PetEssentialistFind picks 🐾

🐾 Get the best breed-matched picks & deals in your inbox

Best Toys for Bernese Mountain Dogs

We independently research and pick every product. When you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.

Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not high-strung or hyperactive, but they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress. With their moderate energy level, they need toys that challenge them physically and mentally, without being too demanding. Their intelligence and strong work ethic, inherited from their ancestors as draft and droving dogs, mean they thrive on problem-solving and interactive play. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them an excellent breed for families with children. However, their size and strength require careful consideration when selecting toys, to ensure they are durable and safe. Toys that are too small or fragile can be a choking hazard, while those that are too large or heavy can be difficult for them to manage. When choosing toys for Bernese Mountain Dogs, it's essential to consider their unique combination of size, energy level, and intelligence. The right toys can help keep them physically and mentally stimulated, while also providing a fun and engaging way to spend time with their owners.

What to look for

Toy Size and Durability

Bernese Mountain Dogs require toys that are large enough to avoid being a choking hazard, yet durable enough to withstand their strength and energy level. Look for toys made from high-quality materials that can resist chewing and biting.

Interactive and Problem-Solving Toys

Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly intelligent and thrive on problem-solving and interactive play. Toys that challenge them mentally, such as puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys, are ideal for keeping them stimulated and engaged.

Safety and Comfort

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to joint issues, so it's essential to choose toys that are comfortable and safe for them to play with. Avoid toys with small parts or sharp edges that can cause injury.

Toy Variety and Rotation

To keep Bernese Mountain Dogs engaged and interested, it's essential to provide a variety of toys and rotate them regularly. This will help prevent boredom and prevent them from becoming too attached to a single toy.

Our top picks

1

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

Best for High-energy play and durability

The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is an ideal choice for Bernese Mountain Dogs, as it is made from ultra-durable black natural rubber that can withstand their strength and energy level. The hollow center can be stuffed with treats or kibble, providing a fun and challenging way to keep them engaged.

  • Ultra-durable and long-lasting
  • Hollow center for stuffing with treats
  • Bouncy and unpredictable roll
  • May be too large for smaller spaces
Check price →
2

West Paw Zogoflex Jive Ball

Best for Interactive play and fetch

The West Paw Zogoflex Jive Ball is a great choice for Bernese Mountain Dogs, as it is made from durable and non-toxic Zogoflex material that can withstand their energy level. The ball is bouncy and fun to play with, making it ideal for interactive play and fetch.

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Bouncy and fun to play with
  • Non-toxic and safe
  • May be too small for larger dogs
Check price →
3

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy

Best for Mental stimulation and problem-solving

The Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy is an excellent choice for Bernese Mountain Dogs, as it provides a fun and challenging way to keep them mentally stimulated. The puzzle toy has three rotating layers with compartments for treats or kibble, making it an ideal choice for problem-solving and interactive play.

  • Challenging and mentally stimulating
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Easy to clean
  • May be too difficult for some dogs
Check price →
4

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush

Best for Hide-and-seek play and mental stimulation

The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush is a great choice for Bernese Mountain Dogs, as it provides a fun and interactive way to keep them mentally stimulated. The puzzle plush has squeaky squirrel toys that tuck inside a tree trunk, making it an ideal choice for hide-and-seek play and problem-solving.

  • Fun and interactive
  • Mentally stimulating
  • Soft and cuddly
  • May be too easy for some dogs
Check price →
5

KONG Classic Dog Toy

Best for Basic play and treat dispensing

The KONG Classic Dog Toy is a great choice for Bernese Mountain Dogs, as it provides a basic and fun way to keep them engaged. The hollow center can be stuffed with treats or kibble, making it an ideal choice for treat dispensing and interactive play.

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Hollow center for stuffing with treats
  • Bouncy and unpredictable roll
  • May not be as challenging as other toys
Check price →

Frequently asked questions

What type of toys are best for Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Bernese Mountain Dogs require toys that are durable, interactive, and challenging. They thrive on problem-solving and mental stimulation, so toys that provide a challenge, such as puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys, are ideal.

How often should I rotate my Bernese Mountain Dog's toys?

To keep your Bernese Mountain Dog engaged and interested, it's essential to rotate their toys regularly. Aim to introduce new toys every few days or weeks, and remove any toys that are showing signs of wear or damage.

Can Bernese Mountain Dogs play with small toys?

No, Bernese Mountain Dogs should not play with small toys, as they can be a choking hazard. Choose toys that are large enough to avoid being a choking hazard, and durable enough to withstand their strength and energy level.

How can I keep my Bernese Mountain Dog mentally stimulated?

Bernese Mountain Dogs require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress. Provide a variety of toys that challenge them, such as puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys, and engage in interactive play, such as hide-and-seek and fetch.

What are the benefits of providing a variety of toys for my Bernese Mountain Dog?

Providing a variety of toys for your Bernese Mountain Dog can help prevent boredom, reduce stress, and provide mental stimulation. It can also help to prevent over-attachment to a single toy, which can lead to destructive behavior.

When choosing toys for your Bernese Mountain Dog, remember to consider their unique combination of size, energy level, and intelligence. The right toys can help keep them physically and mentally stimulated, while also providing a fun and engaging way to spend time with their owners. By selecting durable, interactive, and challenging toys, you can help ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog leads a happy and healthy life.