Best Type of Toys for Basset Hounds

Basset Hound walkingThe best type of toys for Basset Hounds are the ones that cater to their natural instincts and traits. Basset Hounds are smart and playful dogs that need something to do. A bored Basset Hound often will look to entertain themselves. This can be in unconstructive ways resulting in naughty behavior. For a guide to exercise for Basset Hounds see here.

Basset Hounds were bred to work as hunting dogs as scent hounds. Their sense of smell is amazing. It is often said that a Basset Hounds brain is controlled by their nose. Once their nose hits the ground the ears turn off.

They are also very social dogs and love to play with either humans or other dogs. This is because of their long history of hunting in packs of other Basset Hounds with human hunting partners. Interactive toys and games are ideal for Basset Hounds.

Other traits to take into consideration when choosing toys for your Basset Hound include their strong food drive. Interactive and puzzle toys that use treats are a dream for Beagles.

Basset Hounds can be real diggers due to their hunting background and digging up burrows to get to rabbits and other prey. This can become a problem when they are digging up your garden or even your carpet. Digging is a natural behavior for many dogs. You can’t really train a natural instinct out of a dog, but you can redirect the behavior. Digging toys are the best way to achieve this.

Basset Hounds also love to chew and can be quite destructive. It is important to provide them with tough chew toys to satisfy this need. They also love plush toys but can shred and tear them to pieces. Selecting plush toys that are built tough will save money in the long run and time cleaning up stuffing.

What toys do Basset Hounds like

What are the best toys for your Basset Hound? The dog toys that cater to these natural traits and instincts of the Basset Hound will be best.

  • Toys that burn energy.
  • Scenting and nose play-type toys.
  • Digging toys if your Basset Hound is a digger.
  • Toys that they can play with you or other dogs with.
  • Toys they can’t shred. Basset Hounds can be a bit rough with their toys.
  • Puzzle and mentally challenging toys. Beagles are smart dogs.

Scenting and nose work toys for Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds are a scent hound. Providing toys and games that provide mental enrichment that work their scenting skills is essential. See here for 12 nose and scenting games for dogs. 

Here are some recommended toys that provide scenting enrichment for your Basset Hound.

Hound dog scenting kit

These kits are used to train dogs for hunting. However, they are ideal even for a pet Basset Hound to challenge their nose work skills. Comes complete with the training dummy toy and a bottle of Rabbit scent. There are other scents available such as duck and goose.

See the Hound dog scenting kit on Amazon

Snuffle Rugs

 A Snuffe Mat is another great way to provide for your dog’s natural scenting instinct and to provide mental stimulation and relieve boredom. A Snuffe mat is a mat that is made of fleece and you can hide dry food or treats into it. If you are someone that is good at crafts you can try to make one yourself or check out the range of Snuffle Mats at Amazon.

Digging toys for Basset Hounds

IDigg Go

Although not all Basset Hounds are diggers, most tend to be. This is just something common to the breed. The latest toy for dogs that dig is the iDig Go from the people that have brought you the iFetch automatic ball launcher. See “Automatic ball launchers for dogs” to learn more.

This is the first dog toy that has been specially designed to cater to your dog’s natural digging instinct. You simply hide their favorite toy or treats in the flaps and let them dig away to uncover the hidden treasure. Not only will the action of digging help burn off pent-up energy, but the mental challenge of working out how to get to the goodies will help to tire them also.

Check out the video to see how this works or view the iDig Go on Amazon.

For more toys for dogs that like to dig see here.

Interactive Puzzle Toys for Basset Hounds

Providing mental enrichment and stimulation for your Basset Hound is just as important as physical activity. Mental exercise can burn as much energy as physical exercise.

The best toys for achieving this are puzzle toys. Most of these types of toys involve your dog working out how to get the treat out of the toy. As Basset Hounds are very food-driven and smart, they absolutely love puzzle toys.

There is a wide range of different puzzle toys available. For the top puzzle toys for dogs see here.

Moving Toys for Basset Hounds

An ideal way to stimulate your Basset Hound both mentally and physically is to use self-moving dog toys. This type of toy works with your dog’s natural prey drive and chase instinct.

Petgeek Automatic Rolling Treat Ball

This automatic rolling treat ball from Petgeek is activated by a soft touch from your dog and can last for up to 7 hours. Requires two AAA batteries and goes into sleep mode after a period of no activity.

Provides physical exercise and mental stimulation as they figure out how to release the treats.  Can hold up to 380ml of kibble or small treats(sized up to 0.3 inches). This is ideal for the home alone dog also.

