What Your Dog's Favorite Toy Reveals About Its Personality, According to a Vet
Dog playing with favorite toy
Toy shopping for dogs can be one of the great joys of parenthood—especially when that gift becomes something they can't seem to put down.
"We love our dogs and want them to be happy," says Dr. Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinarian for the pet telehealth platform Vetster. "It’s only human nature to show them we love them by spoiling them with toys they enjoy."
And yes, your dog totally appreciates the gift.
"From the dog’s point of view, even though they probably don’t understand that the gift of a toy is an expression of affection on our part, it’s great because they need environmental enrichment, mental stimulation and activity—something toys provide," Myers explains.
In other words, your shoe collection and sofa are more likely to survive if your dog takes to a favorite chew toy instead. Yet, ever wonder exactly what a dog's beloved toy says about them? Like, what about a dog that goes ham on a plush lamb? What does a dog's toy reveal about their personality? It turns out, a good bit.
Related: The #1 Sign Your Dog Is Stressed, According to Experts
What Does It Mean When a Dog Has a Favorite Toy?
We can't always assign pets the same feelings as humans. But in the case of a favorite toy, Dr. Myers says it's just fine. "It typically brings them happiness and satisfaction while also relieving boredom and providing stimulation to both mind and body," Dr. Myers says.
Did you have a security blanket? Your dog's favorite squeaky toy may provide the same level of comfort.
"It may also give them a sense of security," Dr. Myers explains. "Dogs form attachments to certain objects the same way people do, and their personalities are equally varied and unique—including their preference for some types of toys."
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What These 7 Favorite Dog Toys Reveal About a Pup's Personality
1. Tennis Ball
Your dog loves making fetch happen, huh?
"Dogs who love tennis balls are likely to be active and love running and retrieving," Dr. Myers says. "They may also be the type of dog who’s content to spend hours chewing."
If it's the latter, heed this warning: "Don’t use tennis balls for this reason since they can damage teeth," Dr. Myers says.
Related: How To Decode Your Dog’s Body Language
2. Rag Bone
A dog who loves rag bones and other toys that allow for tug-of-war games probably also craves active lifestyles where they can show off their athletic prowess.
"Dogs who can’t get enough tug are...also likely to be confident, a necessary personality trait for engaging in play that challenges the person on the other end of the toy," Dr. Myers says.
3. Squeaky Toy
You may cringe, but Dr. Myers says these quintessential dog toys mimic small prey animals.
"Dogs who enjoy them are likely to have a strong prey drive and enjoy hunting, chasing, catching and destroying their toys," Dr. Myers explains.
Remember, though, these dogs were bred to be hunters—it's natural for them to have these instincts. And trust that your pet is still a very good dog.
"When I think about dogs who love squeaky toys, the following personality traits come to mind: playfulness, curiosity [and] persistentence]," Dr. Myers adds.
4. Plush Toy
These toys are the most similar to the classic ones we give human babies. However, they often serve a similar purpose to squeaky toys.
"Plush toys also capitalize on a dog’s prey drive," Dr. Myers says. "This means they’re often a favorite for active, playful, curious and energetic dogs."
Yet, this statement isn't true for all pups.
"[Some] dogs are drawn to plush toys because they’re sensitive and nurturing," Dr. Myers continues. "These dogs may adopt a plush toy to treat as a baby."
Awww.
Related: The 5 Dog ‘Love Languages’ and How To Offer Them Every Day
5. Hard Chew Toys
Nylabones, Kongs and other hard chew toys are a go-to for some pets.
"Hard toys are often favored by strong, determined, independent and confident dogs," Dr. Meyers says. "They’re also likely to be aggressive chewers who prefer toys that can keep them occupied for a long time over things they can destroy in a minute."
6. Puzzle Toys
Does a puzzle toy keep your dog engaged while you work from home or run an errand? You may have a smarty-pants on your hand.
"Dogs who enjoy puzzle toys are likely to be intelligent and skilled problem solvers," Dr. Myers says. "These are dogs who like having a job to do. They’re also likely to be confident, independent, curious and persistent."
Related: These Are 11 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds, According to Veterinarians
7. Something In Nature
Before there were toys, there were sticks. Your dog's favorite toy indicates they didn't get the memo.
"Dogs who prefer something from nature, like a stick or rock, are adaptable and creative, ready to play with whatever is on hand," Dr. Myers says. "These dogs are resourceful and in close touch with their instincts."
Up Next: What Your Dog's Sleeping Position Says About Its Personality, According to a Vet
Sources
Dr. Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinarian for the pet telehealth platform Vetster
