First bred in Ancient China nearly 2,000 years ago, Pugs are one of the oldest dog breeds in history—and certainly one of the most lovable!
Loud snoring and silly facial expressions with their trademark flat, wrinkly faces make Pugs oh-so-adorable, but it’s their love of human companionship and outgoing personalities that charm dog lovers around the world.
Pugs may pack a lot of muscle in their tiny bodies, but these pups are more than content to be lap dogs. In fact, a Pug is at his happiest when he’s right by his owner’s side, whether they’re spending the day outdoors or curling up with a good book at home.
That said, pugs are still playful little canines—they won’t pass up the chance to play a fun game, especially if they get to spend time with their beloved humans. So if you own a Pug, it’s important to keep his toy box full to ensure he stays a fit, active, and happy dog!
To help you choose the right toys for your canine buddy, we’ve created a quick list of the 5 best dog toys that will both challenge and entertain your Pug.
1. Chuckit! Ring Chaser Launcher: Makes Fetch Games Easier & More Fun
Tennis balls and even popular balls for dogs may be a little too large for your Pug’s mouth. If you want to play a fun fetch game with him, try the Chuckit! Ring Chaser Launcher instead! This toy comes with the UltraRing that bounces, rolls, zig-zags, and even hops when it reaches the ground—encouraging your Pug to chase after and catch it.
Plus, it also comes with a launcher that allows you to throw the ring for longer distances repeatedly without wearing out your arm. Its ergonomic handle improves your throwing motion and also offers hands-free pickup of the ring so you don’t get dirt or slobber all over your hands. Plus, this fetch toy is made with durable material that can outlast regular outdoor use.
- Features the Chuckit! Ultra Ring that encourages running and chasing
- Comes with a launcher for easier, better throwing action
- Made for ultimate durability and convenient use
2. Nylabone Power Chew Dog Bone: Provides Long-Lasting Chewing Fun
Make no mistake: pugs may be small in size, but their chewing abilities can match those of dogs with larger teeth! If you’ve got a pug who’s a power chewer, make sure to get him the Nylabone Power Chew Dog Bone. This toy is made with incredibly tough nylon material that can outlast even the most aggressive chewing.
Infused with a tantalizing bacon flavor, it helps keep your Pug from chewing on your valuable items and satisfies his urge to chew in a healthy, non-destructive way. It’s also extremely difficult to rip apart, offering hours of chewing fun that helps stave off boredom for your pup.
- Built to outlast powerful chewing and satisfy chewing urges
- Made with safe yet ultra-tough nylon material
- Effective at stopping destructive chewing and alleviating boredom
3. JW HOL-ee Roller Puzzle Ball: All-in-One Toy
A treat dispenser, a tossing toy, and a chew toy all rolled into one, the JW HOL-ee is the perfect toy for both independent and interactive playtime. Designed with durable, stretchy rubber, you can easily stuff treats into it and allow your Pug to spend hours trying to get to all those tasty rewards using his wits and problem-solving skills.
Its material is also gentle on your pup’s teeth and gums, making it an ideal toy for chewing sessions. Plus, if you want to play with your pup, you can simply toss the ball and get a game of fetch going!
- Dispenses treats using a brain teaser that exercises and challenges your Pug’s brain
- Made with durable and stretchy material that’s ideal for chewing
- Perfect for tugging or fetching
4. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy: Offers a Fun, Mentally Stimulating Hide-and-Seek Game
Got too much work to play with your Pug? Keep him entertained and occupied with the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy! All you have to do is stuff the squeaky squirrels into the plush log, toss the toy, and watch as your Pug tries to figure out how to get all the woodland creatures out.
This toy makes playtime enticing and promises hours of entertainment for your Pug, providing mental stimulation while helping prevent anxiety and boredom. Better yet, when you’re ready to play with your Pug, you can simply toss the squirrels for an exciting indoor fetch game!
- Provides mental stimulation with a fun hide-and-seek game
- Comes with plush squirrels that squeak—effectively enticing your Pug to play
- Ideal for both puppies and adult dogs
5. SPOT by Ethical Products The Original Stuffingless Dog Toy: Perfect Cuddle Buddy
While it’s targeted as a hunting toy for dogs with instincts suited for the sport, the Original Stuffingless Dog Toy from Spot by Ethical Products is the perfect cuddle buddy for your sweet Pug. Its soft, fluffy exterior provides comfort and warmth, helping him feel safe and secure whenever you have to leave him alone at home.
It’s also made without stuffing to discourage your Pug from chewing through the inside and choking or making a mess. This plushie also comes with two squeakers that encourage healthy playtime, perfect for tugging or tossing.Not a fun of raccoons? You can choose another animal from the wide variety of options available, including a chicken, fox, lamb, rabbit and more.
- Soft, fluffy plush toy without stuffing: perfect for cuddling during bedtime
- Soothes anxiety and offers a sense of comfort and security
- Can also be used for interactive playtime
How to Keep Your Pug Active
If you’re an active individual, you might find that—unlike most dogs—your Pug may be less than enthusiastic about going on outdoor adventures. Instead, he may prefer snuggling up to you at bedtime or snoozing on your lap when you’re relaxing on the couch.
Unfortunately, coupled with their tendency to overeat, their sedentary nature makes them more prone to obesity. This means it’s up to you to find creative ways to encourage them to achieve optimal physical fitness.
Here are a few ways to make sure your Pug stays in shape:
Exercise your Pug for at least 1 hour every day
Pugs don’t require much exercise, but it’s still important to take your pup on daily walks. This breed tends to get overheated and also dislikes long walks, so make sure to split an hour’s worth of exercise into 2 to 3 walks.
Play games with your Pug and give him mentally-stimulating toys
Finding it difficult to get your little couch potato to go walking? Mix it up with fun games instead! Pugs are famously eager to please, so they’ll go along with different kinds of physical activities if it involves interaction with their owners. Try rotating between fetch games or tugging games whether indoors or outdoors weekly.
Pugs also suffer from separation anxiety when they spend hours without their owners, so make sure to keep your Pug occupied with fun, entertaining toys whenever you go to work or leave the house. Puzzle toys with food rewards can help provide mental stimulation and prevent overeating, while chew toys and plush toys can offer comfort and boredom relief.
Train your Pug and involve him in challenging physical activities
While Pugs are generally loving and easygoing, they can be quite stubborn at times. Training your Pug will not only help incorporate more physical activity into his daily routine but also help him become the ideal house dog and improve his behavior. However, it’s important to use only gentle training with positive reinforcement, as this dog may react poorly to harshness.
While Pugs aren’t popular for their athleticism, they can still perform well at select dog sports. Agility and competition obedience are typically the best choices for these pups, but you can also keep the fun at home with DIY obstacle courses.
In Closing
Pugs are homebodies by nature; there’s nothing they love more than snoozing the day away on their owners’ laps. However, these goofy, frequently idle pups still need physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them in the best state of health possible. A good way to help your Pug achieve his fitness goals is by giving him entertaining, high-quality toys!
If you’re having trouble picking the right product for your Pug, feel free to use our guide to help you make your purchase. Any of the toys listed above are sure to increase your Pug’s physical activity, keep his mind sharp, and allow him to create unforgettable bonding moments with you!