Best Chew Toys for Shih Tzu Puppies for Teething

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details

chew toys for shih tzu puppies need to fit a tiny mouth, soothe sore gums, and redirect chewing away from shoes and furniture. Shih Tzu puppies have small jaws and baby teeth that need soft, easy-to-hold shapes. You want lightweight rubber, small rope, or soft textured toys made for puppies and small breeds. This guide helps you decide by mouth size, softness, toy variety, supervision needs, and cleaning. You will see what matters at 2, 3, and 4 months, how to choose for your puppy, and which type fits your daily routine.

Quick answer

For a Shih Tzu puppy, choose small, soft puppy chew toys made for teething and gentle chewing. A single soft chew suits very young or cautious chewers who need one simple shape to learn on. A small 3-count or 6-count set suits most owners because you can rotate shapes and keep a clean spare ready. A large 17-count, 20-count, or 23-count variety set suits busy homes that need options for fetch, tug, and solo chewing. Avoid hard adult chews and anything too large to hold. Always supervise chewing, remove damaged toys, and check the listing for size, materials, and age range before you buy.

What matters for chew toys for Shih Tzu puppies

Shih Tzu puppies stay small, with narrow muzzles and crowded baby teeth. A toy that fits a Labrador puppy can be too thick or heavy for your puppy to enjoy. Focus on these points before you look at shapes and colors.

1. Small-breed fit

Look for listings that state Small, Extra Small, or a weight range such as up to 25 lbs. Check Item Dimensions L x W x H and Item Weight. A toy that measures 5 inches long or less is often easier for a Shih Tzu puppy to carry. Tell the reader to measure chest girth if a harness is involved, but for toys, compare toy length and shape to your puppy’s mouth and paws. If the listing gives no weight limit, treat that as missing information and choose a smaller, softer option. See What Chew Toys Are Safe for Puppies for safety basics.

2. Softness for baby teeth

The best chew toy for puppy cutting teeth is softer than an adult chew. Listings in this guide describe soft rubber, flexible TPR, natural rubber, cotton rope, and plush. Soft spikes, nubs, and bumpy textures can massage gums while chewing. Avoid very hard nylon or bone for early teething unless the listing states it is made for gentle puppy chewing. If you are shopping for 8 week old puppy teething toys, softness matters more than durability. Ask your vet if you are unsure what firmness fits your puppy.

3. Shape and use

Different shapes serve different moments. Rings and pacifier shapes are easy to hold. Balls suit fetch. Rope suits gentle tug. Treat balls add mental activity. For 8 week old puppy chew toys, start with one or two simple shapes. For best chew toys for 10 week old puppy use, add a rope and a ball for short play sessions. For best chew toys for 3 month old puppy and best chew toys for 4 month old puppy stages, rotation helps keep interest without buying harder toys too soon.

4. Supervision and construction

No bed or toy is indestructible. That is true for chew-resistant toys too. Rope can fray. Plush can tear. Squeakers and loose fibers need watching. Choose sets that tell you to supervise, inspect often, and replace damaged toys. If your puppy destroys toys fast, read Best Toys That Cannot Be Destroyed to set expectations, and consider Best Durable Chew Toys for Small Dogs for ideas that still fit a small mouth.

5. Cleaning and materials

Puppy toys get drooly. Listings in this guide mention cotton, natural rubber, Thermoplastic Rubber, polyester, nylon, and silicone. Some state washable or easy to clean with soap and water. Others state Not Water Resistant. Check Material Type and Additional Features in the listing. If washability is not stated, the listing does not state washability. For dental questions, see Best Dog Chew Toys for Dental Health.

How to choose for your Shih Tzu puppy’s age

Your puppy’s needs change fast in the first months. Use age as a guide, not a rule. Always follow the maker’s age range.

For best chew toys for 2 month old puppies, keep it simple. Offer one soft chew and one small rope or plush for comfort. Keep sessions short and supervised. This covers questions about 8 week old puppy chew toys and best chew toys for 10 week old puppy needs.

For best chew toys for 3 month old puppy use, add variety. Teething discomfort often rises. Rotate two or three different textures across the day. A freezable soft toy can feel soothing when chilled, if the listing states it is freezable.

For best chew toys for 4 month old puppy use, keep variety but watch jaw strength. Some puppies chew harder as teeth shift. If toys show cracks, chips, or heavy fraying, remove them. Ask your vet about next steps and do not move to hard adult chews on your own.

If you like do-it-yourself ideas, a homemade chew toy for puppy play such as a knotted cotton towel or a frozen damp washcloth is often mentioned by owners. This guide only covers manufactured toys, so check materials for safety, avoid small parts, supervise closely, and ask your vet before offering anything homemade.

