A rope toy sized for a spaniel lasts roughly an afternoon with a rottweiler. This one is built at XXL: a thick, heavily knotted rope with enough length that two people, or one person and a very determined dog, can get a proper grip at either end without anybody's hands ending up close to the teeth.

The rope is woven from many fine strands twisted together, and that structure is what does the dental work. As your dog chews, the fibres slide between the teeth and along the gum line in much the way floss does. It is no substitute for brushing, but it is a real benefit from a toy your dog already wants to use. Two colourways are offered, blue and multicolour.

• Extra-large XXL knotted rope
• Built for large, strong-jawed breeds
• Knots give a firm grip at either end
• Suits tug-of-war, fetch and solo chewing
• Woven fibres help clean between the teeth
• One toy for two-person or one-person tug
• Available in blue or multicolour

Rope toys are supervised toys. Every rope frays eventually, and swallowed strands are a genuine cause of intestinal blockage. Check it over regularly, take it away once it starts shedding long threads, and do not leave a dedicated de-stuffer alone with it for hours. Retired and replaced when worn, it is one of the better-value toys you can buy for a big dog.

Who it's for: Large and giant breeds who go through ordinary toys in an afternoon, and households whose idea of play is tug rather than fetch.