Barking Up the Right Tree: 25 Best Dog Toys for Kids

Barking Up the Right Tree: 25 Best Dog Toys for Kids

One good way to get your kid excited to have pets in their lives is to provide them with toys that are in line with the particular pet you have in mind for your household. This particular article is focused on dog toys. They’re cute, cuddly, and most important, they are known for being mankind’s best friend.

Toys are a fairly big deal when it comes to a child’s personal development and the foundation of their own form of identity. They also can help your child increase their enjoyment of learning and contribute to their intellectual growth.

Here are the best dog toys for kids and toddlers on the market. Are you ready? Let us help you ‘fetch’ the best dog-related toys of 2022!

Top 25 Best Dog Toys for Kids and Toddlers 2023

1. Best Overall Dog Toy: VTech Pull and Sing Puppy

VTech Pull and Sing Puppy

Why we like it: This puppy is on the move! Sound and lights motivate your child to take action with this adorable dog toy.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is a pretty simple dog toy that is suitable for young toddlers. A simple push or pull on the dog’s “leash” activates the toy. This product has an educational foundation: it teaches numbers, colors, body parts and much more. Containing over 60 songs and cute phrases, this is the perfect dog toy for your little toddler that’s always on-the-go.

Pros

  • Colorful lights and sounds when in use
  • Promotes motor skills
  • The toy only needs two AA batteries for long-term use

Cons

  • The leash portion is a bit too short for some children's height

2. VTech Care for Me Learning Carrier

VTech Care for Me Learning Carrier

Why we like it: It's a cute and compact plush animal dog carrier that's stylish, pink and chock-full of accessories.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is a full-fledged doghouse playset that allows your child to not only transport their favorite canine plush pal wherever they go, but there’s also a huge level in interactivity that is embedded into the mobile doghouse itself. Each and every button on this product does something in particular, whether it’s lighting up on a press or creating a sound or phrase when interacted with. This is the perfect gift that not only develops your child’s motor skills but also provides a very useful transportation carrier for extended car trips, vacations etc.

Pros

  • There are lots of accessories that come with the product
  • There's interactive elements, such as buttons that light up when touched and opening/closing doors
  • It only requires 2 AAA batteries

Cons

  • The packaging the item is shipped in can sometimes be in poor condition

3. Hape Walk-A-Long Puppy Wooden Pull Toy

Hape Walk-A-Long Puppy Wooden Pull Toy

Why we like it: This old-style wooden toy dog is nostalgic in appearance, but it is a wonderfully simple toy that can provide loads of fun for your little one.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is a cute drag and pull kind of dog toy that goes wherever your child leads it via the attached “leash” that’s connected to it. This is a great toy for recently-walking children, as it keeps them motivated and moving while learning how to increase their mobility and motor skills at the same time.

Pros

  • Made of wood and finished with non-toxic materials
  • This toy promotes motor skills
  • It mimics taking a real dog out for a walk

Cons

  • The toy sometimes falls over easily due to its narrow construction.

4. WEofferwhatYOUwant: Electronic Pet Dog Harry

WEofferwhatYOUwant: Electronic Pet Dog Harry

Why we like it: This exceedingly adorable dalmatian robot dog provides children with a kind of "training ground" for what it's like to interact with a real live pet down the line.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
Harry is a tough, well-made robot toy dog that can provide all sorts of interaction for your child. There are many different interactive buttons and push-areas on Harry’s body that cause him to react in lots of ways. For example, if your child yanks on Harry’s tail, he will kindly tell your kid to cease and desist. This is a great training toy for a real pet dog in a family’s life somewhere along the line.

Pros

  • Turns off after 30 seconds of non-use
  • Harry offers multitudes of different responses based on how your child interacts with him
  • It comes with three AA batteries
  • Can teach kids respect and manners with animals in a fun way

Cons

  • There's no volume control on the toy, making it potentially very noisy for environments that require quiet

5. Barbie Newborn Pups Doll & Pets

Barbie Newborn Pups Doll & Pets

Why we like it: Barbie's dog has some puppies that need expert care in delivering. Can you help her bring such adorable pups into existence? This toy is both a teaching tool as well as a fun activity set!

Editor’s Rating:

Review
Barbie’s pet pooch is about to be a mother. With this playset, you can help Barbie safely help her dog give birth in a safe manner. All your child has to do is press down gently on the dog’s head, and out comes the newborn puppies!

