Imagine having a furry companion who understands not just your tone, but your words. You say, “Bring the red bear,” and like clockwork, your dog trots over with that exact toy in its mouth. It’s not magic—it’s memory, intelligence, and an emotional bond built through play and trust.
Some dogs do more than chase a ball—they learn names, shapes, even textures of toys. These breeds don’t just play; they think, choose, and connect with their favorite objects in ways that feel almost human.
In this article, we’ll explore seven remarkable dog breeds known for picking up specific toys when asked. Whether it’s a squeaky toy, plush bear, or their favorite ball, they know exactly what you mean.
Beyond fun, this ability helps build communication, reduce boredom, and foster a mentally rich environment for your pup. If you’re looking for a playmate who truly understands play, this list is for you.
Dog Breeds That Pick Specific Toys When Asked
1. Poodle
This intelligent dog breed is famous for being a quick learner. They can easily recognize and fetch different toys. Whether it’s a squeaky ball or a plush bear, poodles can be taught to distinguish one toy from another using clear words and repetition.
Start training by naming a particular toy during play. Say “Teddy!” and reward your poodle when it brings the correct toy. Over time, they connect the word to the object, treating it almost like a person would. This behavior isn’t just about play—it’s also a coping mechanism that provides comfort and mental stimulation.
Poodles are such a great breed that first-time dog owners can handle them. Because of their curiosity and energy, poodles love having a variety of dog toys in their toy box. They aren’t just playing; they’re learning. Their ability to differentiate between objects helps develop emotional intelligence while offering endless fun.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are working dogs with remarkable learning abilities. Loyal, confident, courageous, and steady, the German Shepherd is truly a dog lover’s delight, as per the AKC.
These loyal companions thrive on tasks, including fetching specific toys when asked. Their strong memory and problem-solving skills make them ideal for toy-naming exercises.
When you tell your German Shepherd to bring the plush elephant or the soft toy bunny, they’ll try to understand the word, associate it with an object, and retrieve it. This behavior is more than just a trick; it’s a natural extension of their protective instincts and eagerness to learn.
Training starts young and requires consistency. Keep their environment enriched with different toys that have distinct textures and sounds.
German Shepherds often prefer soft toys or puzzle toys that challenge their minds. As they grow, they build an emotional connection to their favorite toy—something they might carry around like a prized possession.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. for good reason—they are intelligent, loyal, easy to train, and very affectionate. Moreover, these dogs understand routine, tone, and body language, which helps them fetch the correct toy more often than not.
Start by introducing one toy at a time. Say “Ball!” and point toward it. When your golden retriever retrieves it, give them lots of praise. Many dogs benefit from short training sessions repeated throughout the day. Goldens are prone to emotional attachment, often preferring one toy they sleep with or carry around.
This behavior reflects their natural drive to retrieve and their ability to recognize specific words. Over time, they can learn the names of multiple toys, adding variety and fun to your play sessions. Whether it’s for exercise, bonding, or just comfort, Goldens make choosing the right toy a heartfelt activity.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers remain one of the most popular breeds in America, Canada, and the UK. They are energetic pups that love to play with different toys, and they love doing it with their humans. They’re food-motivated, which makes training easy and enjoyable, as per Purina.
To teach toy selection, start by giving each toy a name and repeating it while the dog plays. Use positive reinforcement training when they fetch the correct toy. Labradors quickly understand patterns, often preferring soft plush toys for cuddle time and tug toys during active play.
They’re one of the dog breeds most likely to develop a strong bond with their toy box. Some even line up their favorite toys on their bed or carry one toy everywhere.
This behavior speaks to their desire for emotional comfort and connection. With structure and consistency, Labradors can be trained to bring a specific toy even from a pile of others.
5. Border Collie
Border Collie is often called the smartest dog breed. Moreover, they are behavior-focused learners who thrive on mental stimulation. They were bred to think independently, and that instinct shines during training sessions that involve identifying specific toys.
They enjoy solving problems, so retrieving the correct toy becomes a rewarding puzzle. Choose toys with different textures or sounds and associate each with a name. Collies love this kind of challenge and will often choose their particular toy even without prompting.
Unlike many dogs, they prefer interactive puzzle toys or plush toys that engage their mind. Repeating the toy’s name while playing helps cement the association. Border Collies not only learn fast but also tend to remember longer. Training a Collie to choose toys is not just a fun trick—it’s essential to their lifestyle.
6. Papillon
Papillons may be tiny, but they have big brains. Known for being one of the most trainable toy breeds, Papillons quickly grasp the concept of toy names and commands.
During training, make it simple—use one word for each toy and reinforce it with treats. Papillons excel when learning is treated like play. They’re emotionally sensitive and form strong bonds with their owners, so this interaction becomes a shared experience.
They often have one toy they prefer—usually something soft, easy to carry, and squeaky. Providing them with many toys helps prevent boredom.
With the right encouragement, Papillons will eagerly search a room to find the correct toy when asked. Their responsiveness and energy make them feel like much more than just lap dogs.
7. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are known for their loyalty and alertness, but they also respond well to mentally stimulating games, like retrieving a named toy. Their sharp focus and drive make them excellent candidates for toy-specific training.
Start with one toy. Use the same word repeatedly: “Bear,” “Bone,” or “Ball.” Once they associate the sound with the object, challenge them with new toys or multiple items. Dobermans love variety but often return to one toy that feels familiar.
While some might see them as strict guardians, Dobermans form affectionate relationships with their family and their favorite toys.
These dogs enjoy having their own toy box filled with soft toys, puzzle toys, and sturdy options to chew. Their behavior in choosing the right toy highlights their intelligence and emotional connection.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a clever Poodle, a determined German Shepherd, or a lively Papillon, these breeds prove dogs understand more than we give them credit for. Teaching them to select a specific toy helps strengthen your bond, provides comfort, and keeps them mentally active.
Every dog is unique—some prefer one toy, others love new toys daily. But when your pup brings the correct toy after just a word, it’s a sign of shared trust and learning. With love, patience, and consistency, any of these breeds can transform playtime into a heartwarming experience.