View the Petgeek Automatic Rolling Ball on Amazon,

Doggie Tail

The Doggie Tail vibrates and jumps to stimulate your dog. It also makes intriguing sounds to further engage them. It requires 3 AAA batteries and will shut off after a period of inactivity to prolong battery life. If your dog damages the outer material you can get replacement covers. It also comes in different styles including Crab, Hedgehog, and Owl.

Zeus Bulldog

The Zeus Bulldog barks, shakes, bounces, and rolls in an unpredictable way. It comes complete with 3 AAA batteries. The cover is machine washable for when it becomes covered in slobber and grim.

For more dog toys that move on their own see here.

Toys for Basset Hounds that like to shred

Most Basset Hounds love soft plush toys. However, Basset Hounds can be quite tough on their toys. It can get quite expensive not to mention having to clean up the mess every time you give your Basset Hound a new toy.  The Tuffy range of plush toys is my top pick for the toughest nearly indestructible plush dog toys.

For more recommended dog toys for dogs that like to shred see here.

Tuffy plush toy range

The Tuffy range is known as the toughest soft toy for dogs. Tuffy plush toy range combines durability with softness. This is accomplished with seven-layer stitching, multiple tough outer layers of material and a fleece inner lining. They are also machine washable and float.

Tuffy Ocean Creature Octopus      

Tuffy Ultimate Dog Toy                           

Tuffy Barnyard Dog Toy            

(available in a range of animal shapes)     

See the full range of Tuffy Plush Toys on Amazon            

Chew toys for Basset Hounds

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and has many benefits for them. Providing chew toys for your Basset Hound is not only a great way to keep them occupied and help with their dental health. It is also a natural stress release for them.

When a dog chews, it releases endorphins to the brain giving them a calming and relaxing feeling.

There are in general three categories of chewing types in dogs – gentle chewers, average chewers, and power chewers. Basset Hounds tend to fit into the power chewer or average chewer categories.

Power Chewers are strongly determined chewers. It is important to select chew toys that they can destroy with ease.

For the best chew toys for dogs see here.

Gough Nuts Indestructible Chew Toy

The Gough Nuts chew toys are my number one pick for aggressive power chewers. Extremely popular with people with powerful strong dogs for their toughness.

Gough Nuts Maxx Chew Stick

Extremely tough and a good size and shape (11.75 inches long). Dogs like stick-shaped toys because they can hold them between their paws while they work on the end. Also great for a game of fetch.

View Gough Nuts Maxx Stick on Amazon

Gough Nuts Dog Chew Ring

The Gough Nuts ring is 5″ in diameter with a 1.75″ cross-section. Virtually indestructible, guaranteed! If your pet can chew through the outer layer to expose the inner red layer, GoughNuts will replace your toy.

View Gough Nuts Chew Ring on Amazon

Deer Antlers

If you are wanting a more edible dog chew, deer antlers are one of the toughest and longest-lasting. These are available in a range of different sizes to suit your dog. Antlers are a source of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. And many dogs seem to really like the taste.

View Deer Antlers on Amazon.

For more chew toy recommendations see here.

Best toys for Basset Hound puppies

Kong puppy chew toys

In addition to the classic shape Kong, there are other shapes available such as the Kong teething stick and the Kong Goodie Bone. These have grooves on the side so you can spread a little paste into them to make the toy more interesting than your shoes.

Kong Classic for puppies 

Kong teething stick 
Kong Puppy Goodie Bone 

Tuffy Junior dog toys

For puppies that love plush toys but tend to pull apart normal plush toys like Basset Hound puppies tend to, The Tuffy Junior range is ideal. They are more durable than other plush toys and are machine washable. These are for puppies mainly as an adult dog would be more than likely to be able to destroy them. They are available in a range of sizes to suit your puppy.

Nylabone puppy key ring

The Nylabone puppy teething key ring is a classic. These have been available for teething puppies ever since I can remember. These are soft enough for enjoyable chewing, yet strong enough to withstand it.

They have lots of moving parts that make a sound when shaken. Toys that make a sound are always more preferable and fun for a puppy. The irregular shape and texture provide choices of different surfaces and feelings while chewing and after some chewing, raised bristles are released that clean the teeth to help dental health.

Let us know in the comments what your Basset Hounds favorite toys are.

Related post for best toys for Basset Hounds

Dog toys that encourage exercise

Top puzzle toys for dogs

Best chew toys for dogs

Toys for dogs that like to shred

Dog toys for diggers

Author

  • Joseph Coleman

    A lifelong writer and proud dog dad. Joseph started this blog dedicated to helping other dog owners find accurate information on how to keep their pets at their healthiest through exercise and nutrition. His passion for all things canine shines through in his writing, and he believes that every dog deserves the best possible care. If you're a dog owner looking for reliable advice on how to keep your pup healthy and happy, be sure to check out Joseph's work.