10 Best Toys for Australian Cattle Dogs In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
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Australian Cattle dogs are hard-working dogs that have bundles of energy and tons of stamina. They will work in the fields all day, herding cattle and running around, and still be ready to play fetch in the evening. They are also very intelligent dogs, which means they need a lot of mental stimulation, especially if they are not being used as working dogs. This combination means that toys will form an important part of a pet Australian Cattle Dog’s daily life. As well as fetch toys, you should consider interactive toys to exercise your dog’s mind as well as its body.
Below are 10 of the best toys for Australian Cattle Dogs to help with physical exercise and mental stimulation.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Kong Squeakair Balls Packs Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
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Hyper Pet K9 Kannon K2 Tennis Ball Launcher Interactive Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
| Best for Puppies |
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Benebone Fishbone Dog Chew Toy |
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Check Price |
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Kong Classic Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Toys for Australian Cattle Dogs
1. Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy – Best Overall
| Toy Type: | Ball |
| Material: | Rubber |
Australian Cattle Dogs love to run and they have plenty of energy and stamina to do so. While they would prefer to be herding animals or even people, they will happily chase after a ball or other toy. The Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy is designed for fetch.
It is weighted for lengthy throws, and it floats so if it does land in a pond, lake, or other body of water, your Blue Heeler will be able to spot it and grab it easily. It is also brightly colored which further helps make it easy to locate, which can be beneficial for you as well as your pup. The balls come in packs of two and are well-priced. Rubber balls like these tend to be harder wearing than tennis balls, which are too easily torn to shreds for some dogs. And, if you want greater distance on your throws or to expend less energy launching the ball, these are compatible with the Chuckit! Launcher and are our choice as the best overall toy for Australian Cattle Dogs.
However, while they are more durable than some lightweight balls, the rubber won’t be much of a match for an aggressive chewer, if you leave the toy with your dog all day.
- Reasonable price for two balls
- Designed to float so suitable for the beach
- Compatible with the Chuckit! launcher for longer throws
- Rubber won’t withstand vigorous chewing
2. Kong Squeakair Balls Packs Dog Toy – Best Value
| Toy Type: | Balls |
| Material: | Rubber, Felt |
If you take your dog for games of fetch in the park or on the beach and take the ball back when you’re finished, it will prolong the life of the ball because it prevents it from getting chewed up. If so, standard tennis balls are a good toy idea. They are inexpensive, making them the best toy for Australian Cattle Dogs for the money. They fly through the air well, so they give your dog good exercise, and their bright coloring makes them easy to spot. They also tend to float, although it does depend on the design of the ball and the condition it is in.
Kong Squeakair Balls are similar to standard tennis balls except they also have a squeaker inside, combining two types of toys that dogs love. The softer material of the tennis ball also means that the toy shouldn’t do any damage to your dog’s teeth or mouth, and they are very well-priced. However, it doesn’t take much for a Heeler to chew through the tennis ball design.
- Cheap
- Comes in a pack of two
- Combines a squeaker with the throwable tennis ball design
- Easily destroyed
3. Hyper Pet K9 Kannon K2 Tennis Ball Launcher Interactive Dog Toy – Premium Choice
| Toy Type: | Launcher |
| Material: | Plastic |
The Hyper Pet K9 Kannon K2 Tennis Ball Launcher Interactive Dog Toy is a tennis ball launcher with a difference. Pull the handle back, load the tennis ball, and fire it up to 70 feet. The further you pull the handle back, the further the ball will fly, so you can use this in parks, or, by pulling the handle back less, you can safely use it in a garden without the fear of losing the ball.
You can also use the launcher to pick the ball up, so you don’t have to get wet, slippery slobber all over your hands. And there is storage for two tennis balls, so including one in the chute, you can carry three. The launcher is compatible with standard tennis balls and comes with one tennis ball specially designed to be safe for your dog and kind to their teeth.
The launcher is expensive and although the manufacturer claims it can launch balls up to 70 feet, it is a struggle to get close to this distance, but it is still a good option for those who struggle to throw tennis balls.
