The clever part of this design is the legs. Rather than four stuffed limbs that tear off in the first game of tug, each one is a knotted length of cotton rope, so the weakest point of an ordinary plush toy becomes the strongest, and the bit a dog most wants to pull on is the bit that has been built to be pulled.

The body stays soft and fluffy for carrying and cuddling, which is what makes this work as two toys in one: gentle enough to sleep next to, robust enough for a proper tugging match. The knotted rope also gives a little floss-like action along the teeth while a dog gnaws, and the knots give both of you somewhere to grip. Six animals to choose from, including fox, tiger, rabbit, koala, squirrel and monkey.

• Soft plush body with a fluffy belly
• Knotted cotton rope limbs for tugging and gnawing
• Combines a cuddle toy and a rope toy in one
• Knots give both dog and owner something to hold
• Six characters: fox, tiger, rabbit, koala, squirrel or monkey
• Sized for small to medium dogs

Two things worth knowing. And rope is only safe while it is intact, because dogs that swallow the strands rather than chewing them can develop a serious intestinal blockage, so supervise play, trim loose threads and bin the toy once it starts unravelling.

Who it's for: Small and medium dogs who want both a cuddle toy and a tug toy, and owners tired of replacing plush animals with the legs already chewed off.