How to Choose the Right Size Toy for Your Small Dog

If you’ve followed our journey at Paw Branch, you’ll know our Chief Toy Tester, Luigi. He’s my absolute baby, and because I’ve raised him on a high-quality, species-appropriate diet, he is fit-as-a-fiddle and incredibly well-built. Even though he looks like a classic small Pug, he’s actually a muscular tank of a dog.

Meet the Team: Luigi & His "Big" Little Brother

Luigi isn't the only one in the family, though! He has a younger brother named Zeus, who is only 9 months old but already a humongous 45kg powerhouse without an ounce of fat on him. It’s a funny dynamic; Zeus is technically the "baby," but he’s very much the "big" brother in stature! They are best friends, but seeing them together is a daily reminder of why size-specific toys are so important.

It’s All in the Jaw: Why "Small" Toys are the Big Choice

Watching Luigi interact with Zeus is hilarious, but it also means Luigi has developed some "big dog" habits! He often tries to "help" Zeus with his giant XL toys, but because of Luigi's beautiful Pug face and specific jaw structure, those big toys just aren't safe or satisfying for him to grip.

That is why we are so passionate about our Small Dog (5–10kg) range. It’s designed for dogs like Luigi—those who have all the heart and energy of a giant like Zeus, but need a toy that respects their smaller anatomy and protects their teeth.

Understanding Your Dog's Individual Play Profile

When I spent 12 months researching products for Paw Branch, and later starting my Level 3 Diploma in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare, the biggest takeaway was that no two dogs are the same. From a litter of five, every pup will have a different character.

While about 90% of small dogs aren't "power chewers" in the sense of raw jaw pressure, they all have distinct play preferences. Matching a toy to their style is the key to a happy, safe dog. Before looking at play styles, we have to talk about safety. Whether it’s a Ball or any other toy, it must be size-appropriate to avoid a choking hazard. If you are ever in doubt, always size up.

Matching Toys to Personality

Small dogs rarely have the crushing power of a large breed, but they can be incredibly persistent. Luigi, for example, will focus on a toy and "surgically" look for a weak spot. For dogs like this, finding a durable Chew toy made from high-quality materials is essential to keep them engaged safely.

Play is also the foundation of the bond between you and your dog. Engaging in a game of tug with a natural Rope is a massive part of a dog's life and a perfect way to build confidence and trust. For high-drive chasers, choosing from our Fetch collection ensures you get equipment like Chuckit! which is curated for precision sizing to keep smaller muzzles safe while they retrieve a Ball.

Not all play is physical, though; dogs need to work their brains to stay settled. Our Interactive toys, including treat dispensers from world-class brands like KONG, provide a "job" for your dog to do, reducing boredom-related anxiety through mental stimulation.

Finally, every dog has a soft side. Luigi might be persistent one minute, but he’ll also spend hours simply licking and cuddling a toy from our Plush collection. We choose Ancol for this because they are correctly proportioned for 5–10kg dogs, providing the comfort and mouth-feel that harder toys just can't match.

The "Luigi Standard": Quality You Can Trust

I set out on my diploma to ensure that every product I sell at Paw Branch is backed by factual standards of canine welfare. Because safety is my priority, we only stock well-known, reputable brands like KONG, Green & Wild’s, Ancol, and Chuckit!, and ensure all our toys are UK-sourced.

We don't make presumptions; we just provide the tools for you to support your dog’s unique personality. We stay away from hard materials that could damage teeth, focusing instead on high-quality rubber, natural fibres, and soft-but-structured plush.

Explore our Small Dog Toy Size Range (5-10kg)

We hope you find this guide useful in choosing the right fit for your dog. If you are still unsure, we are always here to help—just drop us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

With Love,

Paw Branch 💚