We’ve rounded up the best rope dog toys out there to save you time and trouble. We’ve sorted through hundreds of rope dog toys to bring you our top picks.
If you are wondering why to choose a rope dog toy over one of the best dog toys in the first place, let us help you out. Rope toys are a great option for dogs who are looking for something durable to sink their teeth into. Rope toys are also a great way to improve your relationship with your dog, as you can engage in lots of playtime with them.
While these toys are fun for dogs, we should note that you need to be on the lookout for any strands that may come loose through normal chewing and tugging while playing. Loose strands can be potentially dangerous if swallowed. Below, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan weighs in on these risks and how to decide if rope toys are a good choice for your dog.
Now, let's take a look at our top picks of the best rope dog toys.
The best rope dog toys 2025
Best overall dog rope toy
The Wild Knots bear toy features an interior skeleton which is made from rope, giving your four-legged friend all the satisfaction of a chewy rope toy to get their teeth into. The exterior plush is designed to be durable, while there’s minimal stuffing to make a mess if they do manage to rip through the outside.
Reasons to buy: This toy comes in a variety of sizes and colors, it’s also very cute making it a good gift.
Reasons not to buy: It is not completely indestructible, and dogs can manage to rip the stuffing out.
Best rope dog toy set
If you’ve got a dog that gets easily bored, this multipack of rope toys not only represents excellent value but also gives them several different options to choose from depending on mood. It even includes a ball for throwing and fetching!
Reasons to buy: There are multiple items in this set for dogs to chew and play with.
Reasons not to buy: This set is not recommended for ultra-aggressive chewers as it isn’t as durable as some other options.
Best heavy-duty dog rope toy
If you’ve got a hound who really likes to get their teeth stuck into a dog toy, this Playology toy is specifically designed for them. Made from tear-resistant fibers, it features a double-knotted design along with a “slobber-wicking” performance to make it last as long as possible.
Reasons to buy: Dri-technology makes it long-lasting and causes less concern with tear-resistant fibers.
Reasons not to buy: This rope toy has a higher price point than other options on this list.
Best combination rope dog toy
If you’ve got a dog that loves to play tug, but also loves to fetch, buying a combination toy is a good way to save money with an all-purpose product. The combination of a ball and rope should keep dogs who get bored easily quite happy, with a mixture of textures to hold their interest. Perfect for dogs who love to play tug and fetch.
Reasons to buy: A great multi-use toy for dogs that get bored easily.
Reasons not to buy: The ball part of this toy can be easily broken dog, so may not be suitable for tough chewers.
Best heavy-weighted dog rope toy
Another option from the well-known Kong brand is the Jaxx Braided tug dog toy. This one is particularly well-suited to larger dogs who really like to put their toys through the ringer. It’s also weighted at one end, so it’s ideal for throwing around, or for the dog to throw up in the air themselves.
Reasons to buy: The two different textures of this rope toy help to keep your dog’s interest.
Reasons not to buy: The handle is much thinner than the rest of the toy, making it easy to be chewed apart by more aggressive chewers.
How to choose the best rope dog toy
Rope dog toys are a common choice for lots of pet owners. They are versatile, provide lots of different textures and sensations for your pet, and generally create less mess than soft stuffed toys or even rubber toys. They also generally don’t come with squeakers, so if you’ve got a manic chewer and would like some peace, they’re a good option.
The type of rope dog toy you choose will largely depend on the type of dog you’ve got. If you’ve got one that likes to engage in tug of war games, look for one which makes it easy to play that - such as by including a handle, or grip end for you (or another dog) to get hold of while playing.
If your dog is particularly destructive and loves a good chew, look out for rope toys that promise to be long-lasting. No toy is completely indestructible, but some definitely last longer than others – generally it’s a case of “buy cheap, buy twice”, so if you can splash a little more cash, you’ll usually get something sturdier and more durable.
Lastly, you could also look out for rope toys that provide some other kind of play - such as by including a ball attached to them, or take the shape of a bear or other animal, to be used as a comfort toy. That way, you get two toys for the price of one.
Dr. MacMillan also notes that the size of your dog should be taken into consideration. "When choosing a rope toy, pick one that is an appropriate size for your pet. Too small and it could be a choking hazard."
Are rope toys the best choice for my dog?
You'll want to think carefully about your dog's personality and chewing habits. If your dog is a more aggressive chewer and is often putting things in their mouth that they shouldn't, a rope toy may not be the best choice for them. You may have better luck with one of the best long lasting dog chews instead.
Have a dog who loves to chew? You may be interested in our guide to the best dog chew toys
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Alexis has worked with publications such as Daily Mail, World of Cruising and Father's Quarterly. Originally from the United States, she started her career as an editorial intern at Ohio Magazine and has been in love with writing ever since.
