Tried, Tested and Bulldog Approved Toys
Bulldogs are not exactly delicate little woodland creatures.
They are chunky, determined, opinionated, short-faced little tanks with very specific ideas about what is fun, what is boring, and what deserves to be carried triumphantly around the room like treasure. But choosing toys for Bulldogs is not quite as simple as grabbing whatever looks cute in the pet shop. Because of their short faces, heavy fronts and wonderfully enthusiastic personalities, Bulldogs need toys that are easy to pick up, safe to chew, and suitable for their age and stage. The best Bulldog toys are usually chunky, three-dimensional, easy to grip, and too large to accidentally swallow. Tiny flat toys? Usually useless. Flimsy toys? Usually destroyed. Anything that encourages frantic jumping, twisting or crashing about? No thank you. For Bulldogs, I want toys that encourage gentle play, calm chewing, safe enrichment and a bit of fun without turning the living room into a wrestling arena. I also prefer natural chewing options where possible. I am increasingly mindful of plastics, microplastics, and overly synthetic materials, especially in toys and chews that dogs mouthing every day. That does not mean every rubber or fabric toy is banned from the toy box, but it does mean I like to choose carefully. Toys Every Bulldog Owner Should Have Natural Chews 1. Bamboodles — For Puppies and Adults Bamboodles are one of my favourite Bulldog chew toy options because they come in puppy and adult sizes. This is important because a tiny puppy and a fully grown Bulldog do not need the same thing. Puppy mouths are still developing, puppy teeth are sharp but not strong in the same way, and everything should be chosen with teething and safety in mind. For puppies, Bamboodles can give them something satisfying to mouth without being too awkward to manage. For adults, the larger versions are better suited to stronger jaws and more serious chewing. The shape is Bulldog-friendly too. They are not flat little things that get shoved around the floor while the puppy snorts at them in frustration. They have a bit of substance to them, which makes them easier for a Bulldog to hold, chew and enjoy.
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Good for Teething, quiet time, supervised chewing and helping puppies settle. Sara says 2. Yakers — Crunch Bits for Puppies and Chews for Adults Yakers are a brilliant option when you want something a bit more natural and satisfying. For puppies, I would look at the Crunch Bits rather than giving a young pup a big hard chew too soon. They are easier for little mouths and more suitable for the puppy stage. For adult Bulldogs, the larger Yakers chews can be a great longer-lasting option. They give dogs something to focus on, which is exactly what you want when your Bulldog is looking around the house wondering what chaos to create next. Chewing is not just about keeping them busy. It can help them settle, decompress and self-soothe. A good chew can be the difference between a peaceful evening and a Bulldog deciding the skirting board needs redesigning.
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Good for Calm chewing, natural enrichment, older puppies and adults. Sara says 3. Coffee Wood Chew or Root A coffee wood chew or root chew is a lovely natural-style option for dogs who enjoy chewing. Despite the name, coffee wood chews do not contain caffeine. The root section is denser and longer-lasting than standard coffee wood, wearing down gradually rather than splintering like ordinary sticks. This makes them a much better option for dogs who think garden sticks are the finest delicacy known to Bulldogkind. Normal sticks can splinter, jab the mouth, lodge across the roof of the mouth, or cause injuries. So if your Bulldog is a stick collector, a coffee wood root chew may be a safer swap. As always, choose the right size. Bulldogs need something substantial enough to chew safely, not something they can wedge into the back of their mouth or swallow.
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Good for Adult Bulldogs, natural chewing, stick-loving dogs and supervised quiet time. Sara says Play Toys 4. Noisy Pineapple Toy The Noisy Pineapple is one my dogs personally recommend as a favourite. And honestly, sometimes the dogs have the final say. The pineapple shape makes it far more Bulldog-friendly than flat, boring toys that end up being pushed around the floor. Bulldogs need toys they can actually get their mouths around. If they cannot pick it up properly, they either lose interest or get frustrated. This toy has a nice chunky shape, a bit of texture, and enough presence to make it worth investigating. It is the sort of toy that can work well for supervised play, chewing and general Bulldog pottering.
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Good for Bulldogs who like texture, independent play and carrying something around with great importance. 5. Kong Wubba The Kong Wubba is a great option for gentle, controlled tug and interactive play. The big advantage with a Wubba-style toy is that it gives both the dog and the owner somewhere sensible to hold. That matters with puppies, because hands, sleeves, hair and trouser legs should not become part of the game. Tug can be brilliant for bonding, confidence and teaching manners, but only when it is done properly. The rule is simple: all four paws stay on the floor. No dragging, no swinging, no lifting, no children pulling the puppy around like a toy on wheels. A Bulldog puppy is heavy-fronted, still developing, and far too enthusiastic for their own good. Keep tug low, gentle and controlled. Let them win sometimes, teach them to release, and end the game before they become overtired and feral.
