Best Toys for German Shepherd Puppies

Your German Shepherd is a land shark…

It’s true!

They are one of the most mouthy breeds. With an insatiable desire to chew especially when they are very young.

If you already own a cuddly GSD puppy you know just how powerful their jaws are.

And if you’re about to invite a GSD pup into your home, it won’t be long before you know it too.

Either way, you want to keep your pup safe, stimulated and entertained.  But not all toys are created equal.  

You want strong, well-designed toys with your puppy’s safety and needs in mind.

Head straight to my detailed comparison table

The German Shepherd is an exceptional breed.  They are loyal, friendly and intelligent. But they need stimulation or you’ll have a destructive and depressed dog.

So, you need the best toys for German Shepherd puppies. And that’s what I’ll share with you today.

I’ve brought you the cream of the crop of puppy toys, and I’ll share the highs and lows of each toy with you.

And to help you make the right choices, I’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide and a comparison chart so you can compare these toys side-by-side.

Or use the links below and be magically transported to any section you’re interested in.

Quick Navigation Menu

1. Best Toys for German Shepherd Puppies – Comparison Table
2. Best Toys for German Shepherd Puppies Reviews
   • JW Pet Company Tanzanian Mountain Ball
   • West Paw Design Zogoflex Tux Dog Chew Toy
   • West Paw Design Zogoflex Bumi Dog Toy
   • ROGZ Pupz Da Bone Chew Toy
   • Kong Puppy Tires
3. Why Your German Shepherd Puppy Needs Toys?
4. How to Choose the Best Toy for Your German Shepherd Puppy – Buyer’s Guide
5. Final Conclusion

Best Toys for German Shepherd Puppies – Comparison Table

Best Toys for German Shepherd Puppies Reviews

JW Pet Company Tanzanian Mountain Ball

In our house, the Tanzanian Mountain Ball is like gold! It’s one of the favorites when it comes to playing fetch.

Design

The thing that drew me to this toy, to begin with, is its unique ridge design.

Dogs adore the texture of this ball. And like myself, other pooch owners report their pups get hours of fun with this imaginative toy.

The ridges on the ball make a soft whirring sound when it flies through the air. And that’s something my dogs go crazy for!

The ball is light so it can travel quite far through the air. And it has a good bounce. But not good enough to go flying over into the neighbor’s yard.

JW Pet Company has somehow managed to give this ball a delicious vanilla-like scent. Which is great to stimulate your dog’s powerful olfactory senses.

The combo of texture, sound, and scent is a real winner for my dogs.

Materials

The Tanzanian Mountain Ball is made from tough natural rubber and it’s biodegradable.

JW Pet Company is part of the Petmate Group. And that says a lot.

All their products are non-toxic and free from glues and other dangerous materials.

All JW Pet’s toys are made in the U.S.A. And they have a great reputation for testing their products for lead, mercury, and other nasties.

So you can feel relaxed that your German Shepherd puppy has a safe toy to play with.

How You can Use the Mountain Ball

A ball wouldn’t be a ball if it didn’t fly! And like I mentioned earlier, this mountain ball travels light through the air.

But, the Tanzanian Mountain ball is not just a great fetch toy. It floats too! So if you’re looking to teach your pup to swim, this ball will make a great reward during swimming lessons.

You can also use this ball as a puzzle game for your young pup…

Make a mix of organic peanut butter and mashed banana. Then fill the inside and the ridges of the ball with the mix and pop it in the freezer.

When you need something to keep your pup occupied and out of trouble while you’re busy, just hand them their Tanzanian Mountain Ball.

It’ll keep them busy!

Chewability

From my own experience, and from other pooch parents, this ball can take some light chewing.

Although my dogs haven’t managed to destroy these Tanzanian Mountain balls, they are not meant to be mauled.

They are great fun for young jaws and the ridges help to massage those painful little gums during teething.

Some reviewers on Amazon have complained about their dog chewing off chunks of rubber. But if you leave your puppy unattended for hours with this ball, it will be destroyed.

