometimes these toys have squeakers in them, and other times you can find no-stuffing soft animal toys if you’re worried about your Greyhound destroying a stuffed one too quickly.
Other toys that benefit Greyhounds include things like rope toys, food dispensing toys, puzzle toys, and chew toys. We’ve made sure to select a variety of toys to suit the needs of any Greyhound personality to ensure that their human selects the right toy for them!
You’re going to know your Greyhound’s personality best, and therefore know which toys they’ll prefer compared to others. Some Greyhounds are more relaxed, while others tend to be more energetic. Regardless of their energy levels, though, it’s important to keep their minds sharp and bodies exercised with a balanced diet and proper toy choices.
Best Toys for a Greyhound
Hyper Pet Wildlife Critter Dog Toy
Key Features:
- Realistic creature
- Multiple creature designs
- Built-in squeaker
- Well-stuffed toy
Hyper Pet Wildlife Critter Dog Toy
The Hyper Pet Wildlife Critter Dog Toy is perfect for dogs who have a genetic history of hunting and love playing with squeaker toys.
While this Hyper Pet stuffed toy runs a little more high priced compared to other stuffed toys, it’s worth the investment. This realistic plush toy has a squeaker inside and is perfect for Greyhounds who love to play hunt. It comes in four different models as well: rabbit, Mallard duck, hedgehog, and chipmunk.
Hyper Pet guarantees that their toys meet and exceed the guidelines of child safety, so there’s no need to worry about how safe this is for your dog. In fact, the eyes and nose are embroidered instead of plastic, so there’s no choking hazard for your Greyhound.
However, even toys made of the most durable materials are not indestructible. Greyhounds who have a penchant for heavy chewing or a tendency to pull squeakers out of toys can still enjoy this but will need supervision. The last thing you want is your dog accidentally eating any of the stuffing!
The Hyper Pet Wildlife Critter Dog Toy is a perfect match for you if your Greyhound is a delicate chewer who loves pouncing on squeakers and play hunting.
KONG Extreme Dog Toy
Key Features:
- Made from all-natural, durable rubber
- Can stuff with treats
- Multiple sizes for all dog breeds
- Decently priced
KONG Extreme Dog Toy
The KONG Extreme dog toy is known for its nearly indestructible nature and tends to be a favorite among many different dog breed owners.
KONG dog toys are impressive for a variety of reasons, but especially because of their durable nature. While KONG makes a few different cone-shaped toys out of varying rubber materials, the Extreme line will be the best for your Greyhound, especially those who chew hard.
These dog toys are made in the USA from all-natural rubber, and the Extreme line features their most durable rubber yet. Depending on how hard your dog chews, there’s a possibility you won’t have to replace this toy for years. That means it’s a great investment for both you and your dog.
Each KONG comes with a 1-inch in diameter hole in the bottom that you can stuff treats into for extra fun and puzzle-solving for your Greyhound. Besides being a great fetch toy, stuffing treats can be a great way to help relieve separation anxiety as well because it keeps your dog distracted.
The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is an excellent choice at a reasonable price for both you and your Greyhound.
Ethical Pet Skinneeez Forest Series Fox Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
Key Features:
- Low price
- No stuffing
- Realistic design
- Machine washable
Ethical Pet Skinneeez Forest Series Fox Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
The Ethical Pet Skinneeez Forest Series Fox Stuffing-Free Squeaky Plush Dog Toy is a wonderful toy for dogs that tear into plush easily and enjoy toys with squeakers.
This Ethical Pet Skinneeez toy features a realistic fox design and comes in two different sizes: 14-in and 23-in. The realistic design satiates the natural hunting instinct many Greyhounds have, and no stuffing helps allow the toy to be flung around easily.
Besides being offered for a cheap price, this toy comes with a squeaker built into the tail of the fox. The fabric is high-quality and durable, so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing this toy. While wear and tear is inevitable, this toy has proven to stand up to some heavy chewing.
If your Greyhound has a habit of destroying toys to get to the squeaker, they can still enjoy this toy. Plus, you don’t have to worry about cleaning up any stuffing because this toy is stuffing free! It’s still a good idea to watch your dog while they play, but having no stuffing makes this toy a brilliant investment if your dog’s a destroyer.
The Ethical Pet Skinneeez Forest Series Fox Stuffing-Free Squeaky Plush Dog Toy is a superb choice for your Greyhound if they have a knack for taking out squeakers and throwing stuffing all over the place.
Spunky Pup Tennis Ball Squeaky Dog Ball Toy, Large
Key Features:
- Pack of three
- Squeakers embedded inside
- Non-abrasive exterior
- Great for all-terrain play
Spunky Pup Tennis Ball Squeaky Dog Ball Toy, Large
The Spunky Pup Tennis Ball Squeaky Dog Ball Toy is great for games of fetch in any kind of outdoor environment.
