Some dogs want a toy to destroy and some want a toy to carry, and they are almost never the same dog. This is squarely for the second type: the ones who take a soft thing to bed, carry it to the door when you come home, and shake it about for thirty seconds before settling down with it again. For those dogs a plush companion is genuinely used, not just bought.

Long limbs are the design decision that matters. They give a dog something easy to grip in the side of the mouth for carrying, and something with enough swing to make shaking satisfying, which a compact ball-shaped plush never manages. The textured plush surface adds variety for mouthing, and the low weight keeps it easy to toss around indoors without anything getting knocked off a shelf.

• Long limbs that are easy to grab, carry and shake - Soft textured plush surface - Light enough for gentle indoor games - A single design - Intended as a comfort toy rather than a chew

Be honest about what plush survives. This is not a toy for a determined chewer. A dog who works seams open will get through it, and once stuffing is out it becomes a swallowing risk rather than a toy, so check it over regularly and retire it when the seams go. Supervise play with any soft toy, and if your dog destroys plush as a matter of routine, buy rubber instead and save your money.

Who it's for: Dogs who carry and cuddle a soft toy rather than dismantle one within the hour.