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Anyone who loves a Rottweiler knows how goofy and fun-loving they can be. This is a dog that loves to play. Whether that’s with their people, other dog companions, or by themselves Rotties love playtime!
A ball can be a superb toy to bring out your Rottweiler’s fun-loving nature. It can also serve as a training motivation and occupy your Rottweiler when you would rather not actively play with them.
However, with one of the most powerful bite forces of any breed, not just any ball will do and big Rotties need a ball that can handle them. That’s not the only concern though and we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking out the perfect ball for your Rottweiler.
But if you’re short on time and just want to see which balls made the list you can check them out here:
- Best Everyday Ball: Monster K9 Ultra-Durable Dog Ball With Lifetime Guarantee
- Best Ball for Playing Tug: Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Rope and Ball Toy
- Best for Kick and Fetch: Jolly Pets Bouncing, Floating and Flying Soccer Ball
- Best Ball for Dedicated Fetchers: Chuckit! Kick Fetch Ball
- Best Interactive Ball: Wobble Wag and Giggle Interactive Ball
- Best Squeaky Ball: RHL’s Squeaky Dog Ball For Big Breeds
Why Is A Ball Important For Your Rottweiler?
Rottweilers are not particularly well known for fetching or retrieving, so why do you need to get a ball for your Rottweiler? There are a number of very good reasons that a ball is a superb toy and should be a part of every Rottweiler’s toy box:
- Exercise jaws. A ball can be a great way to exercise your Rottweiler’s powerful jaws and keep them from taking out their desire to chew on your home. Because balls tend to bounce and draw your Rottweiler’s attention when they drop them, they can motivate your Rottweiler to keep chewing for longer than other toys.
- Encourage cardiac exercise. Some Rottweilers can be a bit on the lazy side, and the breed can be prone to becoming overweight. Tossing a ball for your Rottweiler is a superb way to encourage them to get cardiac exercise. Throwing a ball into the water is a great way to encourage your Rottweiler to swim, which is especially good for dogs that may have hip dysplasia or arthritis.
- Satisfy prey or herding drive. Many Rottweilers have the urge to chase things, whether out of the desire to herd or due to prey drive. A ball is a great way to satisfy your Rottweiler’s prey drive and encourage them to run and chase something appropriate rather than inappropriate things like small dogs.
- Motivate your Rottweiler. Once a Rottweiler learns to enjoy playing with a ball, the ball can serve as a powerful form of motivation. A ball that can be both a fetch and a tug toy can offer both forms of play as motivation, which can be a wonderful training aid.
- Let your Rottweiler play by themselves. You probably don’t want to have to actively play with your Rottweiler all of the time. A ball is something that your Rottweiler can toss around, chase after, and generally occupy themselves with which may help them do better when they need to spend time alone.
What To Look For In The Best Ball for Your Rottweiler
Many Rottweilers love to play with balls, and most are happy with just about any kind of ball that they can find. Nevertheless, if you want the best for your Rottweiler, you will likely choose certain types of balls over others in order to meet your Rottweiler’s specific needs and to make playing with your dog more fun for you.
Here’s what to look for to choose the ideal ball for your Rottweiler to enjoy.
A Large Size
Rottweilers are big dogs, often weighing in at over 100 lb. Therefore, they need a big ball that corresponds with their large size.
A ball that is too small for your Rottweiler can be a choking risk and also makes it more likely that your Rottweiler will destroy it, which can increase the possibility of impaction if they swallow any of the pieces. Furthermore, a ball that is too small will not give your Rottweiler the satisfying crunching experience and flex muscles the way they want in a ball.
Look for a ball that requires your Rottweiler to open their mouth a bit to hold it comfortably and that is too big to be swallowed.
Holds up to Powerful Jaws
Rottweilers have some of the most powerful jaws in the dog world, and they need a ball that can hold up to their strong grip. This means that you need to look for a ball that is more heavy-duty than may be appropriate for other types of dogs.
Balls that some other dogs can play with easily for long periods will be destroyed within minutes by a powerful, determined Rottweiler. Furthermore, because Rottweilers have such a strong grip, their teeth may be worn down by fuzz on tennis balls even faster than regular dogs.
This process, known as blunting, only occurs when dogs chew on tennis balls a lot. However, if your Rottweiler really enjoys chewing on balls, their powerful jaws may cause their teeth to be blunted by chewing on a tennis ball or another ball covered with fuzz.
Has More Than One Hole Or No Holes At All
There have been a number of reports of dog toys that only have one hole creating suction when dogs chew on them, which can cause the toy to be stuck on the dog’s tongue or gums. This can damage the tongue or gums or cause the dog to choke.
This can be especially dangerous for a very strong chewer like a Rottweiler. Therefore, it is extremely important that if you are considering a toy that has a hole in it, for instance, a ball that can have treats stuffed into it, that you choose a toy that has another hole to relieve suction.