These tennis balls by Spunky Pup come in a pack of three, so you don’t have to worry about what to do if one breaks or is misplaced. They bounce and float so you can still have fun at the lake with this squeaky tennis ball.
Like we mentioned before, these tennis balls have squeakers built inside. In fact, these tennis balls have double-anchored squeakers to make sure they’re kept in place and don’t move. The exterior of these balls is non-abrasive and gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums.
While these balls come in three different sizes, we recommend getting the “large” size for your Greyhound. These balls are non-pressurized as well, meaning that if your dog does break into it, there’s no chance of them coming in contact with harmful gases and chemicals.
The Spunky Pup Tennis Ball Squeaky Dog Ball Toy is great for Greyhounds who like to run and sprint when playing fetch.
Chuckit! Pro Launcher Dog Toy
Key Features:
- Reasonable price
- Hands-free pickup during fetch
- One ball included
- Ergonomic handle
Chuckit! Pro Launcher Dog Toy
The Chuckit! Pro Launcher Dog Toy is a great match for owners and dogs who love playing fetch but don’t like touching slobbery tennis balls.
This toy could be for you or your Greyhound—we won’t tell! If you’re tired of bending over to pick up wet, slimy tennis balls, the Chuckit! Pro Launcher has got you covered, quite literally. Plus, this toy allows you to throw the ball 3x farther, meaning your Greyhound gets to run even faster and further than your usual games of fetch.
Because this toy is made for games of fetch and throwing long distances, it’s best to only use it outside in a dog park or wide-open spaces. Now when you’re out playing with your Greyhound, you don’t have to worry about your arm hurting from throwing so much—the launcher does it for you!
The Chuckit! Launcher also comes with one ball so you can immediately start playing with your dog. It’s got an ergonomic handle for comfortable use and control and is made of flexible, lightweight plastic. We recommend getting the 26L model because it will come with a large ball.
The Chuckit! Pro Launcher Dog Toy comes in a variety of colors and is perfect for Greyhounds who love to sprint and chase after tennis balls.
West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc Dog Toy
Key Features:
- Easy to clean
- Flies as well as hard plastic frisbee
- Softer than hard plastic
- Can bounce on impact
West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc Dog Toy
The West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc Dog Toy is perfect for dogs who love chasing frisbees.
This fun flying disc dog toy comes in two sizes: small and large. For your Greyhound, we recommend getting the “large” size. This easy to pick up flyer will change your games of fetch and toss-the-frisbee like never before thanks to its specially designed zogoflex material.
Zogoflex material is exclusive to the West Paw brand and ensures that this flying disc is softer on your dog’s mouth than hard plastic. The material can stretch without stretching itself out and can bounce upon impact, leading to even more fun for your dog thanks to the Zisc’s irregular movement.
The Zogoflex Zisc is BPA-free and Phthalate-free, non-toxic, and FDA compliant, so you don’t have to worry about your dog playing with any toxins. The flying disc is easy to clean because it’s dishwasher safe on the top rack. However, just like hard plastic frisbees, this isn’t a chew toy and should only be used for interactive play with your Greyhound.
The West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc Dog Toy is great for dogs who love to catch frisbees but need a softer material for their teeth and gums.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Game Dog Toy
Key Features:
- Mental stimulation for your dog
- Keeps them occupied while you’re away
- Easy to clean
- Interesting interactive play
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Game Dog Toy
The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Game Dog Toy is great if you want to give your dog’s brain more mental stimulation.
Greyhounds are incredibly intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp. This puzzle game is the perfect way to keep their minds engaged and active by hiding treats in different compartments. The difficulty can be adjusted depending on how much of a challenge you want to give your dog.
To adjust the difficulty, the game comes with bone-shaped pegs that you can insert into the outer edge of the game. This will lock blocks in place and make it more difficult for your dog to move the pieces and retrieve the treats inside. Once your dog removes the pegs, they can continue their search.
This toy is great for independent play for your Greyhound, but isn’t meant to be used without supervision. The Twister Puzzle game is meant for interactive play with your dog and should not be used as a chew toy. To clean it, simply wash and rinse with warm, soapy water.
The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Game Dog Toy is a great match for those trying to train their dogs and keep their minds active.
Overall Best Dog Toys for Greyhound Puppies
KONG Wubba Friend Dog Toy
Key Features:
- Easy to throw
- Built-in squeaker
- Great for interactive play
- Reinforced stitching
KONG Wubba Friend Dog Toy
The KONG Wubba Friend Dog Toy is a must-have for dogs who love to cuddle their toys but also play a mean game of tug-o-war with them.