Are you struggling with your German Shepherd puppy biting?  Check out these 4 fun games to get biting under control.

Sizes

The regular version of this ball is bigger than a tennis ball, at about 3 inches in diameter. Making it the perfect size for medium to large breed dogs.

Conclusion

The thing I love the most about our Tanzanian Mountain Balls is their versatility. It can fly, float and handle chewing.

It also stimulates your dog’s sight, hearing, touch, taste, and sense of smell. Which is great for their development.

And any toy you can stuff with treats to keep your pup busy while your back is turned is a definite winner.

Some pooch parents say it can weigh a little heavy for smaller mouths. But give it a few weeks and you’ll see how quickly your German Shepherd puppy grows into the ball.

Like with any toy, there are always reports of dogs destroying them. But, as I mentioned before, this ball is not meant for mauling.

One thing I don’t like is the fact that you can’t choose the color you want. The varieties are black, green, and red.

So you won’t know what color you have until it arrives. But my dogs didn’t care about the colors when they were pups and they still don’t care.

They just digg the ball!

In my opinion and personal experience, the Tanzanian Mountain Ball is a winner.  

It’s definitely a top pick for the best toys for German Shepherd puppies. And it’s a must-have for every dog’s toy box.

See the JW Pet Tanzanian Mountain Ball on Amazon.

West Paw Design Zogoflex Tux Dog Chew Toy

West Paw Design toys are another favorite in our house. And if you’re looking for a strong, interactive toy for your German Shepherd puppy, this one should be on your list.

Design

The West Paw Zogoflex Tux has an ingenious tripod design that dogs love, love, love!

It’s got a hollow center which is ideal for treat stuffing to keep your pup stimulated and entertained for hours.

It’s available in 4 funky colors – tangerine, aqua, granny smith, and black. So, this flexible toy won’t be easily lost in the snow, grass, or beach.

West Paw runs such a cool operation! They have real heart at the center of their business.

There’s a massive emphasis on corporate responsibility and real respect for the environment.

Materials

With West Paw, you’re buying quality. The Tux, like all their toys, is made in the USA and is FDA approved. This means it’s certified to a food use standard.

I love how safe the Tux is. It’s non-toxic, BPA-and-Phthalate-free – there are no nasties here.

And, it’s super simple to keep clean. Just pop it in the dishwasher! This helps to keep the inside pouch clean and hygienic.

All West Paw Design’s toys are made in America. Which is great for the economy. Their toys are also recyclable so they’re kind to the environment too.

How You can Use the Tux

The Tux is a multi-functional toy.

It’s great for a game of fetch. And because if its unique design, you can expect crazy bouncing!

Which will send your pup into an excited frenzy as they zigzag around trying to catch it.

The Tux floats too, so a game of fetch in the pool, stream, pond or river is not out of the question.

The treat pouch is ideal for filling with a yummy treat and letting your pup figure out how to get at it.

Of course, you already know about filling it with peanut butter. But try something like organic yogurt or even beef jerk to spice things up.

A Tux with frozen treats will prolong the fun! So, remember to pop the Tux into the freezer.

Handing your pup a frozen Tux is so much more challenging to figure out.

The Tux makes a great chew toy. And since your German Shepherd is a land shark finding good chew toys is important.

Chewing stimulates them mentally and physically so you want something that can take the heat. And the West Paw Tux is no stranger to chewing pups.

Chewability

Even dogs who see it as their life’s mission to destroy every toy which comes their way have been thwarted by the Tux!

Of course, nothing lasts forever!  But the Tux does a pretty fine job at staying in one piece. Even when tormented by the most enthusiastic of chewers.

What’s for sure though, is your shoes and sofas will thank you for the distraction!

Although the Tux is tough, you’ll be happy to know it’s soft enough not to harm your pup’s delicate gums and teeth.

Even if your pup manages to make a dent in the surface, the Tux stays surprisingly strong.

West Paw is so convinced by the durability of the Tux that they offer a no quibble guarantee. They will replace your Tux free of charge if you are unhappy with its performance.

