Best Toys for Border Collies

By PetEssentialist Team · Updated June 2026 · How we review

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is KONG Extreme Dog Toy — best for High-energy play and durability. Why it wins: Ultra-durable rubber withstands intense play.

Border Collies are renowned for their high energy levels, with some dogs requiring up to 2 hours of intense physical and mental stimulation daily. This intense drive, combined with their medium size and intelligent nature, demands toys that are both durable and challenging. The breed's work-oriented temperament means they thrive on problem-solving and interactive play, making puzzle toys and high-durability products a must. When selecting toys for Border Collies, it's essential to consider their size to avoid choking hazards and match the toy's durability and stimulation level to their energy and intelligence.

What to look for

Size and Durability

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs, and their toys should reflect this. Avoid small toys that can be a choking hazard, and opt for durable products that can withstand their intense play. A toy that's too small or fragile can be destroyed quickly, leading to frustration and potentially harmful ingestion of small parts.

Intelligence and Stimulation

Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Toys that challenge their problem-solving skills, such as puzzle toys, are ideal for this breed. Interactive play and treat-dispensing toys can also help keep them engaged and stimulated.

Energy Level

Border Collies have extremely high energy levels, and their toys should be able to keep up. High-durability toys and interactive games that encourage physical activity are perfect for this breed. Avoid toys that are too soft or lightweight, as they may not be able to withstand the dog's intense play.

Play Style

Border Collies are herding dogs, and their play style often reflects this. They love to chase, fetch, and interact with their toys, so toys that encourage these behaviors are ideal. Toys with unpredictable movements or sounds can also help keep them engaged and stimulated.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	KONG Extreme Dog Toy	High-energy play and durability
2	Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy	Mental stimulation and problem-solving
3	West Paw Zogoflex Jive Ball	High-energy play and durability
4	Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush	Mental stimulation and problem-solving
5	Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole	High-energy play and agility training

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

Best for High-energy play and durability

The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is perfect for Border Collies due to its ultra-durable black natural rubber and hollow stuffable center. This toy can withstand the breed's intense play and provide mental stimulation through treat-dispensing. Its unpredictable roll and bouncy nature make it ideal for high-energy play.

✓ Ultra-durable rubber withstands intense play
✓ Hollow center provides mental stimulation through treat-dispensing
✓ Unpredictable roll and bouncy nature encourage high-energy play

✕ May be too heavy for some owners to throw

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Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy

Best for Mental stimulation and problem-solving

The Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy is ideal for Border Collies due to its challenging and interactive design. The toy's 3 rotating layers and compartments for treats/kibble provide mental stimulation and problem-solving opportunities, perfect for this intelligent breed.

✓ Challenging and interactive design provides mental stimulation
✓ 3 rotating layers and compartments for treats/kibble encourage problem-solving
✓ Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

✕ May be too difficult for some dogs to figure out

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West Paw Zogoflex Jive Ball

Best for High-energy play and durability

The West Paw Zogoflex Jive Ball is perfect for Border Collies due to its bouncy and durable Zogoflex material. This ball is ideal for high-energy play and can withstand the breed's intense chewing and playing.

✓ Bouncy and durable Zogoflex material withstands intense play
✓ Floats in water for added fun and challenge
✓ Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

✕ May be too heavy for some owners to throw

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Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush

Best for Mental stimulation and problem-solving

The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush is ideal for Border Collies due to its mentally stimulating hide-and-seek game. The toy's soft plush material and squeaky squirrel plush toys provide a fun and challenging way to keep the breed engaged and stimulated.

✓ Mentally stimulating hide-and-seek game provides problem-solving opportunities
✓ Soft plush material and squeaky squirrel plush toys provide a fun and challenging experience
✓ Ideal for indoor play

✕ May be too easy for some dogs to figure out

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Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole

Best for High-energy play and agility training

The Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole is perfect for Border Collies due to its bungee cord and swappable lure attachment. This toy provides high-energy play and agility training opportunities, ideal for the breed's intense drive and energy level.

✓ Bungee cord and swappable lure attachment provide high-energy play and agility training opportunities
✓ Tires out high-energy dogs quickly
✓ Ideal for outdoor play

✕ May be too intense for some dogs or owners

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Frequently asked questions

What type of toys are best for Border Collies?

Border Collies require toys that are durable, challenging, and provide mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and high-durability products are ideal for this breed.

How often should I replace my Border Collie's toys?

Border Collies are intense players, and their toys may need to be replaced frequently. It's recommended to inspect toys regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace them as needed to ensure the dog's safety and prevent boredom.

Can I use toys to help with my Border Collie's training?

Yes, toys can be a valuable tool in training Border Collies. Interactive toys and puzzle toys can help with obedience training, agility training, and problem-solving exercises.

Are there any specific safety considerations I should keep in mind when choosing toys for my Border Collie?

Yes, it's essential to consider the size and durability of toys when choosing them for your Border Collie. Avoid small toys that can be a choking hazard, and opt for durable products that can withstand the breed's intense play.

How can I keep my Border Collie engaged and stimulated with toys?

To keep your Border Collie engaged and stimulated with toys, it's recommended to rotate toys regularly, introduce new toys and games, and provide a variety of textures, sounds, and smells. You can also try hiding toys around the house or yard to encourage problem-solving and exploration.

When it comes to choosing the best toys for your Border Collie, it's essential to prioritize durability, mental stimulation, and high-energy play. By selecting toys that meet these criteria, you can ensure that your dog stays happy, engaged, and challenged. Remember to always supervise playtime and inspect toys regularly for signs of wear and tear to ensure your dog's safety.

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