This toy can not only be fun, but also informative about the nature of how animals give birth, but it’s also a complete playset that will give the Barbie lover in your life loads of fun down the line.

Pros

  • Comes with a posable Barbie doll
  • Great accessories, including Barbie's pet dog, small puppies, a blanket, and a tub that doubles as bedding for the little pups!
  • It's a great teaching tool regarding pregnancy and explaining the concept to little children

Cons

  • The Barbie doll's joints can't take that much stress before bending the wrong way and potentially breaking

6. Click N' Play 9 Piece Puppy Set

Click N' Play 9 Piece Puppy Set

Why we like it: This dog carrier playset allows your child to take their plush dog toy around everywhere in style!

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This complete playset comes with lots of adorable accessories, including a blanket, bed, hairbrush, food bowl/treats, bone, and even a toy ball. On top of all that, you also get an American Girl’s brand puppy plush to add to your child’s ever-growing collection.

This set is literally everything you need if you’ve got a kid that’s always on-the-go and just can’t leave the house without their favorite plush dog toy.

Pros

  • It comes with a load of great accessories.
  • It's a convenient way of keeping your child's toys in one location with minimal fuss
  • Perfect dog-themed playset for families that are on the move

Cons

  • It may not fit certain types of plush dolls beyond a certain size

7. Battat Dalmatian Vet Kit

Battat Dalmatian Vet Kit

Why we like it: This product is a highly compact veterinarian playset for the aspiring animal doctor in your life.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
With this vet-themed playset, your child will have everything they need to set up shop and help their favorite stuffed animal toys feel their very best. This set includes a load of wonderful items, such as a carrying crate, a stethoscope, calipers, a thermometer, and many more doctor-related accessories that will keep your child entertained for hours.

Pros

  • When your child is finished playing, everything can be stored within the dog's crate
  • It comes with a whopping amount of fun accessories, and a really cute dog plush to boot
  • It's a great gift for toddlers and can teach them the value of taking care of an animal’s health at a young age

Cons

  • The plush dog that comes with the toy is quite small compared to the instruments that come with the set

8. Basic Fun Pound Puppies Classic Plush

Basic Fun Pound Puppies Classic Plush

Why we like it: This classic dog plush family is unmatched in its cuteness as well as its overall quality.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is a classic and endearing dog toy product that is the pinnacle of cute. Each and every pound puppy plush comes with a sticker sheet, a name tag and adoption papers so that you can add a personality and some individuality for each of the puppies. Not only that, but the pound puppies are also exceptionally-well made, just like they were back in the eighties. These things are positively made for hugging and squeezing in particular! When it comes to a high-quality dog plush, you absolutely can’t go wrong with a Pound Puppy.

Pros

  • The puppy comes in many different varieties, including white, gray, beige, red, brown or spotted colors.
  • You can name your plush, giving each puppy a personality of its own
  • It's pretty much the same toy from the 1980s in terms of quality

Cons

  • Some of the puppies have been known to not have a birth certificate in the packaging

9. Meva PawPals Dog Toy Pet

Meva PawPals Dog Toy Pet

Why we like it: It's cute. It's soft. It walks and wags. This robot dog toy is sure to please any kid out there.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This cute little puppy is a perfect companion for your little one. It walks, barks, wags its tail while being as adorable as can be. One really positive thing about this dog toy is that it walks relatively slowly, which is better for toddlers and other less-mobile children. All in all, this is a cute dog toy to purchase for your child so you can maybe capture some hilarious Kodak moments with them and this robot pooch.

Pros

  • The toy has extremely realistic behavior
  • The handle of the leash doubles as a remote controller
  • It has a slow walking speed, which is perfect for younger children
  • Comes in black, white and brown color choices

Cons

  • This toy is quite verbose with its barking, and can be annoying over time

10. Puppy Surprise Lexi 12" Plush

Puppy Surprise Lexi 12" Plush

Why we like it: With this stylish and colorful plush dog toy, you'll never know just how many puppies you're going to get with each purchase!

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is a really beautiful and odd-looking dog plush toy that wows its particular audience (which happens to be three-year-olds and up) with bright pastel colors, giving the dog an almost “fairy” look. The real kicker with this product is, each and every one comes with a random number of puppies as part of her litter. This can be a fun discovery aspect to the toy, but may be slightly disappointing if you get a lower number.

Pros

  • For ages three and up
  • Each product comes with a random amount of adorable puppies in their litter
  • Eye-catching pastel colors

Cons

  • Depending on what product you purchase, you might get anywhere from one to five puppies, it's entirely random in the amount.