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Good for Gentle tug, recall games, owner-led play and building toy manners. Accessories Hot Tip — Use a Toy or Treat Holder A toy or treat holder can be a brilliant little helper, especially with natural chews. Instead of handing over a chew and hoping your Bulldog makes wise life choices, a holder can make the chew easier to grip and can help stop them getting down to that small, risky end piece quite so quickly. This is especially useful for Bulldogs because their short faces and determined chewing style can make some chews awkward to hold. A holder gives them something chunkier to work with, which can make the whole experience calmer, safer and less frustrating. It can also help slow them down a bit. Bulldogs are not always known for thoughtful chewing. Some are more “crunch first, ask questions later”.
All AgesSafetyChew Aid
Good for Supervised chew time, natural chews, puppies learning to chew sensibly and adults who need a bit of extra management. Sara says Toys I Am Not a Fan Of
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Balls — I am not a huge fan of balls for Bulldogs, especially for puppies. They can block airflow and pose a choking risk for brachycephalic breeds. They also encourage chasing, skidding, sharp turns, overexcitement and frantic play. Bulldogs are front-heavy and not built for repeated stop-start impact.
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Rope toys — even the natural ones. They can fray, threads can be swallowed, and some dogs become a bit too enthusiastic about shredding them. If you do use rope toys, supervise carefully and remove them as soon as they start to come apart.
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Antlers — another no from me. They may be natural, but natural does not always mean suitable. They can be extremely hard, and I do not like the risk they pose to teeth, especially for powerful chewers.
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Founded in 1997 in the United Kingdom, LaRoyal was established by Sara Lamont and her mother and represents nearly three decades of careful breeding focused on producing Bulldogs that reflect traditional breed type while prioritising thoughtful breeding decisions and responsible ownership. The work has always remained intentionally small and selective, with each litter carefully planned to strengthen bloodlines and maintain the integrity of the breed.
A recognised name within the Bulldog communityOver the years LaRoyal has established a respected presence within the pedigree dog world, achieving a number of notable milestones including Crufts Best of Breed and Top Bulldog honours. The breeding work has also produced multiple Challenge Certificate winners and Junior Warrant winners, alongside international conformation judging appointments across Europe and South America.
However, the judging panel noted that LaRoyal’s contribution extends well beyond success in the show ring. All Bulldogs are raised as house dogs within the home environment rather than in kennel facilities. This approach supports early socialisation and helps ensure puppies develop confidence and adaptability before moving to their new families. Responsible breeding within a complex breedThe Bulldog is one of the most recognisable dog breeds in the world, but it is also widely considered a complex brachycephalic breed that requires careful breeding decisions and experienced management.
LaRoyal has built a reputation for a thoughtful breeding approach that includes established pedigree bloodlines, health testing, and responsible stud selection. Maintaining traditional coat colours and correct breed type remains an important part of preserving the heritage of the breed. This careful approach reflects a philosophy centred on producing well-reared Bulldogs capable of thriving as companions in modern family homes. Education and long-term owner supportIn addition to breeding, LaRoyal has distinguished itself through a strong commitment to education and community engagement.
Through initiatives such as the Bulldog Owners Club and The Bulldog Owners Podcast, conversations regularly explore topics including Bulldog health, responsible breeding practices, and the realities of living with brachycephalic breeds. These discussions aim to help both prospective and existing owners better understand the breed and make informed decisions. This focus on education and ongoing support was a key factor in LaRoyal receiving the International Pedigree Dog Breeder & Educator of the Year – UK title. Looking to the futureAs LaRoyal approaches thirty years since its founding, the focus remains firmly on the future. Breeding healthy pedigree brachycephalic dogs is likely to become increasingly challenging as political agendas and public scrutiny surrounding brachycephalic breeds continue to intensify. Responsible breeders must therefore continue to adapt, learn, and make careful decisions to safeguard the long-term welfare and future of the breed. With nearly three decades already dedicated to Bulldogs, LaRoyal looks ahead with excitement to what may be achieved over the next thirty years, while remaining committed to careful breeding, honest conversations about health, and continued support for owners who share a passion for this iconic breed.
If you own a Bulldog, there may come a time when your vet recommends a surgical procedure.
Phoebe becomes the 4th LaRoyal Breed Council Gold
Why my small Bulldog podcast made a bigger impact than expected
Helping your Bulldog settle after international travel
Proof That Responsible Breeding Doesn’t End at Collection Day
King & Luther achieve Silver🥈status and become available for studI’m very pleased to share that litter brothers King and Luther have both achieved Silver Bulldog Breed Council status on their first birthday, the highest level attainable at their age.
This article refers to a segment originally broadcast on This Morning (ITV). All video content remains the property of ITV plc and is referenced here for the purposes of commentary and critique.
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AuthorWritten exclusively by Sara, a proud founder of the LaRoyal name and a seasoned bulldog enthusiast, our blogs are overflowing with an abundance of show wins, captivating ideas, and a plethora of thoughts and feelings. We are thrilled to embark on this journey, sharing our "real-life" dog ownership experiences with you, our valued readers. Archives
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