According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Miniature Schnauzer is the 18th most popular breed.1 Enthusiasts praise the dog for its intelligence, trainability, and friendly nature. There’s no denying that they are sweet pups. People selectively bred the Standard Schnauzer to become the ratter this pup became. That’s helpful information since it provides vital clues for the best toys for this dog.
Our guide includes everything you need to know about choosing which products will suit your Schnauzer. We’ve also included reviews of the available choices so that you know what’s available.
A Glance at Our Winners in 2024
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy |
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Best Value
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KONG Squeakair Balls Packs Dog Toy |
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Premium Choice
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Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
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Multipet Gumby Squeaky Plush Dog Toy |
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Check Price | |
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Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Toys for Miniature Schnauzers
1. Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy – Best Overall
| Material: | Rubber |
| Primary Feature: | Fetch |
| Durability: | Excellent |
There’s a lot to be said for products like the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy. It’s the kind of thing that can keep your pup entertained for a long time. It’ll be a contest of who tires out first—your pet or your kids. We like that it comes in a two-pack since, invariably, one gets lost. It’s our pick for one of the best overall toys for Miniature Schnauzers.
The manufacturer thought of everything to make this toy fun. It has a high bounce to keep your pup guessing and engaged. It’s durable and has a bright color to make it easy to find. It also floats so that you can take it on the water. The company even has the material tested by a third-party lab for safety. The only thing that would make it better is a squeaker.
2. KONG Squeakair Balls Packs Dog Toy – Best Value
| Material: | Rubber |
| Primary Feature: | Fetch |
| Durability: | Very Good |
The KONG Squeakair Balls Packs Dog Toy comes from a company known for quality products. This one is no exception. It combines the texture of the beloved tennis ball with a squeaker to entice your pup. The combination is irresistible. The size is ideal for small dogs, with the unpredictable bounce we like to see in these toys. The price is right, too, making it one of the best toys for Miniature Schnauzers for the money.
While it has a squeaker, it also means you can’t use it at the pool or lake since it’ll rust. It also doesn’t float for long, so you’re better off using it at the park. The product comes in a three-pack, making it an excellent value. It’s suitable for small dogs as long as they aren’t particularly destructive with their toys.
3. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy – Premium Choice
| Material: | Polypropylene, plastic |
| Primary Feature: | Interactive |
| Durability: | Good |
The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy is an excellent way to provide welcome mental stimulation for your pet. It has four difficulty levels to keep your pet entertained as they learn how to play the game. Of course, food-motivated dogs will catch on quickly, especially if you load it with some favorite treats.
The manufacturer states you can fill it with canned food. Unfortunately, it’s not dishwasher-safe and is a bit of a pain to clean all the moving parts if you use it that way. It’s also not suitable for tough chewers. We like the concept, but there are a lot of things to lose if your pup plays with the pieces.
4. Multipet Gumby Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
| Material: | Rubber or plush |
| Primary Feature: | Squeaker, fetch |
| Durability: | Good to Very Good |
The Multipet Gumby Squeaky Plush Dog Toy is an example of a product meant to catch the buyer’s eye more than the pet. Nevertheless, it’s adorable, and pets love it! You can get either a plush or rubber version of the toy. It’s worth mentioning that the latter doesn’t contain any wires, unlike the kid’s product. You can use it for fetch or tug-of-war games.
The toy doesn’t have just one but three squeakers. While the rubber one is more durable, neither one is suitable for tough chewers. They’ll make short work of either toy. We suggest bringing out Gumby for supervised play only.
5. Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball Dog Toy
| Material: | Rubber |
| Primary Feature: | Interactive |
| Durability: | Very Good |
The Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball Dog Toy is another riff on the dispenser you can fill with kibble to keep your pup occupied. This one will do the job. It’s not as much work for your dog as similar products. Nonetheless, it will certainly prevent boredom while it remains filled. A clever pet will figure out how to keep the treats coming with its unique design.
Your pup may find the texture pleasing. However, it also means weak spots in the construction that an aggressive chewer will use to damage the toy. We suggest supervising playtime with this product and taking it away from your pup if they start chewing to take a shortcut to the treats.
6. Frisco Monkey Plush with Rope Squeaky Dog Toy
| Material: | Polyester, Rope, Nylon, Synthetic Fabric |
| Primary Feature: | Interactive |
| Durability: | Good |
The Frisco Monkey Plush with Rope Squeaky Dog Toy is about as cute and soft as it gets for a dog toy. It’s best used as an interactive toy for playing tug-of-war or fetch. We don’t recommend unsupervised play with this one. A determined chewer will destroy it in no time. It has one squeaker and a rope for pulling. The latter is tough and will stand up to rough play. It goes through the entire toy, adding to its durability.
