Best Chew Toys for Portuguese Water Dogs

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is KONG Extreme Dog Toy — best for Powerful chewers and energetic play. Why it wins: Ultra-durable and long-lasting.

Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their powerful bite and energetic playstyle, making it essential to choose chew toys that can withstand their strong jaws. With their medium size and athletic build, they require toys that are both durable and safe. A toy that is too small can be a choking hazard, while one that is too weak can be destroyed quickly, leading to a mess and potentially harming the dog. The breed's high energy level and love for swimming also mean they need toys that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Portuguese Water Dogs are highly trainable and intelligent, but they can also be prone to destructive behavior if they don't receive enough mental and physical stimulation. Choosing the right chew toys can help redirect their energy and satisfy their natural instinct to chew, while also providing a fun and engaging way to play and exercise.

What to look for

Durability and Safety

Portuguese Water Dogs have strong jaws and teeth, so it's crucial to choose chew toys that are made from durable materials and are designed with safety in mind. Look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials and have no small parts that can be easily detached and swallowed. The toy should also be the right size for the dog, to prevent choking hazards.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the chew toy are critical for Portuguese Water Dogs. The toy should be large enough to withstand the dog's powerful jaws, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy. A toy with an irregular shape can provide a fun and challenging way for the dog to chew and play.

Material and Texture

The material and texture of the chew toy can make a big difference for Portuguese Water Dogs. A toy with a rough texture can help clean the dog's teeth, while a toy with a smooth surface can be more comfortable for the dog to chew on. Look for toys made from a variety of materials, such as rubber, nylon, and rope.

Interactive and Engaging

Portuguese Water Dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, so they need chew toys that are interactive and engaging. Look for toys that can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, or toys that have a puzzle-like design. These toys can provide a fun and challenging way for the dog to play and exercise their mind.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	KONG Extreme Dog Toy	Powerful chewers and energetic play
2	Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy	Dogs who love to chew and play
3	Nylabone Power Chew Dog Toy	Dogs who need a challenging chew toy
4	West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone	Dogs who love to play and swim
5	GoughNuts Maxx 50 STOP Chew Dog Toy Ring	Powerful chewers who need a safe and durable toy

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

Best for Powerful chewers and energetic play

The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs, as it is made from ultra-durable black rubber that can withstand their powerful jaws. The hollow core can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, providing a fun and engaging way for the dog to play and exercise their mind. The unpredictable bounce of the toy also makes it a great way to encourage active play and exercise.

✓ Ultra-durable and long-lasting
✓ Hollow core for stuffing with treats
✓ Unpredictable bounce for active play

✕ May be too large for some dogs

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Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy

Best for Dogs who love to chew and play

The Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy is a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs, as it is made from durable nylon and has a unique wishbone shape that makes it easy for the dog to grip and chew. The real food ingredients infused throughout the toy make it a tasty and engaging way for the dog to play and exercise.

✓ Durable and long-lasting
✓ Real food ingredients for a tasty flavor
✓ Ergonomic wishbone shape for easy gripping

✕ May be too small for some dogs

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Nylabone Power Chew Dog Toy

Best for Dogs who need a challenging chew toy

The Nylabone Power Chew Dog Toy is a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs, as it is made from flavored nylon that provides a long-lasting and challenging chew experience. The textured ridges on the toy help clean the dog's teeth, while the multiple flavors available make it a great way to keep the dog engaged and interested.

✓ Flavored nylon for a long-lasting chew experience
✓ Textured ridges for cleaning teeth
✓ Multiple flavors available

✕ May be too hard for some dogs

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West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone

Best for Dogs who love to play and swim

The West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone is a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs, as it is made from durable Zogoflex material that is non-toxic and dishwasher safe. The toy floats in water, making it a great way to encourage active play and exercise in the water.

✓ Durable and non-toxic
✓ Floats in water for aquatic play
✓ Dishwasher safe

✕ May be too small for some dogs

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GoughNuts Maxx 50 STOP Chew Dog Toy Ring

Best for Powerful chewers who need a safe and durable toy

The GoughNuts Maxx 50 STOP Chew Dog Toy Ring is a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs, as it is made from virtually indestructible rubber that can withstand their powerful jaws. The red inner indicator layer provides a safety system, alerting the owner when the toy needs to be replaced.

✓ Virtually indestructible rubber
✓ Safety system for replacement
✓ No hollow core or stuffing

✕ May be too large for some dogs

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to clean my Portuguese Water Dog's chew toys?

The best way to clean your Portuguese Water Dog's chew toys is to wash them with soap and water, and then dry them thoroughly. Some toys, like the West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone, are dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze.

Can I give my Portuguese Water Dog a rawhide chew toy?

It's not recommended to give your Portuguese Water Dog a rawhide chew toy, as they can be a choking hazard and may cause digestive issues. Instead, opt for durable and non-toxic toys like the KONG Extreme Dog Toy or the Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy.

How often should I replace my Portuguese Water Dog's chew toys?

You should replace your Portuguese Water Dog's chew toys regularly, depending on the durability of the toy and the dog's chewing habits. A good rule of thumb is to replace the toy every 1-3 months, or sooner if the toy shows signs of wear and tear.

Can I use human toothpaste to clean my Portuguese Water Dog's teeth?

No, you should not use human toothpaste to clean your Portuguese Water Dog's teeth. Human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs, and can cause a range of health issues. Instead, use a dog-specific toothpaste and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How can I prevent my Portuguese Water Dog from destroying their chew toys?

To prevent your Portuguese Water Dog from destroying their chew toys, supervise them during playtime, provide a variety of toys to keep them engaged, and rotate the toys regularly to prevent boredom. You can also try stuffing the toys with treats or peanut butter to make them more challenging and interesting.

When it comes to choosing the best chew toys for your Portuguese Water Dog, durability, safety, and engagement are key. Look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials, have a fun and challenging design, and can withstand your dog's powerful jaws. By providing your dog with the right chew toys, you can help redirect their energy, satisfy their natural instinct to chew, and provide a fun and engaging way to play and exercise. The KONG Extreme Dog Toy and the Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy are great options to consider, as they are durable, safe, and engaging, making them perfect for Portuguese Water Dogs.

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