Yorkshire Terriers are playful, energetic, and highly intelligent, which means they need the right toys to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. Choosing the best toys for a Yorkie involves considering their small size, delicate teeth, and playful personality.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the safest, most engaging, and most durable toys for your Yorkshire Terrier.
What to Look for in a Toy for a Yorkshire Terrier
Since Yorkies are small dogs, their toys should be:
✔ Small and lightweight – Easy for their tiny mouths to carry.
✔ Durable but soft – Gentle on their delicate teeth and gums.
✔ Mentally stimulating – Helps prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
✔ Safe and non-toxic – Avoid toys with small parts that can be swallowed.
Best Types of Toys for Yorkshire Terriers
1. Chew Toys (For Dental Health)
Yorkies are prone to dental problems, so chew toys help keep their teeth clean and healthy.
✔ Rubber chew toys (like KONG) – Soft enough for their small jaws but durable.
✔ Dental sticks – Helps reduce plaque and tartar.
✔ Natural rawhide alternatives – Safer options like yak chews or bully sticks.
Avoid hard bones or overly tough toys that could break their teeth.
2. Plush Toys (For Comfort and Play)
Yorkies love cuddly plush toys because they mimic small prey, satisfying their natural hunting instincts.
✔ Choose soft, durable plushies with reinforced stitching.
✔ Look for squeaky toys to keep them engaged.
✔ Get a toy small enough for them to carry but not so tiny that they could swallow it.
Avoid toys with plastic eyes or small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed.
3. Interactive Puzzle Toys (For Mental Stimulation)
Yorkies are highly intelligent and need brain games to prevent boredom.
✔ Treat-dispensing balls – They have to roll the toy to get treats out.
✔ Puzzle boards – Yorkies can slide compartments to reveal hidden treats.
✔ Snuffle mats – Encourages natural foraging behavior.
4. Fetch and Tug Toys (For Active Play)
Even though they are small, Yorkies love running and playing tug-of-war.
✔ Small rubber balls – Easy to carry and chase.
✔ Mini rope toys – Good for a gentle game of tug.
✔ Frisbees designed for small dogs – Soft and lightweight.
Avoid large or heavy balls that they can’t pick up with their small jaws.
Toys to Avoid for Yorkies
- Hard plastic toys – Can damage their delicate teeth.
- Stuffed toys with loose filling – Can be dangerous if ingested.
- Children’s toys – Not designed for dog chewing and may contain unsafe materials.
- Tennis balls – The outer fuzz can wear down a Yorkie’s teeth over time.
Rotating Toys to Keep Your Yorkie Interested
Yorkies can get bored easily, so try rotating their toys every few days to keep them engaged.
✔ Keep a few favorites always available.
✔ Introduce “new” toys by hiding old ones for a while and then bringing them back.
✔ Supervise playtime with new toys to ensure they’re safe.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Toys for Yorkies
Yorkshire Terriers need a variety of toys to keep them entertained, exercised, and mentally stimulated. By choosing safe, size-appropriate, and engaging toys, you’ll ensure your Yorkie stays happy and healthy!
What’s your Yorkie’s favorite toy? Let us know in the comments! 🐶🎾
