Whether your dog is obsessed with tennis balls, cuddles a plush toy like it’s their best friend, or destroys every chew toy in sight, their favorite toy(s) can reveal a lot about their personality. Choosing dog toys that best suit their personality goes a long way toward keeping them happy, engaged, and mentally stimulated. By the way, this also translates to helping prevent the living room sofa from becoming a chew toy! So, let’s have some fun and take a lighthearted look at what favorite dog toys might reveal about their personality!

Dog Toy Types & What They Mean

1. The Tennis Ball Enthusiast

Personality: High-energy, focused, and always ready for action.

Your dog doesn’t just ‘play’ fetch – this is a full-on Olympic sport. They’ll run after that ball like it’s the last one on earth! If they could, they’d sign up for the ‘Fetch World Championships’… and likely win gold! You’re likely to get a slobbery ball dropped in your lap, over and over as they hope that you’ll do “just one more throw!”

2. The Plush Toy Hoarder

Personality: Gentle, affectionate, and sentimental.

Your dog treats their plush toy like a limited edition collectible. You could probably compare it to a security blanket! They’re likely to drag it around the house, giving it a personal tour of every room – many times a day – and they may even tuck it into bed with them at night. You should also be prepared for the ‘sad puppy-dog eyes’ if you even think about washing it!

3. The Squeaky Toy Maniac

Personality: Thrives on chaos. Loves attention.

If your dog could have a career, they’d definitely be a rockstar! The squeak of their toy? It’s not just a sound… it’s their personal concert tour. The fact that you can hear it from three rooms away means they’re just warming up. You may have even had them squeak it in your ear during an important Zoom call just to make sure they’re the center of attention. In the end, you might regret the squeaky toy purchase… but know in your heart, they love it… and I bet that when you get them a new one they have to squeak it like 100 times in a row… am I wrong?

Credit: iStock

4. The Chew Toy Destroyer

Personality: Determined, independent, possibly part shark.

Your dog sees a chew toy and simply thinks… ‘Challenge accepted!’ You buy them the ‘indestructible’ chew toy, and within 10 minutes, it looks like you handed them a pile of confetti. If they were to ever play a game of Jenga, they’d be the one that ‘accidentally’ knocks the whole tower over with their tail just so they can chew through the blocks like the true demolition expert they are!

5. The Tug-of-War Champion

Personality: Competitive, playful, and strong-willed.

Your dog drops a tug rope in your lap, stares at you, waiting for you to engage… and once you do, this is not just a game, but rather an intense negotiation. They are in the ‘I WILL win this, no matter what!’ mode. Expect to be dragged around the living room like you’re an unwilling participant in this serious match-up. You may even get that ‘look’ just before they pull you into the final stage of the tug of war battle… at which point you are guaranteed to lose.

Credit: Getty Images

6. The “Anything I Can Steal” Dog

Personality: Mischievous, resourceful, and creative.

Your dog is basically the canine equivalent of a cat burglar. You leave a single sock unattended, and within minutes, it’s gone, without a trace! By the time you find it, it’s in their ‘stash’ – which is usually buried under the couch, along with the TV remote, your favorite pen, and half of your dignity. If they could open the fridge, they’d probably steal the lunch that you have packed for your kid’s school day tomorrow. Often times they prefer your things over dog toys and they thrive on you chasing them around the house while trying to get your items back!

By the way, years ago I had a foster dog that fit in this category. One time, as the phone was ringing, he decided to steal it off the table. Of course, I gave chase but then had to acknowledge – after the person calling had hung up – that at least he gave new meaning to the term ‘mobile phone’.

In the end, no matter what toy your dog prefers, their funny quirks are what makes them so lovable! Taking the time to play with your dog… while providing them with appropriate (and safe) dog toys… is an excellent way to bond and have fun. And, you know what, if they steal your sock again… well, at least they’re keeping life interesting.

What’s your dog’s favorite toy? Do they match their personality type?