This KONG Wubba friend toy is a decent price and can be used in a variety of ways. Given its soft, plushy exterior, it’s great for your dog to snuggle with at the end of the day. However, its extra floppy tails make it perfect for tug-o-war and tossing around for interactive play.
The Wubba friend is also made with tennis balls inside for extra bounce and squeak during play. It’s more durable than most plush toys thanks to its reinforced stitching, so you and your dog can enjoy it for a long time.
There are three unique designs of Wubba friend: brown bear, grey bunny, and tan fox. However, they are shipped at random, so we recommend getting the “large” size friend and awaiting the surprise right alongside your pup!
The KONG Wubba Friend Dog Toy is perfect for dogs who love soft, plush squeaker toys, but also love chewing on them too.
KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy
Key Features:
- Great price
- Varied textures
- Good for solo play
- Durable material
KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy
The KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy is a steal for dogs who love to throw and thrash around their toys.
KONG is known for making extremely durable toys, and while this Floppy Knots dog toy isn’t rubber, it’s still made of high-quality fabrics. This toy has internal knotted rope and squeakers with minimal stuffing, so it’s perfect for any Greyhound that loves to chew lots of different textures!
The Floppy Knots toy comes in two different designs: the bunny or the fox. Both designs are optimal for dogs who like to thrash and toss their toys around. This toy is great for solo play when you’re not around, and can make for great interactive play between you and your Greyhound.
With minimal stuffing, the Floppy Knots toy makes sure that if your dog destroys it, which can be inevitable at times, there is a low risk of your dog ingesting any stuffing. You can rest easy knowing that your dog has little to no risk of eating any revealed stuffing when you’re not around.
The KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy is ideal for you if your Greyhound loves to toss their toys and chew on a variety of different textures in one toy.
What to Look For In a Good Greyhound Toy
Greyhounds are fun companions who require as much mental and physical activity as any other large dog. Make sure you satisfy all their needs by getting a variety of different toys for them. From puzzle games to toys mimicking the prey they’d hunt in the wild, these toys are sure to please your Greyhound.
Stuffed toys with squeakers, or unstuffed toys with squeakers, are sure to please any Greyhound that loves to pounce and “hunt” prey. Rope toys help keep your Greyhound’s teeth clean, but some tennis ball toys also offer the same effect. Puzzle toys and food dispensing toys offer them a fun treat after the work of digging the treat out.
Tips for Playing With Your Greyhound
While the activity levels of every Greyhound vary based on their personality, we still recommend taking your Greyhound on a walk at least once a day. On your walk, you could play fun, mentally stimulating games like hide-and-seek with them.
Take their favorite toy, maybe one modeled after prey like rabbits or foxes, tell them to wait, hide it where they can’t see, and tell them to find it. It keeps their minds active while you’re already keeping them physically active with the walk.
You could also take them to an agility track, or at least an area with enough open space for them to sprint. Historically, Greyhounds were racing dogs, too, so many still have that love for running in their blood. Just make sure you’re in an area with a high-fence and/or a secure gate when you unleash them because the last thing you want is their hunting instinct kicking in and running after real prey.
| Greyhound Dog Toy Comparison Table | |||
| Rank | Toy | Price | Rating |
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#1 |
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$$ |
A+
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#2 |
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$$ |
A+
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#3 |
Ethical Pet Skinneeez Forest Series Fox Stuffing-Free Squeaky Plush Dog Toy |
$ |
A+
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#4 |
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$ |
A+
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#5 |
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$$ |
A
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#6 |
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$$ |
A
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#7 |
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$$ |
A
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Best for Puppies |
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$ |
A
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Best for Puppies |
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$ |
A
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Frequently Asked Questions
We know every dog owner has different questions regarding what’s best for their canine companion, but we’ve got a few key questions to help give guidance where you may feel confused.
Can’t I just buy a knock off toy? These are so expensive!
While you can buy knock-off toys, ultimately, you shouldn’t. Cheap knock offs of name brand dog toys can be made with harmful chemicals that hurt your dog. Plus, part of the price tag is always paying for quality, so buying a knock off pretty much ensures you’re getting a poor quality product.
Which dog toy is the best for my Greyhound?
Unfortunately, we can’t give you a concrete answer on what that is because your dog has a unique personality just like people do. Just observe your dog’s behavior and patterns. That will give you a guide on what toys they might enjoy, and which they’ll snub and leave behind.
Do Greyhounds need more exercise than other dogs?
No, this is a common misconception. Greyhounds are more “sprinters” than “runners,” so although they build up speed quickly, they don’t require more exercise by any means. One walk a day or dedicated active playtime once a day is enough to satisfy the activity needs of your Greyhound.
Conclusion
We hand-picked this list to make sure your Greyhound would be recommended the best possible toys on the market for their breed. We made sure these toys play into all aspects of their genetics and different personalities, so you can find the perfect match for your furry companion.