Of course, if you are choosing a solid ball (without holes), this isn’t a concern.
Can Handle Some Drool
Rottweilers aren’t the heaviest droolers in the dog world, but they can certainly drool a lot. They tend to drool even more when they are playing with a toy like a ball.
Your Rottweiler may not care that their ball becomes wet with slobber every time they play with it, but you may be a lot less likely to want to play fetch with a wet, drool-covered ball. Balls that hold moisture can also become stinky very quickly when constantly drenched with Rottweiler drool.
Therefore, choosing a ball with a rope attached to give you something to grab onto besides the ball and choosing balls with smooth surfaces that do not hold drool is a good idea.
Enables Tug Games
Most Rottweilers love to play tug. Contrary to myths that playing tug with dogs can be dangerous and build dominance into your dog, in fact, tug can be a great game to play with your Rottweiler to build self-control, exercise those powerful jaws and neck, and have a great time.
While we usually think about other toys for use with tug games, in fact, the right ball can be perfect for playing tug as well as for playing fetch games. A ball with a handle or rope attached can enable you to hold on while your dog grips the ball for a fun game of tug and lets you get a lot more use out of the ball.
Easy to Find
Most Rottweilers like to throw their ball around. This seems to be a playstyle very common to the breed. Many Rottweilers entertain themselves for hours by tossing the ball around your house or yard.
However, a potentially negative side effect of this way of playing is that it can be very easy for your Rottweiler to lose a ball. If the ball falls in shrubbery or long grass, rolls under a sofa, or otherwise ends up somewhere where your Rottweiler doesn’t know where it is, it may be up to you to find it to avoid losing an expensive ball.
Therefore, it’s a very good idea to choose a ball for your Rottweiler that comes in bright colors or is glow-in-the-dark so that you’ll be able to find it wherever your Rottweiler should toss it.
Floats
Many Rottweilers love the water. Although not every Rottweiler is the best swimmer, thanks to their heavy build and lack of webbed feet, just about every Rottweiler enjoys wading, and many enjoy swimming as well.
A ball that floats can make time in the water much more fun for your Rottweiler. Swimming can also be great therapy for your Rottweiler if they are suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia. Tossing a ball out into the water is a wonderful way to motivate your Rottweiler to keep swimming.
Best Balls for Rottweilers
With all that in mind, let’s look at our favorite options!
Best Everyday Ball: Ultra-Durable Dog Ball – Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
- American Made Quality - Made in Erie, Pennsylvania
- UNMATCHED DURABILITY: “GOLD STANDARD FOR TOUGH CHEWERS” - Our proprietary rubber compound is...
With a 4-inch diameter, this ball is big enough to not be a choking hazard for your Rottweiler but small enough to fit conveniently in their mouth. The irregular shape makes it easy to grip and also gives it an unpredictable bounce that your Rottweiler will love chasing after.
This ball is advertised to be nearly indestructible. Even if your dog does manage to destroy it, the company is happy to refund the price or replace the ball, which can set your mind at ease. When dogs do destroy this ball, they seem to only be able to get small pieces off of it, which are unlikely to serve as an impaction or choking risk.
The toy is made of non-toxic durable rubber that won’t scratch or damage your flooring or furniture or your dog’s teeth or gums. It has a wide hole through the center which is ideal for stuffing with treats to occupy your Rottweiler.
You can learn more and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: This ball is a great size for your Rottweiler to hold in their mouth and it’s very tough. The irregular shape can entertain them for hours as it bounces around unpredictably.
What I wish it had: Unfortunately, this heavy-duty ball won’t float in water. It only comes in black, which can make it very hard to find if your Rottweiler loses it somewhere. But with a lifetime guarantee, it’s still pretty hard to beat.
Best Ball for Playing Tug: Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Rope and Ball Dog Toy
- Perfect for Large Dogs: The Large Romp-n-Roll features a ball that measures 8 inches in diameter and is...
- Will not deflate when punctured: The Romp-n-Roll is made from Jolly Pet’s signature JollyFlex material-...
This sturdy ball is a great option for both fetch and tug games. The rope through the ball enables you to pick it up and throw it while keeping your hand away from the slobbery ball itself. It is also perfect for playing tug.
Since the rope moves through the ball without coming out, it is also a great option for dogs to play tug with one another or for you to play tug with your Rottweiler. The rope keeps the ball in between tuggers as they both grasp one side of the rope. If you are worried about your Rottweiler grasping the rope too close to your hand, having the ball in the middle can be a perfect solution.
Even if your Rottweiler’s powerful jaws manage to puncture this ball, it will still be perfect to play with since it doesn’t deflate when it is punctured. This ball bounces and floats, making it a great all-around toy for your Rottweiler.