This product isn’t as loud and obnoxious as some squeakers. The design must appeal to dogs since many buyers have commented on their pets’ attachment to this toy. Perhaps they find it adorable, too.
7. Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope Toy
| Material: | Cotton |
| Primary Feature: | Tug |
| Durability: | Excellent |
The Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope Toy is an excellent choice if your Miniature Schnauzer loves to play tug. The three knots give both of you a good hold on it to make the game fair. The cotton fibers add strength while maintaining flexibility. It is surprisingly durable and can handle hours of rough play, although you should supervise your pet.
You can also use the toy to play fetch thanks to the added weight of the knots. The product is good for smaller breeds like a Miniature Schnauzer. Larger dogs will probably destroy it, given the chance.
8. Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy for Dogs
| Material: | Polyester, Synthetic Fabric |
| Primary Feature: | Training |
| Durability: | Good |
The Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy for Dogs has a battery pack that provides the power for the sound and feel of a heartbeat. It also warms the toy to make it seem even more realistic—like they’re snuggling up with mom or a sibling. We were skeptical at first, but some people swear that it works for their pets.
The toy is spendy compared to other plush products. The electronics are the money shot. The heating pad doesn’t last long, so you’ll need to buy replacements. On the positive side, it is adorable. It’s also machine-washable.
9. Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy
| Material: | Nylon, bacon |
| Primary Feature: | Chew |
| Durability: | Excellent |
The Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy is an interesting idea that makes what would seem like a boring product worth a look. The manufacturer designed it with grooves to hold the flavor longer. They use real bacon, too. Dogs seem to like them. After all, who doesn’t like bacon? The chew lasts for a while, but you will need to replace it eventually.
We also like that purchases support animal welfare causes. The product is also USA-made and sourced, which we appreciate. The manufacturer says the toy won’t stain your carpet. However, we suggest monitoring your pet to make sure.
10. Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack
| Material: | Nylon, synthetic fabric, flavoring |
| Primary Feature: | Chew |
| Durability: | Excellent |
The Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack comes from a company that’s been around since 1955. Their mission isn’t just about making dog toys; it’s also about dental health. That makes this product worth a look. The three-pack includes its tasty chicken- and bacon-flavored bones. It is a graduated set to give your puppy as they mature. It’s an excellent choice for a pup that is teething.
There’s no doubt these chews are durable. The flavors are the incentive to get your pet to try one. The green one is edible, while the others are not. However, puppies will be puppies, so supervise playtime with this one or any toy. While some dogs love Nylabones, some aren’t interested. Nevertheless, we also like that the product is USA-made and sourced.
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Toys for Miniature Schnauzers
Let’s face it: toys are more about attracting the owner’s attention than satisfying their pet. However, it often serves that purpose, nevertheless. These products serve several vital purposes. They provide critical mental stimulation in safe settings. Canines are intelligent animals and require enrichment for the optimal quality of life. You must also consider the nature of the toy.
The stimuli they provide are one thing, but you must also think about their practicality. It does little good if a dog can rip apart a toy before showing its benefits. Therefore, we must start with the practical matters.
Material
You’ll find toys made of various materials, with each offering a different experience for the dog. You’ll usually see synthetic materials, including polyester, frequently. Plastic often is used because of its affordability. After all, we all know that toys don’t last forever. Our canine companions assure us that to be true. Other ones you’ll find include leather, natural fabrics, and rubber.
It’s worth noting that synthetic materials often dominate. They contribute to other desirable qualities and make these products more affordable.
Primary Feature
The primary features rely on their ability to interest dogs and, thus, please their owners. Many people want their pets to like a pet out-of-the-box. Some consider it a failing of the manufacturer if a pup isn’t head over heels from the get-go. Added features run the gamut from added scents or flavors. They may also include the texture or pet experience.
We like to see these options because they make the toys more interactive and boost the mental stimulation they offer. Remember that dogs are intelligent animals that need enrichment to stay healthy and prevent boredom.
Durability
Of course, durability is always on the radar. We want toys to last for us and our pets. We like to purchase products that will last. That also involves our dogs’ enjoyment. If we stumble upon one they like, we want to ensure it will last for the long haul. You must also balance this trait with their safety. Remember that your pup will put everything in their mouth. Some items can pose health issues if your pet swallows them.
We recommend occasionally inspecting your pup’s toys to see how they’re holding up to your dog’s playing with them. Be sure to replace any that are showing signs of coming apart or excessive wear.
Conclusion
After conducting our reviews, the choices for our top picks were apparent. The Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy is true to its name, with a durable product that will make playtime fun for you and your pet. The KONG Squeakair Balls Packs Dog Toy is the best option for the money if you’re looking to save a few bucks. Regardless, you could pick any one of these toys and watch your Mini Schnauzer have a ball.
Featured Image Credit: rbkomar, Shutterstock