- Launch tennis balls without throwing them
- Includes one compatible tennis ball
- Works with standard tennis balls
- Expensive
- Doesn’t fire balls as far as advertised
4. Benebone Fishbone Dog Chew Toy – Best for Puppies
| Toy Type: | Chew Toy |
| Material: | Nylon |
Like most breeds, Australian Cattle Dogs love to chew and almost like most dogs, they can make quick work of feeble chews. Nylon chews tend to last longer than rubber, but they need to smell good to attract your dog. The Benebone Fishbone Dog Chew Toy is infused with the smell and taste of real salmon so it will appeal to your dog. As well as being a tough chew toy, the Benebone’s nylon design helps control plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.
The nylon chew comes in a variety of sizes and is reasonably priced, while the addition of real salmon makes it more appealing than most other nylon chews. It will be especially useful to young puppies who are constantly looking for something to chew, and it could save household items that would otherwise come under fire. However, it is heavy, and it still won’t appeal to some dogs.
- Reasonable price
- Durable nylon chew
- Flavored with real salmon
- Nylon chews don’t appeal to all dogs
- Heavy
5. Kong Classic Dog Toy
| Toy Type: | Treat Dispenser |
| Material: | Rubber |
The Kong Classic Dog Toy really is a classic and Kongs can be found in dog households across the world. The rubber toy is soft if your dog does try and chew it, but it does a very good job of standing up to even the heaviest chewer. Fill the Kong with treats or biscuits and pack the end with a little peanut butter and it will keep your dog busy while you’re out or while you get on with your daily chores.
The shape of the toy also means that it bounces unpredictably, so if your dog throws it around trying to get the last of its contents out, it will keep them active and on their toes. Kongs come in a good variety of sizes, and they are tough rubber toys, but no toy is truly indestructible and yours may chew through this one. They’re also quite expensive, but they do tend to last longer than the cheaper alternatives.
- Fill with treats and keep your dog entertained
- The rubber is tough but also pliable and bouncy
- Awkward shape means an unpredictable bounce
- Expensive for a rubber toy
- Not indestructible
6. SunGrow Boredom & Separation Anxiety Relief Stimulation Treat Dispensing Cat & Dog Toy
| Toy Type: | Treat Dispenser |
| Material: | Plastic |
Treat dispensing toys really do keep dogs entertained, but only as long as the treats inside last. Once the toy is empty and has shed its load, the dog will likely get bored again. The SunGrow Boredom & Separation Anxiety Relief Stimulation Treat Dispensing Cat & Dog Toy is a plastic egg-shaped toy that holds treats and dispenses them slowly over time.
The size of the opening can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of treats, and you can even combine treat sizes so your dog gets some treats quickly and doesn’t give up but will have to work harder rolling and throwing the toy around to get more. It can be a great way to slow a dog that wolfs its food down and because it makes your dog think, it is also an effective way of keeping dogs entertained and even helping to prevent anxiety and stress.
However, clever dogs will work out how to move the slider to empty the contents quickly, and this can happen if the ball is rolled in a certain way.
- Treat dispensing toy works as a slow feeder
- The challenge can prevent separation anxiety and boredom
- Slider enables you to increase or decrease the size of the opening
- Slider sometimes opens when the ball is rolled
- Your dog might figure out how to fully open the slider
7. Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy
| Toy Type: | Treat Dispenser |
| Material: | Plastic |
The Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy is another interactive treat dispensing toy but rather than dispensing treats as your dog throws it around, as is the case with Kongs and other similar toys, this one encourages your dog to push it around and nose at it. It has a weighted base so won’t fall over completely, and this weighted mechanism also brings some unpredictability to the movement of the toy that will keep your dog guessing.
The difficulty level can be changed, according to how easily you want your dog to get to the treats and the size of the treats themselves, but this is an expensive toy and if you have a particularly aggressive chewer, they will likely chew the top off to get to the treats.