11. Paw Patrol Foam Floor Puzzle

Paw Patrol Foam Floor Puzzle

Why we like it: Based on the hit Nick Jr. animated television series, this puzzle set will keep kids engaged for quite a while.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
A lot of us played with puzzles when we were children. Who are we to deny our own little ones the very same experience? This is a fantastic 25-piece puzzle set based on the hit series Paw Patrol. Each piece is soft and of a decent size, which makes all of them easy for small children to grab and interact with. The jumbo puzzle piece size also allows for ease of use when playing on a large surface, such as a living-room floor.

Pros

  • Big, easy-to-hold pieces perfect for spreading on the floor
  • 25 jumbo pieces that are soft enough for small hands
  • It's a decent challenge for young children

Cons

  • Not enough replay value for more mature children

12. Little Live Pets My Kissing Puppy (Rollie)

Little Live Pets My Kissing Puppy (Rollie)

Why we like it: It's a cute, chubby and eager-for-affection plush dog toy that likes to lick faces just like a real pooch would.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
Rollie is a fantastic little dog toy for children that comes extremely close to convincing folks that he’s almost like the real thing! At the simple press of Rollie’s nose, he attempts to lick your face and sniff you. On top of that, when you place him on his side, Rollie then closes his eyes and starts snoring soundly. Need Rollie to wake up from his slumber? Just pick him up, and he’ll be right back to barking, sniffing and wagging his tail with joy.

Pros

  • Realistic dog-like behaviors such as licking and sniffing with its nose
  • Comes with collar, dog tag and adoption certificate
  • Super cute and expressive look

Cons

  • The product can go through batteries fast

13. FurReal Friends Pax My Poopin Pup Plush Toy

FurReal Friends Pax My Poopin Pup Plush Toy

Why we like it: This dog has to go to the bathroom sooner rather than later! It's a cute dog toy that teaches children the value of paying attention to a pet and their needs.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
The FurReal Friends Pax My Poopin Pup toy can teach your kids the value of listening to and paying proper attention to a pet, noticing their various patterns.

Pax, like most household animals, needs to be fed appropriately and taken out for a walk every once in a while. Once your child has arrived at a decent spot, all they have to do is pull back on the leash, and Pax will take a seat and commence with using the bathroom, complete with funny sounds to boot.

Pros

  • A funny concept for a dog toy
  • Can teach children the value of paying attention to their pet and their particular needs
  • Accessories include dog treats, a cleanup bag, and a leash

Cons

  • It’s a slightly crude toy, despite its potentially educational subject matter

14. Puppy Dog Pals House Playset

Puppy Dog Pals House Playset

Why we like it: This playset allows your child to go on adventures with the Disney dog characters Bingo and Rolly, from the comfort of their own homes.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
Based on the smash-hit Puppy Dog Pals from Disney, this is a complete playset that brings the television show to life in your child’s bedroom, living room, garage or wherever they want! The playset itself is based on the doghouse featured on the T.V. show and comes with a lot of different fun options for Rolly and Bingo to get themselves involved in, including a tire swing, seesaw, a slide and much, much more.

Pros

  • The playset is designed in a similar way to the one on the television show
  • Playset comes with a tire swing, elevator, seesaw, side, and even a glider
  • Comes with figurines of Bingo and Rolly, as well as A.R.F. their robot pal

Cons

  • Hissy the cat isn’t included, despite being shown on the box.
  • The elevator portion is a bit difficult to control at times

15. Slinky Dog Pull Spring Toy

Slinky Dog Pull Spring Toy

Why we like it: This Slinky-product dog toy is based on Woody’s adorable Slinky Dog friend from Disney/Pixar’s unforgettable film Toy Story.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
Does your child adore Toy Story films? Do they like dogs? If so, you’re in luck with this adorable Slinky Dog toy, provided by the original company that made Slinky a household name almost 70 years ago. This friendly-looking springy pup comes complete with a leash around his neck, so you can take “Slink” out on walks. Just be careful to not get him too tangled up on something in the process!

