Some dogs just have a gentle heart—and an even gentler mouth. They’re the ones who sneak into the playroom, pick up a plush teddy bear, and proudly parade it around the house like it’s their greatest treasure.
If you’ve ever found your dog cradling a doll, pacifier, or squeaky giraffe, you know exactly the kind of sweet soul we’re talking about. Certain dog breeds have a natural instinct to carry things in their mouths—especially soft, small items.
And when kids are around? That instinct often turns adorable. From “borrowing” toys to carefully placing them at your child’s feet, these dogs become playtime companions and unofficial toy organizers.
Here, we’re highlighting the most toy-loving breeds who carry kids’ toys as if they were born for it. Whether it’s a sign of their nurturing side or just playful mischief, one thing’s for sure—it melts hearts every time.
Ready to meet the dogs who treat your child’s toys like treasures? Let’s dive in.
Dog Breeds That Carry Kids’ Toys in Their Mouths
1. Beagle
If there were an Olympic sport for “carrying random things in your mouth,” the Beagle would take home gold. These compact, curious little hounds are famous for their powerful noses — but don’t underestimate their adorably grabby mouths.
Got kids? Then you’ve got Beagle heaven. These pups absolutely love picking up toys (especially the ones that squeak) and proudly parading them around the house like they just discovered buried treasure.
Originally bred for hunting, Beagles are hardwired to pick things up and bring them back — only now it’s chewable toys instead of woodland critters.
✅ They love to collect stuff, and your child’s toy bin is basically their personal toy chest.
✅ Their scent-driven curiosity leads them straight to whatever smells interesting, and kids’ toys? Oh, the smells!
✅ Your Beagle knows you’ll laugh when they carry a stuffed unicorn around like it’s priceless cargo — and they live for that moment.
Whether it’s a rubber duck, a plush dinosaur, or your toddler’s sock monkey, if it’s light enough and left unattended, your Beagle is already halfway to adding it to their “collection.”
A Beagle in the house means your kids’ toys will go on mysterious mini-adventures and occasionally show up in your dog’s bed — slightly chewed, thoroughly loved. But hey, it’s all part of the charm.
2. Golden Retriever
If you’ve ever seen a Golden Retriever trotting around with a stuffed animal in its mouth like it’s delivering fragile cargo, congratulations — you’ve witnessed one of life’s purest joys.
Golden Retrievers are among the most beloved dog breeds in the U.S., and it’s no surprise why. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, trainability, and affectionate nature, “Goldens” make exceptional family pets. Their gentle temperament and eagerness to please make them a joy to have in the home.
These lovable goofballs are professionals when it comes to carrying things, and kids’ toys? Oh, they consider those part of their daily duties.
✅ They can carry a raw egg without cracking it. Your kid’s favorite plushie? Totally safe… minus the drool.
✅ Goldens treat toys like precious babies — expect cradling, cuddling, and maybe even tucking them into their dog bed.
✅ They adore children and will happily join in on playtime — even if that means becoming the toy delivery service.
Golden Retrievers are famously gentle-mouthed — a trait they’ve perfected from their hunting dog roots, where they were trained to retrieve game without leaving a single tooth mark. Today, instead of ducks, it’s plush dinosaurs, Lego dragons, and the occasional teddy bear that gets the VIP slobber transport service.
So, if you ever wonder why your toddler’s stuffed giraffe keeps turning up in the dog’s bed looking slightly more loved (read: soggy), just know your Golden Retriever was only trying to babysit it.
3. Boxer
Boxers are like the class clowns of the dog world — endlessly entertaining, slightly dramatic, and always looking for a reason to show off.
One of their favorite tricks? Parading around the house with your kid’s toy in their mouth like they just won an Olympic medal for cuteness.
These high-energy lovebugs are always on the go, and if there’s a toy nearby (especially one that squeaks), it’s going in their mouth — guaranteed. Whether it’s a stuffed unicorn or a squeaky rubber pizza slice, your Boxer will proudly strut through the living room like it’s a prize from a treasure hunt.
✅ They’ll gently carry even the tiniest plushie with surprising care (until the zoomies hit).
✅ They thrive in homes with kids and love joining in on all their games — especially fetch, tug-of-war, and “let me carry that for you.”
✅ Leave a toy across the house, and your Boxer will deliver it… eventually. Probably. Okay, maybe.
As per Britannica, this breed also excels as a service dog, thanks to its intelligence, calm demeanor, and eagerness to please. Golden Retrievers are often chosen for roles such as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals due to their reliability and gentle nature.
With a Boxer in the house, toys aren’t just for the kids — they’re for everyone. Especially for dramatic presentations, mid-dinner.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever consistently ranks as one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.—and it’s easy to see why. These medium- to large-sized sporting dogs are known for their energetic, outgoing nature, making them excellent family companions.
Labs are basically born with a “fetch and carry” setting built in. It doesn’t matter if it’s a tennis ball, a plush dinosaur, or your toddler’s favorite squeaky duck — if it fits in their mouth, they’ll gently tote it around like it’s a fragile Fabergé egg.
As natural retrievers (it’s in the name!), Labradors love having something — anything — in their mouth. Toys become treasures, and kids’ toys? Extra special treasures. You might find your Lab snuggled up
✅ It’s literally their job. Toys beware — you will be retrieved.
