Cocker Spaniels are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. This is no surprise when you consider their temperament, their adaptability how much fun they are to have around. They love to play and in our experience, the more toys they have the better!
So, if you’re looking for the perfect toy for your cocker spaniel, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide to the best cocker spaniel toys, we’ll help you:
- Understand why Spaniels need to play with toys
- Identify the types of toys that spaniels prefer
- Detail some of the best options on the market today
- And, lots more…
Throw and Fetch Toys
Cocker Spaniels love to play fetch! They were originally bred as hunting dogs, so they were literally born to fetch and retrieve - it’s in their blood and as a result, they’re normally fetching experts.
Playing fetch with your spaniel plays on their desire to please you - they are the ultimate people pleasers after all - and will help burn off any excess energy.
Here is a selection of the best throw-and-fetch toys for your cocker spaniel.
Playology - Squeaky Ball Chew Dog Ball Toy
A scented squeaky dog ball that you’re spaniel will love to fetch. Non-toxic and scented with a range of scents, from beef to cheddar cheese, this is a great option for relatively heavy chewers.
What we like:
- Naturally scented coming in 6 scent options.
- The material is robust and will last for even the heaviest chewers.
- Easy to clean; detergent and dishwasher safe
Chuckit! Sport26 Ball Launcher Dog Toy
Most dog owners love a launcher toy, mainly because you don’t have to pick up slob-ridden tennis balls! The Chuckit! Is a great toy and can keep you and your dog entertained for hours, provided your throwing arm can cope, obviously.
What we like:
- Allows you to throw good distances easily
- A toy your and your dog can play with for hours
- Made of solid robust plastic material, so will last
All for Paws Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
For the less physically able, you can still play throw and fetch with your spaniel with the AFP automatic dog ball launcher. For both indoor and outdoor use, this “toy” simulates the action of throwing and can be set to through the dog ball 10 feet, 20 feet or 30 feet.
What we like:
- Great for someone who finds throwing physically difficult
- 3 distance settings allow for indoor and outdoor use
- Perfect for small and medium dogs
Tug Toys
Tug toys are a great way for you to interact with your spaniel and develop that all-important owner-dog bond. Spaniels love to play tug-of-war and it’s a great way to burn off some excess energy - for you and them!
ChuckIt! Small Ultra Tug
With over 13,000 reviews and a 4-star rating on Amazon, the ChuckIt Ultra Tug is a fantastic and inexpensive tug toy for your dog. Very sturdy and super easy to clean, this toy will provide plenty of fun and bonding time for you and your dog.
What we like:
- Inexpensive
- Durability
- Very easy to clean
Rope Dog Chew Toy by Playology
This scented toy is made out of “Dri-tech” slob-wicking rope and is a great safe and durable option for your and your dog. Available in a two different sizes and 6 scents; Beef, Cheddar Cheese, Chicken, Holiday Gravy, Peanut Butter and Sweet Potato.
What we like:
- The quality and technology (which definitely works) in the rope
- Highly rated on Amazon
- Excellent durability
Dog Chew Suction Cup Tug of War Toy
This toy is a combination of tug and interactive toy. The suction pads hold the toy in place allowing your dog to play and tug the ball which contains a bell for interactivity and dispenses treats. All-in-all a good all-round toy for your spaniel.
- A toy which provides your dog with a variation of play options
- The suction in the double suction cups is extremely strong
- The design of the ball helps keep you dogs teeth clean and helps remove tartar and plaque
Soft or Plush Toys
Spaniels, due to their hunt-based breeding love nothing more than holding a soft toy in their mouths - even better if it resembles a bird! Plush toys allow spaniels to exercise their instinct to chew and you will often find these toys scattered throughout your house; we do on a daily basis.
Jalousie 5 Pack Dog Toys Dog Plush Toys Assortment
Our Cocker Spaniel loves playing with different plus toys. In fact, we’re forever picking them up from around the house and garden. So, this assortment pack is great for our dog and will, I’m sure be for yours.
What we like:
- 5 pack set with a number of different colours. Monkey is the favourite in our house.
- Durability (although our Spaniel isn’t an aggressive chewer)
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
These stuffing free plush toys are one of the most popular toys and are a great favourite of dogs around the world - over 62,000 4.5 star ratings are proof! With a squeker included, the perfect size at 18 inches and durability mean this pack is a great option for any spaniel variety.
- Stuffing free means no worry and extended durability
- Great designs and colour options
- Available in different sizes and creature types.
Interactive Toys
Cocker Spaniels are very intelligent dogs and can hugely benefit from the mental stimulation provided by interactive toys. Completing puzzles in return for treats is a great way of keeping your spaniel entertained and stimulated for hours - just remember to have lots of treats to hand!
Snuffle Mat Interactive Feed Game
A great puzzle toy for your spaniel which really tests their amazing sense of smell. Place treats in, under and around the mat for you dog to find. Great for slowing down your dogs eating and for engaging them. This is one toy our kids loved playing with and hiding the treats.
What we like:
- A well made and durable toy. We particularly liked the soft fleece fabric and the number of places to hide treats
- Our spaniel loved this toy and spent a lot of time looking for the hard to find treats
- Fold away for easy storage
KADTC Dog Puzzle Toy
A great toy to help you dog’s mental stimulation. With 2 difficulty levels this toy really pushes your dog use it’s spaniel intellect to receive a treat. A well-made and entirely safe for your dog to use, this is a great interactive option which will occupy your dog for hours.
What we like:
- 2 difficulty levels which push your dogs mental stimulation
- Well made and extremely safe for your dog to use
- Will keep your dog engaged for a long time
Why do Cocker Spaniels need toys
Toys for Cocker Spaniels, just like all dogs, are more than simply a fun thing to play with. Toys are an essential part of their behavioural, intellectual and social development and will stop them from becoming bored and causing trouble within your home. Ultimately, toys are an essential part of your cocker spaniel living a healthy and happy life.
The Benefits of Dog Toys for your Cocker Spaniel
- Exercise. Cocker Spaniels need exercise and lots of it, so throw-and-fetch toys are perfect for keeping them active, and entertained and for developing the bond between dog and owner.
- Mental Stimulation. Cocker Spaniels, and particularly those who might be left alone for periods of time, need to be intellectually challenged to prevent them from damaging fittings, furniture and your favourite pair of slippers.
- Owner and Dog Bonding. Nothing does more to help you form and develop and bond with your spaniel than playtime. Spaniels are also people pleasers, so will do anything they can to make you happy!
- Dental and oral health. Dental and oral hygiene is vitally important for a dog's overall health. Toys that are able to clean their teeth during play can help maintain dental health.
Conclusion
Play and toys are super important for your cocker spaniel. A good and diverse selection of toys can help them live fulfilled, happy and healthy lives and are an important investment, although they aren’t necessarily expensive.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best cocker spaniel toys and that we’ve helped you select the right toys for your spaniel.
All content is written by actual Spaniel owners.