Pros

  • A cute, dog-themed take on a Slinky toy.
  • He stretches out to a whopping 14 inches long
  • Toy Story fans get to play out scenes from the films

Cons

  • Like most Slinky-type toys, this product can easily get tangled up, and fast

16. Top Race Remote Control Robot Dog Toy

Top Race Remote Control Robot Dog Toy

Why we like it: This space-age looking dog toy is both voice-controlled as well as remote-controlled, and can be programmed to listen to many commands.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This futuristic-looking robot dog toy on wheels is an amazing buy for the more technologically-inclined kid in your world. This guy can do it all, from singing and dancing, to even imitating up to ten different types of animals in order to impress his audience. The dog can be manipulated either by remote control or through programmable voice commands. Not only that, but this robot dog toy also comes with a rechargeable 7.4v 600Mah battery, giving this digital pet longevity that can last for ages.

Pros

  • Large variety of actions
  • Responds to voice commands as well as remote-control
  • Comes with a rechargeable battery for long-term use

Cons

  • Voice commands are sometimes difficult to get functioning properly
  • The rechargeable battery can sometimes not hold its charge for very long depending on its age

17. GUND Muttsy Dog Plush

GUND Muttsy Dog Plush

Why we like it: This soft plush dog toy just positively screams for hugs and attention.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
GUND is a company that’s been around for a quite a long time now. Since 1898 in fact. They are known for quality plush animals constructed in the toughest manner possible. This Muttsy plush dog toy is no exception to that particular rule. With ears this floppy, and eyes this adorable, it’s going to be hard for any lover of stuffed animals to resist this particular product.

Pros

  • All GUND products are surface-washable. There’s no need for machine washing
  • Muttsy is a classic GUND toy that’s been around for decades
  • Appropriate for all ages, including some adults too!

Cons

  • This plush puppy, while cute, can shed its fur something fierce

18. Disney Puppy Dog Pals Plush Gift Set: Bingo and Rolly

Disney Puppy Dog Pals Plush Gift Set: Bingo and Rolly

Why we like it: These official Disney plush toys are huge and chunky. Take these two best pals with you everywhere!

Editor’s Rating:

Review
These guys are huge and cuddly! Based on the Disney series Puppy Dog Pals, these are huge 12-inch plush toy dogs that make a great addition to your little one’s play or sleeping area, especially if they happen to be fans of the series. The are two downsides to these adorable pup plush toys. One is that they are a bit costly, the other is that they are also so bulky and stuffed to the brim that smaller children are going to have a tough time carrying both toys at once. Overall, though, this is an incredibly high-quality product from a high-quality company.

Pros

  • It’s an official Disney product
  • 12 inches tall. These dog plush toys are big and squishy!
  • There’s a high amount of detail to the plush dogs

Cons

  • High cost
  • Kids are going to have a difficult time carrying both dogs at once

19. Alex Rub a Dub Dirty Dogs

Alex Rub a Dub Dirty Dogs

Why we like it: This toy is composed of three adorable pooches who can teach your child the proper way to take a bath but in a fun manner.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
These dirty dogs need a scrub down! Each one of these dogs has a certain amount of fake “dirt” on their bodies that can be cleaned off in a warm bath. When the dogs themselves cool off and return to room temperature, however, the dirt comes right back, allowing for multiple fun bath time cleaning sessions.

Pros

  • A fun and easy way to teach children the value of personal hygiene
  • Each package comes with three different types of dogs
  • Dogs can be "cleaned" over and over again

Cons

  • The dogs can mold easily if not cleaned properly
  • The "spots" never fade away 100%, making it hard to truly give the dogs a squeaky-clean look

20. Bstaofy LED Puppy Stuffed Animal

Bstaofy LED Puppy Stuffed Animal

Why we like it: This glowing dog toy is the perfect gift for your little one who would like a little company, as well as illumination, in the nighttime sleeping area.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is an interesting take on the traditional “nightlight”. It’s in a plush dog toy format. If you’ve got a kid that’s still frightened of the dark, this mystical-looking pooch will provide them with a level of comfort and illumination unlike any other. Powered by three AA batteries, this plush dog starts glowing as soon as you touch it! The only downside is, it can burn through batteries pretty fast. With that being said, this is a solid stuffed dog toy that can bring light and comfort to all.

Pros

  • 18 inches long
  • Comes in white, pink and blue colors
  • Made of comfortable 100% cotton

Cons

  • To turn off the battery completely, you have to unzip the dog completely to access the off-switch
  • High battery drain

21. Toymany 10pc Dog Figurines Playset

Toymany 10pc Dog Figurines Playset

Why we like it: This set of small toy dog figurines is a great party gift for children that go crazy for anything related to dogs.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This a fantastic set of 12 different dog-themed figurines that can be utilized for a number of different activities. These dogs can go anywhere, such as inside of dollhouses, on top of cakes, inside stockings on Christmas morning, and much more. Literally the only thing standing in your child’s way when it comes to embracing this diverse set is their own imagination. The only real downside to this dog toy set is that the figures themselves are fairly small, so this might not be the best gift for toddlers, who are more prone to swallowing small items.