Although I’ve never had to ask for a replacement of out West Paw toys, but it is a nice touch to know that I can.

Sizes

The West Paw Tux is a one size fits all toy and totals 5 inches.

Conclusion

I can’t find much wrong with the West Paw Tux.

Although, I’ve noticed many customers mention that dry kibble tends to fall out too easily. This can put a quick end to a game that’s supposed to last.

But if you use things like frozen peanut butter, mashed banana or organic yogurt, you’ll be good to go.

Overall I love the West Paw Tux. I think it’s well designed and has multi-functions. I

t’s tough but not dangerous. It does its job exceptionally well and it’s good value for money.

The Tux is by far the top pick if you’re looking for the best toys for German Shepherd puppies.

See the West Paw Design Zogoflex Tux on Amazon.

West Paw Design has been around for over 20 years.  Check out this cool video of your puppy’s toys are made…

West Paw Design Zogoflex Bumi Dog Toy

Okay, so I’ve already admitted that West Paw Design toys are coveted in our house.

And not only by my dogs, I love them too!

Design

The Bumi is another fantastic toy from the USA designer and dog toymaker, West Paw.

This toy has a fun S-shaped design. So it stretches like super-strong gum to twice its length then snaps right back into place.

It comes in the bright colors that West Paw is known for – aqua, tangerine and granny smith. We have an orange one.

And I love it because there’s no hunting around to find the Bumi. I can easily spot it inside or outside the house.

West Paw makes high quality, innovative pet products, and the Bumi is no exception.

Materials

I love how soft and pliable West Paw made the Bumi. It’s perfect for the soft mouth of your puppy.

It’s a much better choice than a rope for example, which can cause chafing and bleeding.

While it is soft though, the Bumi is also highly durable and made to last. And although my dogs are over their puppy phase, they still love the Bumi.

Since the toy is going to be in your dog’s mouth a lot, you’ll be happy to know it’s toxin-free.

The Bumi has some good credentials, just what you’d expect from West Paw Designs…

It’s made in the United States. It’s BPA and Phthalate-free, and FDA compliant.

The Bumi is made from recycled materials and it’s super easy to clean too. Just pop it in the dishwasher.

Although I give ours a good wash with hot water after each use and let it air dry.

How You can Use the Bumi

The Bumi is a pretty versatile toy too. It’s the kind of toy that appeals to the intelligence of your German Shepherd. And it’s great for growing puppies.

I use it as a fetch toy either in the yard or at the dog park. The Bumi is a little on the heavy side. I mean if it’s going to be used as a tug toy it better be solid!

Its weight means it doesn’t travel that far when you’re playing fetch. But that makes it a great fetch toy for your back yard where you have less space.

It’s also great for playing fetch in the water. Yes! It floats like a dream.

Some folks like to use it to play tug-o-war with their dogs. But I’m not a fan. The Bumi gets quite slippery from dog slobber making it difficult to grip.

But my 2 dogs Zè and Lexi love playing tug-o-war together using the Bumi. So I leave that up to them. It’s amazing how far they stretch that Bumi and it’s still in one piece!

Chewability

There are mixed reviews about the chewability of the Bumi. Although, our Bumi has been around for over 2 years and is constantly taking a beating with no major problems.

Except for the normal wear-and-tear. In fact, our Bumi helped me raise Lexi and she’s always got the Bumi nearby.

It’s not easy for my grown dogs to sink their teeth into the Bumi. But, some pooch parents have reported that their Bumi came apart leaving pieces behind.

But I’ll bet my bottom dollar it’s because they left their dog unsupervised.

If you leave them alone long enough they’ll destroy anything!

Sizes

The Bumi comes in 2 sizes. The 8 inch one is considered a small size. And I recommend it for pups under 3 months.

I say this because the Bumi is on the heavy side as I mentioned.

So the large size might be too heavy for your pup to enjoy interacting with.

The large size with is 9.5 inches is perfect for pups older than 12 weeks.