- Encourages nosing, pawing, and pushing
- Difficult level can be raised or lowered
- Weighted base prevents it from falling over
- Expensive
- Top can be chewed off
8. Chuckit! Paraflight Dog Toy
| Toy Type: | Frisbee |
| Material: | Rubber, Nylon |
The Chuckit! Paraflight Dog Toy is a fetch toy. It is a frisbee design made with a rubber rim and a nylon interior that is safe for dogs’ teeth but appealing for them to chase. The design also makes it easy to toss and throw. It also floats in water, so it can be used on the beach or around other bodies of water, and the bright color makes it easy for you and your dog to find it.
It is reasonably priced, and its design means that it can be thrown a good distance to keep your Heeler entertained, but you will likely need to take it off your dog between play sessions because it is easily destroyed by strong chewers.
- Safe and gentle on dog’s teeth
- Aerodynamic design means it can be thrown far
- Reasonable price
- Easily chewed and destroyed
9. Kong Floppy Knots Dog Toy
| Toy Type: | Rope Toy |
| Material: | Rope |
You should never leave your dog unattended with rope toys and if they start to shred the bits, take the toy away straight away. However, ropes are good for chewing because they are not as easily destroyed as toys made from other materials. The Kong Floppy Knots Dog Toy is made from rope materials formed in the shape of a choice of different animals. There is also a squeaker inside to add further appeal for your dog.
The toy is reasonably priced, has a fun look, and comes in a choice of sizes, but you will have to keep an eye on your dog while they are playing with this because it is still destructible, and you don’t want to leave your dog unattended with a fraying rope toy.
- Reasonable price
- Good choice of designs and sizes
- Squeaker adds extra appeal
- Easy to destroy
- Dogs shouldn’t be left unattended with rope toys
10. Nylabone Power Chew Lobster Dog Toy
| Toy Type: | Chew |
| Material: | Nylon |
The Nylabone Power Chew Lobster Dog Toy is a nylon chew toy shaped like a lobster and colored red. Its shape means that there are three ends to grab hold, so it can be used as a tug toy as well as a general chew toy. It is also a textured rubber which means that it rubs against the teeth and helps fight plaque buildup.
It is a decent price for a big chew toy, but large dogs that are power chewers may make quick work of even the large version of this toy. If your dog isn’t an aggressive chewer, it will last longer, and its design makes it an appealing choice of toy.
- Decent price
- Textured chew toy helps fight plaque buildup
- Three chewable ends make it a good toy for chewing, throwing, and tugging
- Easily destroyed by powerful chewers
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Toys For Australian Cattle Dogs
Australian Cattle Dogs are strong, incredibly energetic, and very intelligent. Raised to herd cattle, they are still used as herders today, but they can also make great family pets for the right owners. They do need a lot of attention and plenty of exercise, but they are loyal and can be quite protective of their families. They will appreciate being involved in family activities, especially if those activities involve running or exercising in any way.
Toys can help your Heeler meet its daily exercise requirements while providing mental stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety. Particular favorites include fetch toys and launchers because they encourage running, chew toys and treat toys, and interactive toys that exercise your intelligent dog’s brain as well as their body.
About The Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred in the mid 19th Century to herd cattle over large distances. They were expected to deal with unruly, virtually wild cattle, resulting in the Cattle Dog using more aggressive herding techniques than other herder breeds. The nicknames Blue Heeler and Red Heeler come from the color of the dog and the fact that they would nip at the heels of cattle to encourage them to move. This nipping may be present in pet Cattle Dogs, and you will need to train it out of the dog before it becomes a problem.
This medium-sized breed is active and agile, both physically and mentally, and you will need to satiate the desire for exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom and potentially disruptive behavior. Consider canine sports like agility and especially flyball or frisbee to meet your Cattle Dog’s needs.
The Blue Heeler’s Favored Toy Types
As well as enrolling in canine sports and ensuring your dog gets enough exercise via walking, hiking, and even jogging, you should ensure that it has a good supply of toys. Toys can prevent separation anxiety, which is fairly common in the breed, and boredom while providing entertainment and encouraging physical and mental alertness. The following types of toys will prove popular with most Australian Cattle Dogs.