✅ They can carry a toy all day without even denting it. Well… unless it’s time for a chewing session.
✅ Labs are incredibly affectionate and love anything that smells like their favorite humans — toys included.
Labs thrive on activity and love joining their families on adventures. However, they do best in active households that can provide plenty of playtime and exercise. Without enough stimulation, a bored Labrador may become restless and develop destructive behaviors.
Don’t be surprised if your Lab shows up at the door every morning with a toy in their mouth like, “Ready to play?” With their goofy charm and endless love for family, they’re the ultimate playmate and toy taxi rolled into one.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
If there were a gold medal for stealing toys and sprinting away like a tiny blur, the Jack Russell Terrier would win — paws down. These little dynamos don’t walk; they launch. And if there’s a kid’s toy lying around, you can bet it’s going straight into their mouth before you can say, “Hey, that’s not yours!”
This small and playful dog might appear to be an ideal companion for first-time pet owners or those living in apartments. However, don’t be fooled—this tiny pup often comes with a surprising amount of energy and intensity.
Jack Russells are clever, energetic, and mischievous in the most lovable way. They love to carry toys not just because they enjoy them (which they do), but because it’s part of their mission to be the busiest creature in the room. Whether it’s a squeaky toy, an action figure, or a plush dinosaur, they see it as a challenge — and they will accept it.
✅ They’ve got places to be… with your kid’s toy in tow.
✅ They’ll figure out how to get that toy from the couch, shelf, or under your bed. Hide-and-seek? Please, that’s child’s play.
✅ Carrying (and sometimes flaunting) toys is all part of the Jack Russell show.
They don’t just carry toys — they demand you play with them too. Immediately. Or else you get “the stare.”
With a Jack Russell around, toys have a whole new life — usually airborne, mid-chase, or mysteriously relocated to a secret hoard under the couch. They might be small, but their toy-carrying confidence is larger than life.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Meet the Shetland Sheepdog — the straight-A student of the dog world. If you’ve ever wished for a dog that not only carries your kid’s toy but also alphabetizes them by color and theme (okay, almost), this is your fluffy perfectionist.
These brainy, beautiful pups love to carry things around — and if it squeaks or belongs to a child, even better. Shelties were bred to herd sheep, but now they’ve redirected that instinct toward more modern “flocks” — like scattered teddy bears and misplaced LEGO figures.
If your house looks like a toy tornado passed through, the Sheltie might just help clean it up… or at least consolidate everything into one organized pile.
✅ They know which toy is your kid’s favorite… and they guard it like it’s royal treasure.
✅ Toys aren’t just for play; they’re part of a job, and Shelties take that job very seriously.
✅ Perfect for delicately ferrying plush animals around without so much as a drool mark.
✅ Unless the rule says “don’t hoard the toys,” then… well, they might pretend they didn’t hear that one.
Shelties tend to be cautious around unfamiliar people and may greet visitors with barking—either as a form of alert or from sheer excitement, as PetMD noted.
With their lively and playful temperament, Shelties are a great match for families, including those with kids and other animals. They’re like a nanny, personal assistant, and toy-sorting robot, all wrapped up in a fluffy, loving package.
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are the Energizer Bunnies of the dog universe — always moving, always thinking, and always doing. That includes fetching, herding, and yes… carrying toys around like it’s part of their job description (which, in their minds, it is).
Australian Shepherds are smart, energetic, medium-sized dogs known for their strong herding instincts and athletic, muscular builds. Typically standing 18 to 24 inches tall and weighing between 40 and 65 pounds, these dogs are well-suited for active lifestyles.
These athletic brainiacs often latch onto a favorite toy — and not just carry it, but parade it proudly through the house, into the yard, and possibly onto your lap during your Zoom call. Bonus points if it squeaks while you’re talking. Aussies don’t just carry toys — they perform with them.
✅ Carrying toys is just part of their workout routine.
✅ They know exactly which toy belongs to which human (and may even “trade” for a better one).
✅ They try to round up the toys… and the kids too.
Their herding heritage gives them a natural prey drive, making them enthusiastic about games like fetch and Frisbee. However, this instinct can also lead them to chase moving things such as children, cats, cars, bikes, scooters, and even golf carts.
If your kid’s toys frequently “disappear” only to reappear under the couch, in the dog bed, or right in front of the door as a gift, your Aussie is probably the culprit — and they’re very proud of their work.
Conclusion
Many dogs, especially herding dogs, are known for chewing toys or carrying objects like kids’ toys in their mouths for a few reasons. This behavior can provide comfort, a sense of security, or simply be a way to engage with pet owners or get attention. For some, it’s their favorite toy; for others, it’s a way to form a connection, like a playful greeting or an invitation to explore or go on walks.
Pet owners should be careful, though—chewing can cause damage if the object is not safe. Dogs may run, touch, or even break toys, but it’s often rooted in instinct. For herding dogs, for example, the need to control or remember their “flock” may translate into toting toys. In short, dogs have a lot of ways to show they’re happy, and carrying toys is one that makes many people smile. Just make sure the toy isn’t the wrong one!