Pros

  • Many different varieties of dogs included in the set
  • A great gift for decorating rooms and even can be used for party favors
  • Can be used in an educational manner

Cons

  • Not recommended for small children
  • Not as detailed as some of the other dog toys on this list

22. Constructive Playthings Dog Academy Playset

Constructive Playthings Dog Academy Playset

Why we like it: It's a huge playset that's dedicated to the niche yet fascinating world of show dog training.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
CP Toys is a company that’s been dedicated to not only high-quality toys, but also providing their customers with a huge educational component to their toys. This playset is no exception either. You get 51 pieces of different dog figurines, accessories such as beds, food, bowls, grooming equipment, and much more. The downside to this set is it’s expensive, and sometimes the dog toy figurines you get with the playset are doubled in number, or they simply don’t show up in the box at all.

Pros

  • A huge 51 piece set with many different kinds of dog figurines
  • The figurines can be combined with toys from other brands easily
  • Educational component in regards to dog-training

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Some of the dogs shown in the advertisement don't come with the playset, depending on the particular model that is shipped

23. Animal House Plush Puppy Dog House

Animal House Plush Puppy Dog House

Why we like it: This adorable plush dog house is the perfect gift for a child that wants a soft yet compact carrying aid for their favorite miniature dog toys.

Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is a cute little plush dog toy playset that comes with four of the smallest, most adorable pups you’ve ever seen. Not only that, they bark when you squeeze them! Rounding out the playset is a small yet cozy dog house that the dogs can take up residence in when they’re not out and about playing around with your child. Unfortunately, the door of the doghouse is not durable and they the dogs themselves don’t always bark. Still, this is a fantastic, and overwhelmingly cute little gift for the small little dog lover in your world.

Pros

  • The dog house is plush and adorable.
  • Comes with four little dog residents for the dog house
  • Super-compact for on-the-go kiddos.

Cons

  • The door on the dog house is barely stitched on
  • Some of the dogs can’t or won’t bark at times

24. Gizmovine Dog Grooming Kit

Gizmovine Dog Grooming Kit

Why we like it: It’s a portable little kit that allows for make-believe dog grooming sessions. It’s perfect for your aesthetically-inclined child!

Editor’s Rating:

Review
Kids want to be adults sometimes, mimicking their parents or any other significant older person in their life. This is a great playset to mirror a real profession, namely professional dog grooming. It comes with a lot of neat accessories that are jumbo-sized with younger children in mind. This playset is all about make-believe and makeovers at the same time.

Pros

  • Non-toxic and safe size for toddlers
  • Comes with lots of dog-grooming accessories
  • Comes with its own plush dog who is ready to be groomed

Cons

  • It's difficult to get all of the pieces back into the kit
  • It's too small of a toy for older/mature children

25. Rescue Runts Spotty Plush Dog

Rescue Runts Spotty Plush Dog

Why we like it: These dogs need a bit of cleaning up and a home to call their own. Are you up for the task?

Editor’s Rating:

Review
Each one of these plush dog toys come with a complete dog grooming kit to make each dog look as good as can be. When the product is first unboxed, these dogs don’t look their best all. Their fur is dirty, they have fleas all over their body, and many other maladies have afflicted these unlucky pooches.

The good news is, your child is provided with a number of accessories to help these plush dogs get into a healthier condition. There are tweezers to remove the fleas, a towel to clean the dirt off, and a comb to spruce up their fur good as new! This is a fantastic toy for a child with a heart of gold.

Pros

  • For ages three and up
  • An interactive rescue animal experience that can teach children lessons in compassion
  • Each plush toy can be cleaned/taken care of over and over again for unlimited fun

Cons

  • It is difficult to get the dog back into its pre-makeover state after a while

Final Words

We’ve been happy to present to you all of these fantastic dog-related toy products for you to peruse, and we also hope you’ve gotten some good ideas out of this selection of dog toys and that you’ve found some products that you think might make your child as happy as can be.

As a parent, you should ask yourself a few questions prior to purchasing a new toy for your child. Dog-themed toys can come in a lot of different varieties. Be sure to know your child’s likes and dislikes. Also, be sure to consider their age group as well.