- Fetch Toys and Launchers – Fetch is a popular game with a lot of dog breeds but especially with highly energetic dogs like the Heeler. Throwing a tennis ball is an option, and there are plenty of balls designed with a softer exterior lining that is more sympathetic to a dog’s mouth. You can also buy manual launchers, like slings, as well as mechanical and even electrical launchers.
- Chew Toys – The Heeler will be prone to nipping, at least initially but potentially throughout its life. Offering chew toys in place of heels and feet can help divert attention, but the Heeler has a strong jaw and can make short work of a lot of ordinary dog toys. Chew toys are a great alternative to rope and ball toys, and those made from nylon and strengthened rubber are especially durable options.
- Interactive Toys – The Heeler is highly active, but the dog doesn’t rely solely on its physical prowess. This highly intelligent dog needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise, and interactive toys can help meet those needs. Interactive toys require that the dog interact with them, typically to get some kind of treat reward. The Kong treat toy is probably the best-known, although it is fairly basic compared to some of the puzzles and other toys available.
Features to Look For
It is a good idea to have a selection of toys for your dog and rotate new ones in while taking old ones out. That way, you can reintroduce old toys so that your dog sees them as being new and enjoys playing with them again. It saves overwhelming your pup with too many toys at once and means you don’t have to keep buying brand new toys every time they get bored of the old ones.
When choosing toys, as well as opting for the relevant type, you should also consider some of the following features.
Durability
The Heeler has a relentless attitude so when it comes to toys, they need to be tough and durable. Rubber is a good material but can still be chewed if your dog is a power chewer. While no toy is truly indestructible, nylon chews and bones tend to last longer than those made of other materials.
Material
As well as determining the durability of the toy, the material used in its construction also affects other factors. While rope toys can be good for chewing, you shouldn’t leave a dog unattended with one because once the rope starts to fray it can become quite dangerous. Nylon chew toys are robust but they don’t tend to bounce or roll well. Rubber bounces, which can add excitement and unpredictable movement to rubber toys, but they can be destroyed by strong teeth.
Frequent Asked Questions
How Much Exercise Do Australian Cattle Dogs Need a Day?
Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to work the fields all day, and even if you keep one as a family pet, you will need to meet the incredibly physical demands of the breed. Expect to provide a minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day. Some of this can include walks, but some should include more rigorous exercise. Look at canine sports like agility as well as flyball and other more taxing sports.
Anything that exercises the Herder’s physical and mental capabilities is good exercise. They excel in stamina-based events, as well as physical events like flyball. You can also enter herding events, take your Cattle Dog running and hiking, and get in the park with a ball or frisbee to burn off some more energy.
Can Australian Cattle Dogs Run Long Distances?
Originally bred by Australian settlers, Australian Cattle Dogs are used to herding up large numbers of cattle across very large areas. They can walk and run long distances and will almost certainly outlast their owners in any kind of endurance or stamina event. Your Cattle Dog will join you on early morning runs, play in the garden all day, and still have more than enough energy to take part in flyball in the evening.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good Family Dogs?
Once they have bonded with their humans, Australian Cattle Dogs are extremely loyal. They can suffer separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long and are not given some kind of task or game to keep their minds active during this time. However, the breed can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is important. The breed also tends to herd and may nip at heels, which means
Conclusion
The Australian Cattle Dog is a hard-working, highly energetic, and intelligent dog. It needs toys, as well as regular exercise and stimulation, to ensure it stays fit and healthy. There is a good selection of toys that are suitable, especially including fetch toys and interactive toys, and we have included reviews of 10 of the best toys for Australian Cattle Dogs above.
The Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy is inexpensive, easy to throw long distances, and is compatible with the Chuckit! Launcher. The Kong Squeakair Balls Packs Dog Toy combines the popular tennis ball design with an internal squeaker for extra appeal.
Featured Image Credit: Iryna Dobrovynska, Shutterstock