Conclusion

The Bumi is a cool dog toy. Its interesting shape and multi-functions make it perfect for your highly intelligent German Shepherd puppy.

I like the fact that I know where it’s made and that the company making them is so focused on the well-being of my dogs.

It makes an ideal fetch toy on land or in water. I think it’s a toy you could let your pup chew on to stimulate them and help with those painful gums.

But I don’t agree that it’s a great tug toy for humans. It just gets too slippery from doggy slobber. But for 2 dogs, it’s the ideal tug-o-war toy.

The Bumi is part of our dog’s toy box and it’s definitely one that should be in on your list of best toys for your German Shepherd puppy.

Check out this cool video from West Paw Design, featuring Hurley, Tux, and Bumi.

See the West Paw Design Zogoflex Bumi on Amazon.

ROGZ Pupz Da Bone Chew Toy

 

Rogz has a special place in my heart! Their selection of Da Bone toys helped me raise both Zèzè and Lexi.

Design

Rogz Pupz Da Bone is an awesome bone series of different sizes designed for puppies and they move into different age groups.

Naturally, it’s shaped like a bone and is perfectly sized for puppies to play and enjoy.

Both my dogs teethed on Pupz Da Bones. They’re soft enough to protect your German Shepherd’s young gums and teeth.

But tough enough to stimulate their need to chew, chew, chew and build jaw strength.

Did you know that a strong jaw will help your German Shepherd’s ears perk up?

But these Da Bones are not only for chewing! There’s a handy hollow through the center of the bone.

So you can stuff it with kibble, treats, peanut butter, or anything else your pup loves to keep interest up and tails wagging.

I love the color range of the Pupz Da Bone toys. There are 5 funky colors to choose from – pink, blue, red, orange or lime green.

This makes them easy to find no matter where they are – even at the bottom of the pool!

Materials

If you’re like me, what goes into your dog’s mouth is important, whether it’s food or toys. So, you’ll be happy to know that Da Pupz is made from natural rubber.

And just like the Tanzanian Mountain Ball these bones also have a scent. But this time it’s baby powder.

Since your puppy has a powerful nose this scent will stimulate their olfactory senses.

Cleaning the Pupz Da Bone toys is super simple. I wash mine in hot water with a little organic soap.

But these babies are dishwasher safe. So if you prefer, just pop them in your dishwasher!

How You can Use the Pupz Da Bonez

You’ve probably noticed by now that Rogz Da Pupz bone toys are my go-to toys for puppies.

They are excellent toys for a game of fetch. And because of their shape, they have an unpredictable bounce which keeps games lively and fun.

They are not the lightest of toys, but they are easy to throw. And because they’re designed for puppies, your pooch should be able to fetch and carry without any problems.

There are so many puppy toys that you can stuff with treats. But they all have a flaw. The treats fall out too easily.

But the Pupz Da Bone is different…

The opening on either end is wide enough to easily get whatever treat your pup likes inside. But the magic is, the hollow becomes more narrow in the middle of the bone.

The narrowing means your pup has to work hard to get everything out. And that’s what you want!

Think about it…

If you want your pup to stay busy while you quickly turn your back you want something that’s going to make them stay focused.

Chewability

I love the way that Rogz rate their toys on a Bite-o-Meter scale so you can know what durability to expect.

Ranging from #1 being Super Soft to # 5 being Super Hard. It’s fun but it’s also a useful guide to help you pick the right one.

The Pupz Da Bone # 4 which is rated as hard is the most popular choice. Most puppy parents report that their pups have a robust play with this toy and that it lives to see the next day intact.

Here’s a picture of the last Rogz I used to get my pups through their chewing phase.  Once it broke in half I confiscated it.

But it took over 3 years before it started disintegrating!

Sizes

The Pupz Da Bone toys are available in three sizes:

• Small at 4 inches.
• Medium at 6 inches.
• Large at 8 inches.

Conclusion

These toys are tough as nails. But soft enough to protect your puppy’s teeth and gums. I love that Rogz has made a range just for puppies.