Products that fit this guide

The listings below all describe Chew Toy type toys for puppies and Small or Extra Small breeds. Read the short profile, then use the product card for specs. Check the listing for the current size chart and materials before you buy.

The 20-count mixed set with rubber and rope

This is the large variety option for owners who want many textures at once. The listing states Breed Recommendation Small Breed, Dog Breed Size Small, Size Small, and Age Range Description Puppy. It states Material Type Cotton, Natural Rubber and Unit Count 20 Count. It states Item Weight 0.87 kg and Item Dimensions L x W x H 9.25″L x 5.3″W x 5.1″H for the set package. The bullets describe 6 soft rubber dental toys plus rope toys, ball toys, and tug toys for fetch and training. The listing states the rubber toys are softer and more elastic than traditional TPR toys and that the set excludes squeaky toys and small parts. The same listing warns the toys are not suitable for super heavy chewers. You get play variety and gum massage in one box, but you must store and rotate 20 pieces and inspect rope often.

The single pacifier chew up to 25 lbs

This is the simple starter for very young Shih Tzu puppies and cautious chewers. The listing states Dog Breed Size Extra Small, Size Small, Pattern Small up to 25 lbs., and Manufacturer recommended age 1 month and up. It states Item Weight 3.53 ounces and Item Dimensions L x W x H 8.4″L x 3.9″W x 1.7″H. It states Material Type Polyurethane, Flavor Bacon, and Scent Name Bacon. The bullets state it is made in soft material for teething pups with gentle chewing styles and that it is not intended for powerful puppies or puppies with adult teeth. Nubs are described as comforting gums and helping clean teeth. You get one lightweight shape that is easy to track and clean, but you get no variety and no rope or fetch toy.

The 23-count pink set with treat ball and plush

This is the comfort-plus-play set for owners who want plush, rope, rubber, and mental play together. The listing states Dog Breed Size Small, Size is not stated as a single toy size, Unit Count 23 Count, and Item Weight 1.1 pounds. It states Item Dimensions L x W x H 5″L x 5″W x 5″H and Material Type Polyester, Rubber. The bullets describe 8 rope toys, 5 squeaky plush toys, 4 rubber chew toys, 1 treat ball, plus bag rolls and a dispenser. The copy states it is great for female dogs under 25 lbs and that it is not for aggressive heavy chewers. You get squeaky plush for comfort, rope for tug, rubber for gums, and a treat ball for activity. The trade-off is more plush to monitor and more small pieces to manage.

The 6-pack purple rubber shapes

This is the tidy rubber-only option for owners who want no plush. The listing states Dog Breed Size Small, Size Small (6Pack), Material Type Natural Rubber, and Unit Count 6 Count. It states Item Weight 0.36 kg and Item Dimensions L x W x H 7.8″L x 7.8″W x 1.9″H. The bullets describe 6 different shapes with molar bumps to clean teeth, massage gums, and control tartar and plaque. The listing states 100% non-toxic natural rubber and suggests use under supervision if your dog is an extremely aggressive chewer, and not for large breed. You get six lightweight rubber toys that are simple to wash and rotate. You get no rope, no ball, and no plush comfort toy.

The 3-pack freezable animal chews for 3 to 12 months

This is the cooling option for sore-gum days. The listing states Dog Breed Size Extra Small, Small, Size Small, Material Type Thermoplastic Rubber, and Age Range Description Puppies 3-12 months. It states Item Weight 10.88 ounces and Item Dimensions L x W x H 5″L x 3.2″W x 2.5″H. It states Scent Name Milk and Additional Features Freezable, Portable, Washable. The bullets describe soft TPR with raised textured bumps, three animal designs with ring cutouts for easy grabbing, and milk scent to invite chewing. The listing states it is for 3-12-month-old teething puppies and small dogs under 25 lbs and not intended for powerful chewers or puppies with adult teeth. It also states no pet toy is indestructible and to supervise and discard if cracked or worn. You get chillable relief and easy-grip shapes, but only three toys and no rope or plush.

The 6-piece silicone and TPR set for 0 to 8 months

This is the soft starter set for tiny mouths that need gentle textures. The listing states Dog Breed Size Extra Small, Small, Age Range Description Puppies 0-8 months, and Material Type Silicone. It states Item Dimensions L x W x H 6.3″L x 1.57″W x 7.08″H and Unit Count 1 Count for the set package. The bullets describe 6 colorful teething toys in bone, ball, donut, star, pea, and cylinder shapes, made from BPA-free food-grade TPR rubber that is soft and flexible. The copy states bumpy texture massages gums, toys can be refrigerated for extra cooling relief, and toys are easy to clean with soap and water. It states not recommended for aggressive chewers. You get six small shapes that are easy to rotate for best chew toys for 2 month old puppies through early teething, but the listing shows silicone in specs and TPR in bullets, so check the listing for exact material before you buy.

