Interactive toys serve as a substitute for screen time in the dog world. They keep the dogs busy and provide some mental stimulation while you take some time away from pet parenting.
They find satisfaction in ‘figuring out’ how things work and also burn off their energy without human input. But not all dogs love these toys; some are more fond of these strange objects, probably because of their high energy level and problem-solving nature.
This guide lists dog breeds whose play preferences include automatic toys. Keep reading to know if your puppy is on the list.
Dog Breeds That Play With Automatic Toys Happily
1. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russel Terriers were bred in 19th-century England by Rev. John Russell to flush foxes out of their dens, according to PetMD. The hunting background explains why these dogs are packed with energy and have sharp minds.
These pups wake up ready to chase, dig, and figure things out, thanks to their inquisitive nature. Jack Russell Terriers are known for their boundless energy, which is why they need constant physical and mental stimulation. So give this dog a ball, and its game is on; the ball won’t be the only thing rolling.
A moving toy or ball that changes direction touches these dogs’ natural chase instinct, and it feels like hunting to them. That chase-pin cycle triggers the reward cycle in these dogs’ brains and keeps them hooked.
Some of the best interactive dog toys for these Terriers are treat-dropping robots, puzzles, and rolling balls because they make them think and plan (perfect for some brain work-outs).
2. Beagle
Beagles have been around for centuries and were first bred in England to track rabbits and small game with their powerful noses. Their habit of keeping their noses glued to the ground is the reason Beagles are among the best tracking dogs for military and police.
Beagles’ sense of smell is no joke; they have around 225 million scent receptors, which means your pup can smell a treat-dispensing automatic toy from across the house. And if that dog toy also offers unpredictability in terms of its moving patterns or sound, the Beagle’s chasing instincts will be off the charts.
Such a powerful combination of chasing and figuring out makes these dogs mentally sharp and is also good for their physical health. Sure, Beagles are pack dogs, but they’re also independent thinkers, and once they get into a game, they need you hovering around to keep the fun going. This dog plays alone without getting bored.
3. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever has many badges to its name. This pup is highly intelligent, friendly, devoted, and full of positive energy (no wonder it’s one of the most popular dog breeds).
These dogs were bred because the breeder wanted a dog that could fetch game all day without damaging it. That history gave this breed two of its strongest traits: an endless love for fetching and a naturally gentle mouth.
Those qualities haven’t gone anywhere, which is why Goldens are obsessed with balls, toys, and anything that keeps the game going. Safe to say, this play style fits right into their DNA.
Since Golden Retrievers have soft mouths, they can play with automatic toys for hours without damaging them, so you won’t have to buy the toys again and again.
4. Border Collie
Border Collies’ history goes back to the Roman Empire, which conquered Britain, and the Romans brought their own herding dogs to the region, according to Purina. These dogs’ job was to herd sheep with precision, speed, and laser focus, and they delivered.
They are famously known as the smartest dog breed, and that shows in everything these dogs do. These dogs don’t just run around aimlessly with their interactive toy; they observe it and try to understand its nuances.
Border Collies’ sharp brains and boundless energy make them equally impressive in modern homes and open fields. Since they need something to do, you can keep a Border Collie dog happy with an automatic toy. Otherwise, it’ll find its own job like chasing shadows or herding your kids, lol.
5. Boxer
This breed began life in late-1800s Germany as working dogs to run messages, guard property, and even pull carts, according to Britannica. Boxers are one of the best guard dogs because of their alert nature and scary presence that can scare away anyone.
Their rough-tough resume bred in two core traits: high voltage energy and a people-centric heart. Fast-forward to today, and a Boxer is still the class clown with an athlete’s stamina. It’s perfectly suitable for modern homes, provided you feed its engine with action.
A Boxer’s prey drive flicks on the second a ball zips across the floor, and its inquisitive nature urges it to study the toy further. Each successful catch triggers a dopamine burst in the dog, and it circles back for another round with its happy toy.
6. Australian Shepherd
Don’t pick anything from the name because Australian Shepherds aren’t from Australia at all. These dogs were perfected on American ranches in the 1800s to move sheep fast and think even faster.
Years of herding work ingrained in them a tireless energy, sharp instincts, and an irresistible urge to chase anything that moves—just imagine the chaos for any sheep that dared to wander off.
In today’s pet-loving world, swap that flock for an automatic toy and that’ll give the Aussie a bite-sized herding shift right in your living room.
If a motorised ball darts off across the floor, this dog’s herding radar flips on, and it must catch it. If there is also a treat or puzzle feature in the toy, this dog will be even more focused when it works out to win the snack.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers earned their first paycheck on the cold coasts of Newfoundland, where they would help fishermen pull in nets and retrieve fish. That history is the reason Labs are natural fetchers with endless energy and a love for carrying things.
They are the perfect playmates for automatic toys because a moving thing turns on their built-in fetch mode. Labrador Retrievers love games that keep them moving and thinking, so what could be better than automatic toys with sound and light as their key features?
Every time these dogs chase a moving toy or find a way to get the treat, their brain releases dopamine, and that’s why they can play for long stretches.
8. Dalmatian
Dalmatians earned their spots and stamina trotting beside horse-drawn carriages in 18th-century Europe, as mentioned by The Kennel Club. These dogs would clear the road and guard the cargo while the wheels rolled.
Since they worked as ‘coach dogs,’ they have impressive endurance and a radar for anything that moves. If we replace the small hurdles they would face on the road with a battery-powered ball, it’ll recreate the chase these dogs were born for.
A Dalmatian’s prey drive lights up like a siren when a toy is buzzing or moving. And that chasing cycles results in a full-body workout, plus a mental maze that is enough to leave this spotted athlete pleasantly tired.
9. Shetland Sheepdog
These dogs were bred on Scotland’s remote islands to guide pint-sized sheep across rough and windy terrain. Shetland Sheepdogs are among the smartest dog breeds because they always want to be doing something, and that sharpens their focus.
Generations of that tricky work made Shelties accustomed to watching every movement in an effort to control it. Today, that same ‘eyes everywhere’ mindset zeroes in when your Sheltie plays with an automatic bounce or chase toy in an indoor session.
This dog will interact with the toy during playtime, just like it would pin down a wandering sheep and bring it back to where it belonged. Some training around the house, and this dog will match your schedule for some exercise daily with a toy.
Conclusion
Automatic toys are designed to help bring more enrichment to a dog’s life, along with giving pet owners some free time. All these active dogs engage with interactive toys for fun and stay mentally and physically healthy in the process.
If your puppy was on our list, get it the essential tools like durable toys that can keep boredom away and make playtime more relaxing for you. This offers a wonderful enjoyment to your pet dog.