And their bite-o-meter and the choice of sizes makes it even easier to pick the right bone for your pup.

There are not hundreds of published reviews on this product available. But I’ve had first-hand experience with this Rogz range for puppies.

And I’ve raised 2 land sharks with them!

So I can tell you first hand, these are some of the best toys for German Shepherd puppies.

Although I love how the hollow narrows in the center of the bone, it does mean you need to pick your treats well.

Tip: to fill your Rogz Da Pupz Bone with a yummy mix like peanut butter and banana, simply use a piping bag. The same one you’d use to frost a cake.

A huge thumbs up from me here!

See the Rogz Da Pupz Bones on Amazon.

Kong Puppy Tires

Kong toys are probably the most famous of dog toys. And the tire toy has been around for 36 years. So it’s understandable that the brand and its toys are loved by pooches and their humans!

Design

The tire was designed to keep Fritz, the founder of Kong’s German Shepherd busy while Joe Markham worked on his VW.

Designed originally for a German Shepherd! Yup, it’s a must-have and a keeper.

The toy is a simple tire shape with a textured outside and a stuffable inner layer.  So you’ve got a durable toy that stimulates your pup’s sense of touch, smell, and working drive all in one toy.

Materials

Once you hold the Kong Puppy tire in your hands, you’ll see that the Kong natural rubber is of good quality and built to last.

The rubber in the puppy version is softer and more malleable than the adult model and is ideal for soothing sore puppy gums.  

The rubber is kind to your puppy’s tender puppy mouth.  But it’s still durable.

The chew comes in two shades – pale blue or baby pink. Not much variety there but I don’t think your puppy will care about the color. Although, blue is easier for dogs to see.

How You can Use the Kong Puppy Tire

The Kong Puppy tire will teach your little pup good chewing habits.

Give them something safe, satisfying, and appropriate to chew on and you’re shoes, furniture and limbs will be safe from unwanted and painful gnawing.

The Kong Puppy tire is also fantastic fun too for games of fetch. It will roll merrily along flat surfaces giving it that unpredictable feature. And keeping your pup on their toes.

The stuffable inner layer is a great bonus. I suggest filling the tire with low cal healthy snacks such as carrot, apple, or ground meats.

Or cover it in unsalted broth and then freeze. So, when you want your pup to have some calm time, just pop the tire out of the freezer and you’ll have a happy pup on your hands.

Well, for a good while as they tease out the snacks inside.

Chewability

The puppy friendly rubber in this Kong product is made to chew on. And in my opinion second to the Rogz Da Pupz the only toy with chewing in mind.

Chewing stimulates your puppy in ways you can’t imagine. It feeds into their natural instincts and working drive.

And strong jaws are important to get those ears up.

Sizes

The Kong tire for puppies is available in 3 sizes.

• Small.
• Medium.
• Large.

I recommend going either with the medium if your pup is still very young. Or the large for an older pup.

Remember to adjust the size of the toy as your pet grows and make sure that it remains size appropriate.

Conclusion

Kong is proud of the toys they produce and the proof of the quality can be seen in the fact that they have been trading for over three decades.

As reassurance, they offer a 30-day return policy if you aren’t happy with your product.

On the downside, you can’t choose the color, not that your dog will mind that but you the owner might.

I’ve also read some reports complaining of a strong and off-putting rubberized smell on the product.

And there are some complaints about the product arriving poorly packaged and grubby. These grumbles do seem to be a minority though.

Personally, I think the texture on the tire could be toned down a little.  I think it’s too rough and can easily cause bleeding gums if your pup is a heavy chewer.

Overall the Kong tire is not a bad toy, it’s just not the kind of toy I’d choose for my puppy.

See the Kong Puppy Tire on Amazon.

Are you worried about your puppy’s floppy ears?  Check out these 7 ways you can help those ears perk up.

Why Your German Shepherd Puppy Needs Toys?