Comparison table built only from listing data

Use this table to compare fit, count, materials, and size. All values come from the listings.

Set type	Breed size / weight	Count	Materials stated	Item weight / package size
20-count mixed rubber and rope	Small / Small Breed, Puppy	20 Count	Cotton, Natural Rubber	0.87 kg; 9.25 x 5.3 x 5.1 inches
Single pacifier chew	Extra Small / up to 25 lbs, 1 month and up	1 Count	Polyurethane	3.53 ounces; 8.4 x 3.9 x 1.7 inches
23-count pink set	Small / under 25 lbs stated in bullets	23 Count	Polyester, Rubber	1.1 pounds; 5 x 5 x 5 inches
6-pack purple rubber	Small / not for large breed	6 Count	Natural Rubber	0.36 kg; 7.8 x 7.8 x 1.9 inches
3-pack freezable animals	Extra Small, Small / under 25 lbs, 3-12 months	1 Count set of 3	Thermoplastic Rubber	10.88 ounces; 5 x 3.2 x 2.5 inches
6-piece soft shapes 0-8 months	Extra Small, Small / 0-8 months	1 Count set of 6	Silicone in specs, TPR in bullets	10.55 ounces implied; 6.3 x 1.57 x 7.08 inches

If a cell says nothing about weight limit, the listing does not state that limit. Measure your puppy’s mouth fit and supervise every session.

Three buying scenarios

Choose by your daily life, not by count alone.

You have an 8-week-old Shih Tzu who just came home. You need one simple chew for short supervised sessions plus one comfort toy. Pick the single pacifier chew or the 6-piece soft set. Keep the rest stored. Keep sessions to a few minutes. If chewing shifts to baseboards, add one rope under supervision and see Best Puppy Chews Everything Except Toys.

You work from home and need rotation. You want fetch, tug, and solo chewing across the day. Pick the 20-count mixed set or the 6-pack purple rubber set. Put out two or three toys, store the rest, and swap every two days. Wash rubber toys as the listing allows. For walking breaks between chew sessions, see Best Harness for Shih Tzu Puppy.

You have a 4-month-old puppy with sore gums in the evening. You want cooling relief plus a treat game. Pick the 3-pack freezable animal chews and use the treat ball idea from the 23-count set. Chill one chew while your puppy uses another, if the listing’s freezing directions allow. Ask your vet if gums look very sore or if your puppy stops eating.

Worked example: rotating toys across one week

This section is our planning estimate, not a maker claim. It shows how a small set can cover daily chewing without leaving many toys out.

Define the scenario once. You own the 6-pack purple rubber set. You decide to offer 2 toys per day and swap them every 2 days. You allow 3 supervised chew sessions per day, each 10 minutes long. You have 1 Shih Tzu puppy.

Step 1: Daily chew time. Multiply sessions by minutes. 3 sessions × 10 minutes = 30 minutes per day. Check: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30. Correct.

Step 2: Weekly chew time. Multiply daily minutes by days. 30 minutes × 7 days = 210 minutes per week. Check: 30 × 7 = 210. Correct.

Step 3: Convert weekly minutes to hours. Divide by 60. 210 ÷ 60 = 3.5 hours per week. Check: 60 × 3 = 180, remainder 30, 30 ÷ 60 = 0.5, total 3.5. Correct.

Step 4: Rotation math. You use 2 toys for 2 days, then swap. Number of 2-day blocks in 7 days is 7 ÷ 2 = 3.5 blocks. In practice you use 3 full swaps plus 1 final day. Total toy-uses is about 2 toys × 4 placements = 8 placements across the week, so each of the 6 toys gets used at least once. Check: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8 placements. Correct.

This plan uses 30 minutes per day and 3.5 hours per week of supervised chewing, with only 2 toys out at a time. It keeps the other 4 toys clean and ready. Adjust down if your puppy loses interest or chews hard enough to damage toys.

Five common mistakes with chew toys for Shih Tzu puppies

1. Buying adult hard chews too soon

Hard adult chews can be too much for baby teeth. Stay with soft puppy rubber, soft TPR, or small rope until your vet says otherwise. For background on safe choices, read What Chew Toys Are Safe for Puppies.

