Dog toy size guide: getting the fit right
A weight-based chart plus the two-finger test, so you never buy a choking hazard by accident.
4 min read · Updated February 2026 · Velora Pets team
Toy sizing is a safety issue before it is a comfort issue. This is the method we use ourselves.
Step one: use your dog's weight
- Under 25 lb — small toys, 2 in balls, 10 in ropes.
- 25–60 lb — medium toys, 2.5 in balls, 14–18 in ropes.
- 60 lb and up — large toys, 3 in balls, 24 in ropes.
Step two: the mouth test
Hold the toy near your dog's mouth without giving it to them. If the whole toy could fit inside with the jaw closed, it is too small. If it could sit lengthways behind the back teeth, it is too small. Either case means size up.
Special cases
Puppies grow fast, so buy for the size they will be in three months, not today. Flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs often need a slightly smaller, flatter toy to grip comfortably — but never small enough to swallow. Dogs who play together should each get a toy sized for the larger dog.