These guys just love to chew. Chairs, table legs, sofa cushions, door frames, fence posts, slippers, ornaments, school bags. You name it, it’s all fair game for a GSD pup.

I’ve had to pay to repair a sofa and a cherry wood dining chair.  I’ve also had to replace a few pairs of shoes and slippers, my laptop charger, and my cell phone.

Here’s what Lexi did to my cell phone when she was about 5 months old…

There are several reasons for this insatiable desire to chew.

Firstly, teething is painful!  Even human babies find it uncomfortable, and your GSD puppy does too!

Especially around the gum area and a good chomp on something hard will ease the discomfort.

Secondly, it’s just in their nature. They inherited sharp teeth and powerful jaws from their wolf forefathers.  

And strong jaws ensured survival, and this is an instinct that domesticated animals still have today.

And they still have the desire to work, tear, gnaw and rip.

When it comes to chewing though, there are other more social reasons why a dog loves to chew.

Much like a little kid hanging around the house in the holidays getting up to no good. A puppy gets bored if they don’t have lots of stimulation.

And what better way than to get their jaws into action gnawing on anything and everything.

So, unless you want your house and all the contents with ragged, soggy edges invest in some durable and entertaining toys.

Dogs like fun and play. A lively, well-socialized dog will love nothing more than an energetic game of fetch.

Toys with texture, shapes, movement usually end up being some of the best toys for German Shepherd puppies.

If your pup loves nothing more than plunging into the nearest pond, be sure to look for toys that float – fetching and swimming – the perfect way to pass a perfect doggy afternoon!

How to Choose the Best Toy for Your German Shepherd Puppy – Buyer’s Guide

Design

Dog toys come in all shapes and sizes which is great news for your pet as it gives you a wide range of options to choose from.

Unusual shapes may well go down a treat with your dog but never overlook the golden oldie of the bone-shaped toy, a perennial favorite for pups.

I always like to look at the background of the company selling the toys.

Those manufacturers who have a proven interest in animal welfare and respect for quality and the environment will most often have the very best products on the market.

They are not just out for the quick buck but have a stake in building a sustainable, trustworthy brand where pet safety and happiness is key.

Materials

You want to look for natural materials in your dog toy and this is extra important for young puppies. A toy that’s going to spend a lot of time in your pup’s mouth must be toxin-free.

A product labeled BPA and Phthalate-free and is FDA compliant has been carefully tested and is a sign of a quality product.

How can You Use the Toy

Many toys will aim to serve several purposes. Puppies love nothing more than a fun game of fetch or a tug-o-war in the back garden.

Many toys work for this purpose and act as a handy treat dispenser. Any toy can be used as a chew toy.

But…

Is it meant for chewing?

Is it durable?

Is it safe?

Your puppy is going to chew, no matter what you do.  So make sure the toys you buy can withstand at least some chewing.

Chewability

All toys are not made equal. You already know your German Shepherd pup is an enthusiastic chewer.

So anything less than good quality, a robust toy made from strong materials just won’t last the wag of your dog’s tail.

You’ll be wasting your hard-earned greenbacks because you’ll be buying endless replacements. And cheap, low-quality toys are dangerous.

If pieces break off, it’s a potential choking hazard.

Sizes

Most toys come in different sizes so there’s a good variety of choices in the marketplace.

A toy should be big enough for your GSD pup to enjoy. But not too heavy for their developing mouth.

As your pup grows update your selection. If a toy is too small it could also be a danger.

You can pass the toys that are too small for your pup on to your local shelter. They are always very happy for toys to keep their residents happy and stimulated.

Final Conclusion

Now you’ve seen what’s available out there and you know what to look for in a good chew toy. You can have peace of mind knowing your puppy is safe.

You can now go ahead and shop with confidence to pick out the best toys for your German Shepherd puppy. Hours of happy chewing, catching, and mental stimulation lie ahead!

Check out my top choices for the best toys for German Shepherd puppies on Amazon…
Rogz Da Pupz.
West Paw Design Tux.
West Paw Design Bumi.