A squeak is the sound of small prey, which is why a dog will shake a squeaky toy long after they have lost interest in a silent one. The trouble is that the toys carrying the squeak are usually the flimsiest thing in the box. This bear is made from a hard-wearing ripstop-style fabric instead of ordinary plush, so the shaking that follows the first squeak does not immediately bring the whole thing to an end.

Ripstop weaves a heavier thread through the fabric at intervals, so a puncture stays a puncture rather than running away into a tear. It is the same reason the weave is used for kites and sails. At around 24cm the bear is a carrying size for a small or medium dog, big enough to grab around the middle and parade about the house with, small enough not to be dragged along the floor.

• Hard-wearing ripstop-style fabric rather than ordinary plush
• Built-in squeaker
• Around 24cm, sized for small and medium dogs
• Suits shaking, carrying and gentle tug
• Available in dark blue or pink
• Sold singly or in packs of two or three
• Listed in Bear, Mighty Bear and Oxford cloth versions

One thing worth knowing. Durable here is a comparison with ordinary plush, not a promise. This is a play toy rather than a chew toy, so a dog who settles down to dismantle things should not be left alone with it, and the squeaker should be taken away as soon as the fabric around it opens up.

What the options mean. Sold as 1PCS at £9.99, or 3PCS at £22.99.

Who it's for: Small and medium dogs who love a soft toy and are slightly too enthusiastic for the cheap ones.