5 Best Toys for Portuguese Water Dogs 2026

This squeaky water bottle-inspired toy delivers a surprisingly smart solution for dogs who love to destroy everything in sight. Engineered with TPR rubber instead of plush stuffing, it mimics the crinkly sound of plastic bottles while being far more durable—perfect for pups with a habit of tearing apart squeaky toys in minutes. The triple-stimulation design combines visual appeal (wine bottle look), auditory interest (loud squeak), and kinetic bounce, making it a powerhouse for dogs prone to boredom or separation anxiety. If your Portuguese Water Dog chews out of stress, this toy tackles that head-on.

In real-world testing, the toy held up well against moderate chewers, bouncing unpredictably when thrown—sparking intense fetch sessions. Its 6.5-inch size fits comfortably in medium to small dog mouths, and the bright blue color makes it easy to spot on grass or indoors. However, it’s not truly indestructible, and aggressive chewers may eventually puncture or flatten the squeaker chamber. Still, it outperforms most plush toys in longevity and offers interactive value beyond passive chewing.

Compared to plush or rope toys, this stands out as a budget-friendly, anxiety-reducing playmate that encourages active engagement. It’s not as mentally stimulating as treat-dispensing puzzles, but it bridges the gap between durability and sensory fun. Ideal for pet parents seeking a low-maintenance, high-engagement toy for daily play or short absences. It doesn’t match the complexity of the lilfrd enrichment toy, but it’s a more durable, focused option for sensory-driven chewers.

The Mihachi Crocodile Crinkle Toy brings a clever 2-in-1 twist to plush play—slip a water bottle inside, and it transforms into a crunchy, crinkly beast that taps into your dog’s primal instincts. With puncture-resistant squeakers and internal crinkle paper, it delivers layers of sound-based stimulation that keep Portuguese Water Dogs locked in play. The stuffing-free construction eliminates the mess of torn fluff while maintaining a soft, huggable feel—ideal for pups who like to cuddle their toys between chews.

During testing, the crocodile’s realistic shape and crinkly tail sparked immediate interest, especially in younger dogs. The ability to insert a plastic bottle adds novelty and extends playtime, turning a simple plush into an interactive experience. It’s lightweight and easy to toss, making it great for indoor games or travel. That said, while it resists light to moderate chewing, determined destroyers can still rip seams over time, especially around the squeaker housing.

Positioned as a budget-friendly sensory toy, it outshines basic plushes without the premium price of treat puzzles. It’s not as durable as rubber toys or as mentally engaging as the lilfrd octopus, but it offers exceptional value for casual chewers and teething puppies. If you want a safe, mess-free plush that mimics the sound of a chewed water bottle, this croc is a smart, affordable alternative to higher-end interactive designs.

The IDOLPET Starfish is a game-changer for water-loving Portuguese Water Dogs, combining floating functionality, dental care, and squeaky excitement in one compact design. Crafted from natural rubber, this toy bobs effortlessly in pools, lakes, or bathtubs—making it perfect for training your dog to swim or cooling off in summer. The 6.5-inch starfish shape is easy to grip, and the built-in squeaker keeps dogs engaged during fetch, even in water.

In real-world use, it proved highly buoyant and resistant to slobber and sun exposure, with no warping after repeated wet-dry cycles. The grooves along the arms can be filled with dog toothpaste, turning chewing into a gum-massaging, teeth-cleaning session—a rare dual-purpose feature in dog toys. However, it’s clearly not built for aggressive chewers; sharp teeth can eventually puncture the rubber, especially around the squeaker. Still, for gentle to moderate chewers, it’s a versatile, hygienic, and fun addition to water play.

Compared to land-only toys like the heqxwl bottle, this starfish dominates in aquatic environments while offering dental benefits most lack. It’s less durable than hard rubber chew toys but excels in targeted use cases: swimming, teething, and bath time. If your dog lives for water, this toy delivers specialized performance that no standard chew toy can match, blending health benefits with pure splashy joy.

The FIREOR 5-Pack No Stuffing Plush Toys is the most well-rounded option for Portuguese Water Dog owners who want variety, safety, and long-term value. This bundle—featuring Rabbit, Raccoon, Squirrel, Duck, and Owl—delivers multi-sensory play with squeakers, crinkle paper, and even water bottle pockets in the Duck and Owl. The thickened inner liner and reinforced stitching make these plushes far more durable than standard ones, resisting tears from moderate chewers.

In testing, the variety kept dogs engaged for days, with each toy offering a different sound or texture. The crinkle wings and dual squeakers (head and tail) triggered intense shake-and-pounce behavior, satisfying hunting instincts. Inserting a water bottle into the Duck or Owl added a new dimension of crunch, extending the toy’s lifespan. While not indestructible—aggressive chewers may extract squeakers—it’s one of the toughest plush bundles on the market.

Compared to single toys like the Mihachi crocodile, this set offers far greater versatility and value, functioning as chew toys, fetch companions, and anxiety relievers. It’s more comprehensive than the lilfrd octopus but lacks treat-dispensing features. Still, for owners seeking a complete, long-lasting toy collection that balances softness, durability, and interactive fun, this is the best overall choice—delivering unmatched variety without sacrificing safety or engagement.

The lilfrd Octopus is the ultimate brain game in toy form, designed to stimulate, challenge, and mentally exhaust intelligent breeds like the Portuguese Water Dog. More than just a plush, it’s a snuffle puzzle with two hidden treat pockets, encouraging dogs to sniff, dig, and problem-solve—perfect for reducing anxiety or preventing destructive behavior when left alone. The rope tentacles add tug-of-war fun, while the squeaky head boosts auditory engagement.

Real-world testing showed dogs spent 15–20 minutes actively working to extract treats, far longer than with standard chew toys. The soft velvet cover protects gums when a water bottle is inserted, and the crunchy sound mimics the satisfying noise of plastic—without the choking hazard. It’s machine washable, making it easy to maintain, and the bright colors help dogs track it during play. However, the plush body isn’t built for heavy chewing, and the rope may fray over time with intense use.

Compared to the FIREOR set, this toy is less about variety and more about depth of engagement. It doesn’t offer multiple animals or squeakers, but it excels in mental enrichment—a critical need for high-energy, smart dogs. If your goal is to tire your dog’s mind, not just their body, this octopus outperforms nearly every other toy here. It’s the smartest investment for owners prioritizing behavioral health and cognitive stimulation over brute durability.