2. Leaving rope or plush out all day

Rope frays and plush tears. A Shih Tzu puppy can swallow fibers or stuffing. Offer rope and plush only when you watch, then put them away. Inspect seams and rope ends each time.

3. Offering toys that are too large

A toy that measures 7.8 inches long may be fine for rolling and nosing but hard to chew for a tiny puppy. Compare Item Dimensions L x W x H to your puppy’s head and mouth. Smaller, lightweight shapes are easier to hold.

4. Forgetting to remove damaged toys

Cracks, chips, loose threads, and missing squeakers mean the toy is done. The listings in this guide state this directly. Replace at once to lower choking risk. Keep one spare clean so removal does not end playtime.

5. Expecting a toy to fix chewing alone

Chewing peaks during teething and boredom. Short play, short training, naps, and potty breaks matter as much as toys. Rotate textures, redirect calmly to a toy, and reward interest in the toy. If chewing targets hands or furniture often, see Best Puppy Chews Everything Except Toys and ask a certified trainer for guidance.

Care, cleaning, and supervision

Supervise every chew session. Stay in the same room, watch for fraying or pieces coming loose, and trade for a treat if your puppy grips too hard on a worn spot. No toy is chew-proof, even if the package uses strong words. Use chew-resistant as your mindset: tougher than plush, but still destructible.

Clean as the listing allows. Some listings state washable or easy to clean with soap and water. Some state Not Water Resistant, which suggests spot cleaning only. If the listing does not state washability, check the product listing and maker’s manual. Let rubber toys dry fully before storage.

Store extras in a closed bin. Keep two or three out and rotate. This keeps textures novel and limits mess. For teething support beyond toys, keep water available, keep sessions short, and ask your vet about diet, mouth pain, or broken teeth. Do not claim a toy treats pain; the listing describes gum massage and soothing textures, not medical care.

Nail care matters during play handling too. Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming; start handling a puppy’s feet and trimming nails when they are young so they get used to it. Go slow with treats and praise, and use safe, dog-friendly clippers or grinders.

FAQ

What are the best chew toys for 2 month old puppies like Shih Tzu?

Choose one or two very soft, small puppy toys for short supervised sessions. Look for Small or Extra Small sizing, soft rubber or TPR, and simple shapes that fit a tiny mouth. Avoid hard adult chews. Ask your vet if your puppy struggles to eat or cries while chewing.

What should I buy for 8 week old puppy teething toys?

Start small. One soft chew plus one small rope or plush for comfort is enough. Supervise closely, keep sessions to a few minutes, and remove anything that frays or tears. Check the listing for age range, materials, and weight fit.

What is the best chew toy for puppy cutting teeth in a Shih Tzu?

Soft texture matters most. Look for soft rubber or flexible TPR with nubs or bumps that massage gums. A freezable puppy chew that the listing states is freezable can feel soothing when chilled per directions. Stop use if cracks appear and ask your vet about ongoing pain.

Are rope toys safe for Shih Tzu puppies?

Rope can be useful for gentle tug and carrying, but it is not for unsupervised chewing. Fibers can come loose and be swallowed. Use rope only when you watch, inspect ends often, and remove frayed rope. If your puppy shreds rope fast, switch to small rubber shapes.

How many chew toys does a Shih Tzu puppy need?

Most homes do well with four to six small toys in rotation, with two or three out at a time. Large sets are useful for variety and spares, not for leaving all toys on the floor. Store extras clean and swap every few days to hold interest.

Can my Shih Tzu puppy use a homemade chew toy for puppy play?

Some owners use a knotted towel or damp washcloth, chilled if desired. This guide does not test homemade options. Avoid small parts, strings, and anything that shreds easily. Supervise the whole time and ask your vet first, especially for young puppies.

When should I move from puppy chews to adult chews?

Move only when baby teeth have given way and your vet agrees your dog is ready. Adult chews are often harder and larger. Check the new listing for breed size, weight range, and chewing style. If your puppy is a powerful chewer, ask your vet and a certified trainer for next steps rather than sizing up alone.

Bottom line

Pick soft and small first, then add variety. Choose the single pacifier chew or the 6-piece soft set if your Shih Tzu is under 12 weeks or new to chewing. Choose the 3-pack freezable set if evening gum soreness is the main issue. Choose the 6-pack rubber set or a large mixed set if you want rotation for fetch, tug, and solo chewing. Rule: if it does not state Small or up to 25 lbs fit, or if it feels hard or too large in your puppy’s mouth, skip it. Supervise, inspect, and check the listing before you buy.

Sources

• AKC – How to Measure Dog Gear: chest girth and measuring method
• AKC – How to Trim Dog Nails Safely: early nail handling and gradual clipper introduction