Best toys for a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are companion dogs through and through: a short, slightly flattened muzzle, a long flowing coat, and a temperament built for being close to people rather than sprinting after a ball for an hour. The best toys for the breed reflect that — softer, smaller, and built around gentle carrying and sniffing rather than the rough, high-intensity play that suits a more athletic dog.
Why intense fetch isn't the best fit
A shih tzu's shortened muzzle means the breed does not cool itself down as efficiently through panting as a longer-nosed dog, and can overheat or struggle for breath more easily during prolonged, high-intensity exercise, particularly in warm weather. That does not mean the breed cannot play energetically in short bursts, but a toy or game designed for a border collie's stamina is the wrong shape for a shih tzu.
Shorter, gentler play sessions with breaks, rather than one long game of fetch, generally suit the breed's build far better and are less likely to leave a dog overheated or wheezy.
Soft, small and sniff-friendly wins
Plush toys sized for a small dog, squeaky toys that reward a gentle mouth, and snuffle-style enrichment toys that reward sniffing rather than sprinting all play to a shih tzu's actual strengths. The breed's long coat and generally calmer temperament also make slower, scent-based games — hiding a toy or a few treats around a room — a genuinely good substitute for physical exercise on days when it is too hot or the dog is not in the mood to run about.
Toy size matters more here than with many breeds: a toy built for a large dog is often too big and heavy for a shih tzu to carry comfortably, while a toy that is too small for the breed's face shape can be harder to pick up and hold.
Keeping the coat and face clean during play
A shih tzu's long facial hair sits close to the mouth, so toys that leave a lot of drool or debris, or rope toys that shed loose fibres, can end up matted into the fur around the muzzle fairly quickly. Smoother plush and rubber toys generally cause fewer coat problems than heavily textured rope, and a quick wipe of the face after a play session keeps things from building up.
Regular brushing around the mouth area, done as part of normal grooming rather than only after a play session, keeps toy debris from turning into a bigger matting problem over time.
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.
Kowloon All Senses Branch Bone Bacon
A 15cm bacon-scented rubber branch bone, for chewing, fetch and dental play
£4.19
Guru Distracto Pod Bone
Medium Guru suction treat pod for paste-based distraction on hard surfaces
£5.19
Kingdom Fruit Rope Dog Toy
A plush fruit-shaped rope toy with a squeaker in both the head and the body
£6.99
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
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
Durables Toy Crocodile
A crocodile dog toy from Red Dingo's Durables range: a 150g character toy for fetch, tug and carrying about, backed by Red Dingo's five-year guarantee.
£20.49
Tuffy Junior Zoo Hippo Dog Toy
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
Sportspet High Bounce Glow in the Dark Balls
Sportspet High Bounce glow in the dark dog balls: charge them in daylight and keep playing after the sun goes down.
From£4.99
Ancol Orva Puzzle Ring
A 30 x 3.5cm dog puzzle ring for treats or paste, with a built-in lick mat
£21.99
Common questions
- Can Shih Tzus play fetch?
- Yes, in short, gentle bursts rather than long, sustained sessions. The breed's shortened muzzle makes it less efficient at cooling down than a longer-nosed dog, so play that is fun but brief, with breaks and access to water, suits the breed better than an extended, high-intensity game.
- Are Shih Tzus rough on toys?
- Generally no. Most Shih Tzus are gentle carriers rather than determined chewers, so plush and squeaky toys tend to last reasonably well, though any dog can vary and a genuinely determined chewer will still get through soft toys faster than a tougher rubber one.
- What size toy suits a Shih Tzu best?
- A toy sized for a small to toy breed, roughly proportionate to the dog's own head and mouth, is usually the most comfortable fit. Oversized toys built for larger dogs can be awkward for a Shih Tzu to carry or grip properly.
- Do Shih Tzus like puzzle toys?
- Many do, and scent-based games in particular suit the breed's calmer, curious temperament well. A simple snuffle mat or a toy that hides treats gives a Shih Tzu mental stimulation without the physical intensity of a game that might leave a short-muzzled dog overheated.
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.