The best toys for a Jack Russell
A Jack Russell generally does better with tough, interactive toys than soft plush ones, because their strong jaws, high energy and hunting instinct make quick work of anything not built to handle real chewing and chasing. The toys that hold up longest tend to be the ones that also give them a job to do.
Why a Jack Russell's toys need to be tougher
Jack Russells were bred to work — originally for fox hunting — which shows up today as a terrier with real bite strength, a strong prey drive, and very little patience for a toy that squeaks once and falls apart. A soft plush toy aimed at a calmer breed often does not survive a first play session.
That same drive makes them excellent candidates for toys that reward problem-solving or a satisfying chase, rather than just something to carry around, because a bored Jack Russell with nothing to occupy that energy tends to find their own entertainment, which is not always something you want chewed.
What actually works
Durable rubber toys designed for strong chewers hold up far better than plush, and ones that can hide a treat inside add a problem-solving element that suits a breed this sharp and food-motivated. Rope toys designed for tugging give them a physical outlet that matches their strength without the toy disappearing in one sitting.
A flirt pole or a ball for genuine chase-and-catch play taps directly into their hunting instinct in a way that is far more satisfying for them than a toy that just sits there, and it is a good way to tire out a genuinely high-energy dog in a smaller space than a long walk would need.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Interactive Activity Ball Dog Toy with Cover
A bouncy activity ball in a tough zip-on cover that keeps dogs chasing, nudging and herding for hours.
From£23.99
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs with Pump
A large inflatable herding ball with pump that taps into your dog's chase instinct.
From£19.99
Remote-Controlled Jumping Ball Dog Toy
A self-rolling, light-up ball that jumps and rolls to keep dogs entertained. A paw-shaped remote sets three activity gears, so both small and large dogs can chase and play. Rechargeable and tough against chewing.
From£19.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs
A large inflatable ball too big for a dog to pick up, with a bite-resistant double-layer shell that slow-deflates if punctured, for high-drive chasing and nudging.
£23.99
Inflatable Herding Ball with Handles for Dogs
A large, tough inflatable herding ball that taps into your dog's natural chase-and-nudge instinct. Reinforced bite-resistant fabric and grab handles make it great for active outdoor play with medium and large breeds.
£29.99
Durables Toy Crocodile
The crocodile from Red Dingo's Durables line: solid hardware, hard-wearing materials and a five-year manufacturer guarantee, which is rare enough to be the reason to buy.
£20.49
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Tuffy Junior Zoo Hippo
A junior-sized Tuffy hippo built in bonded layers with webbed, multi-row stitched seams, light enough for smaller dogs and puppies, that floats and is machine washable.
£18.99
No-Stuffing Crinkle Plush Dog Toy
A cuddly stuffing-free plush lion with built-in crinkle and dual squeakers to keep small and medium dogs entertained. Less mess if chewed open, and the soft body is machine washable for easy cleaning.
£10.99
Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw
Meet the Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw — one of the toughest dog toys we stock. Tuffy build their toys in multiple bonded layers with several rows of stitching and protective webbing on the seams, so they stand up to serious chewers far better than an ordinary plush. They float, and they’re machine washable (air dry).
£13.99
Chase Buddy Boredom Busting Dog Toy
A sturdy chase toy for dogs left alone for short spells, redirecting the energy that turns into barking, pacing and chewed skirting boards into active play.
£23.99
Common questions
- Why do Jack Russells destroy soft toys so quickly?
- Their strong jaws and terrier drive to grab, shake and dismantle things — traits bred in for hunting — mean a soft plush toy rarely survives long. Durable rubber or rope toys built for strong chewers are a better match for how they actually play.
- Are puzzle toys good for Jack Russells?
- Yes, very much so. They are a sharp, food-motivated breed, and a treat-dispensing puzzle toy gives them a problem to solve, which suits their intelligence and helps use up mental energy alongside physical exercise.
- What toys help with a Jack Russell's high prey drive?
- A flirt pole or a ball used for genuine chase-and-catch games taps into their hunting instinct directly and tends to be more satisfying for them than a static toy. Always supervise vigorous chase games and give them a clear 'drop' cue.
- How do I stop my Jack Russell chewing furniture instead of toys?
- Make sure they have durable, engaging toys readily available and enough exercise and mental stimulation through the day, since a bored, under-stimulated Jack Russell often redirects that energy onto whatever is nearby. Consistent redirection to an appropriate toy when you catch them chewing something else also helps over time.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.