Best Toys for Irish Setters

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is KONG Extreme Dog Toy — best for High-energy play and durability. Why it wins: Durable and long-lasting.

Irish Setters are a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. With their outgoing and playful personalities, they thrive on interactive play and challenging activities. As a large breed, they need toys that are sturdy and durable enough to withstand their enthusiastic playstyle. Their intelligence and active nature make them well-suited for puzzle toys and interactive games that challenge them physically and mentally. Irish Setters are also known for their love of playtime, and they can become easily attached to their favorite toys, making it essential to choose toys that are not only fun but also durable and long-lasting. When selecting toys for an Irish Setter, it's crucial to consider their size, energy level, and intelligence to ensure that the toys provide the right level of challenge and stimulation. The right toys can help to reduce boredom, stress, and destructive behavior, while also strengthening the bond between dog and owner.

What to look for

Size and Durability

Irish Setters are a large breed, and their toys need to be sturdy enough to withstand their energetic playstyle. Look for toys made from durable materials that can resist chewing and rough handling. The size of the toy is also important, as it should be large enough to prevent choking hazards but not so large that it becomes unwieldy.

Intelligence and Stimulation

Irish Setters are an intelligent breed that requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress. Puzzle toys and interactive games are ideal for this breed, as they challenge the dog's problem-solving skills and provide a sense of accomplishment. The toys should also be engaging and fun, with features such as treat dispensers, squeakers, or hidden compartments.

Play Style and Preferences

Irish Setters are a playful breed that loves to run, chase, and retrieve. They prefer toys that allow them to engage in these activities, such as balls, frisbees, and tug toys. They also enjoy interactive play, such as fetch and tug-of-war, which helps to strengthen the bond between dog and owner.

Safety and Maintenance

Irish Setters are prone to chewing and destroying toys, so it's essential to choose toys that are safe and easy to clean. Look for toys made from non-toxic materials, and avoid toys with small parts or loose threads that can be ingested. Regularly inspect the toys for signs of wear and tear, and replace them as needed to prevent accidents.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	KONG Extreme Dog Toy	High-energy play and durability
2	West Paw Zogoflex Jive Ball	Interactive play and fetch
3	Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush	Mental stimulation and problem-solving
4	Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy	Advanced problem-solving and challenge
5	Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy	Adjustable challenge and stimulation

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

Best for High-energy play and durability

The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is a sturdy and durable toy that can withstand the energetic playstyle of an Irish Setter. Its ultra-durable black natural rubber construction makes it ideal for aggressive chewers, and its hollow center can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter to provide mental stimulation and challenge.

✓ Durable and long-lasting
✓ Provides mental stimulation and challenge
✓ Ideal for high-energy play

✕ May be too heavy for some dogs

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West Paw Zogoflex Jive Ball

Best for Interactive play and fetch

The West Paw Zogoflex Jive Ball is a bouncy and durable ball that is perfect for interactive play and fetch with an Irish Setter. Its Zogoflex material is non-toxic and easy to clean, and its unique design makes it easy to grip and throw.

✓ Durable and bouncy
✓ Easy to clean and maintain
✓ Ideal for interactive play and fetch

✕ May not be suitable for dogs with sensitive teeth

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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 a fun and challenging toy that provides mental stimulation and problem-solving for an Irish Setter. Its soft plush material and squeaky squirrel toys make it an engaging and entertaining toy that will keep your dog occupied for hours.

✓ Provides mental stimulation and challenge
✓ Soft and plush material
✓ Easy to clean and maintain

✕ May not be suitable for dogs with aggressive chewing habits

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Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy

Best for Advanced problem-solving and challenge

The Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy is a challenging and interactive toy that provides advanced problem-solving and challenge for an Irish Setter. Its 3 rotating layers and compartments for treats or kibble make it an engaging and stimulating toy that will keep your dog occupied for hours.

✓ Provides advanced problem-solving and challenge
✓ Durable and easy to clean
✓ Ideal for intelligent and curious dogs

✕ May be too complex for some dogs

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Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

Best for Adjustable challenge and stimulation

The Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy is a fun and challenging toy that provides adjustable challenge and stimulation for an Irish Setter. Its weighted base and adjustable dispensing holes make it an engaging and entertaining toy that will keep your dog occupied for hours.

✓ Provides adjustable challenge and stimulation
✓ Durable and easy to clean
✓ Ideal for dogs of all ages and skill levels

✕ May be too heavy for some dogs

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Frequently asked questions

What type of toys are best for Irish Setters?

Irish Setters are a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive on interactive play and challenging activities, so toys that provide a combination of physical and mental stimulation are ideal. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and durable chew toys are all great options for Irish Setters.

How often should I replace my Irish Setter's toys?

Irish Setters are prone to chewing and destroying toys, so it's essential to regularly inspect their toys for signs of wear and tear. Replace toys as needed to prevent accidents and ensure that your dog always has access to safe and stimulating toys.

Can Irish Setters play with small toys?

While Irish Setters are a large breed, they can still play with small toys as long as they are durable and safe. However, it's essential to choose toys that are large enough to prevent choking hazards and to supervise your dog during playtime to ensure their safety.

How can I keep my Irish Setter entertained and stimulated?

Irish Setters are an intelligent and active breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Provide a variety of toys and activities that challenge them physically and mentally, such as puzzle toys, interactive games, and outdoor activities like hiking and agility training.

Are Irish Setters prone to destructive behavior if they don't get enough exercise and stimulation?

Yes, Irish Setters are prone to destructive behavior if they don't receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. They can become bored and restless, leading to behavioral problems like chewing, digging, and barking. Provide your Irish Setter with plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior and ensure a happy and healthy relationship.

When it comes to choosing the best toys for your Irish Setter, consider their high energy level, intelligence, and playful personality. Look for toys that provide a combination of physical and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, interactive games, and durable chew toys. By providing your Irish Setter with the right toys and activities, you can help to reduce boredom, stress, and destructive behavior, while also strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

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