You can feel good about purchasing this ball which is made in the United States and supports organizations that give toys to shelter dogs. It comes in a range of different colors, including a bright orange which is very easy to find wherever your Rottweiler throws it. At nearly 8 in diameter, this ball is big enough that you won’t have to worry about your Rottweiler choking on it.
You can check out the latest price on Amazon and read some of the 8,000 reviews on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: The rope running through this ball makes it ideal for playing tug games with your Rottweiler or for your Rottweiler to play tug with another dog.
What I wish it had: A rope component is not ideal for all dogs, since when chewed up it can become a serious impaction risk. This isn’t a problem for all Rottweilers, but it would be nice if this toy had something tougher running through it than a regular rope.
Best Ball for Kick and Fetch: Jolly Pets Soccer Ball Floating-Bouncing Dog Toy
- This ball won't deflate! The Jolly Pets Soccer Ball is made from Jolly Flex Material, which means this...
- Large Size/8 Inch Diameter: This Soccer Ball Dog toy is 8 inches in diameter, and is ideal for dogs over...
One great way to avoid having to pick up a gross, slippery ball is to kick it for your Rottweiler to fetch instead of having to pick it up. This ball is a great option for kick and fetch.
Choose between a 6-inch diameter and an 8-inch diameter to give your Rottweiler a ball big enough to have fun chasing around with their nose and batting at with their paws. It deflates somewhat when gripped and has a textured surface, so many Rottweilers can also pick it up even though it may seem too large for their jaws. Even if your Rottweiler manages to puncture the toy, it will maintain its shape.
This ball will bounce on land and floats in water. It comes in a bright orange color as well as green and blue options that make it easy to find wherever your Rottweiler happens to toss it.
You can feel good about buying a ball that is made in the USA and manufactured by a company that supports organizations that donate toys to shelter dogs.
Check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: This is the perfect ball for kick and fetch games and maintains its shape even when punctured, so your Rottweiler can keep chasing and biting it for a long time to come.
What I wish it had: This toy is far from indestructible, and most Rottweilers will eventually be able to rip into it with some effort, which can result in pieces that can be a risk for choking or impaction, so you’ll always need to supervise your Rottweiler when they play with this ball.
Best Ball for Dedicated Fetchers: Chuckit! Kick Fetch Ball
- Fun For Pets And Pet Parents: This 7.5 inch diameter kick ball, satisfies your dog's natural chasing...
- Durable Design: Made with rubber and foam and covered in durable canvas fabric, the Chuckit. Kick Fetch...
If your Rottweiler loves to play fetch, this ball may be a great option for them. It can fit into a Chuckit! Launcher so that you can throw it without ever having to put your fingers on it, which can be a huge advantage over trying to pick up a slobbery ball to throw for your dog. Using a launcher can also enable you to throw it further than you would be able to without using the launcher.
The unique shape with distinct grooves makes it very easy for your dog to grip, while the extra-large size at 3 and 1/2 inches in diameter is big enough that it won’t be a choking risk for your Rottweiler. The unique shape creates a random bounce pattern that will further stimulate your dog to chase it.
The bright orange color can make it easy for you to find. It also comes in a glow-in-the-dark version which can make it easy to find at night. It floats in water so it is also an ideal fetch toy for encouraging your Rottweiler to swim.
Learn more and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: It is very easy to pick this ball up with the launcher and throw it long distances over and over for your Rottweiler over land or water.
What I wish it had: This is not a particularly durable toy, and won’t hold up to your Rottweiler chewing on it, so it is only good for fetch and should be taken away if your dog wants to chew on it.
Best Interactive Ball: Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, Interactive Dog Toy
- FUN FOR ALL BIG OR SMALL Wobble Wag Giggle Ball is great for dogs of all ages and sizes! The 4 clutch...
- WOBBLE WAG GIGGLE Ball With just the nudge of a nose, off the ball goes! The ball does not require...
If you would like to keep your Rottweiler entertained without you having to do anything but supervise, this may be a good ball for you to consider. It has a unique internal tube noise maker that makes a sound that will keep your Rottweiler engaged whenever they move it.
If your Rottweiler is not particularly fond of balls, this can be the perfect toy to get them engaged. Grooves in the surface of the ball make it easy for your Rottweiler to grip, but it is big enough that you will not have to worry about it being a choking hazard.
The flexible material also makes it quite easy for your Rottweiler to pick up. They will have a lot of fun tossing it around and chasing after the sound.
Check out today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: This is a great toy to keep your Rottweiler entertained without you having to play with them and can be especially good for motivating Rottweilers who aren’t interested in balls to play.
What I wish it had: This ball is not particularly durable, and you will have to supervise your dog to make sure that they don’t rip it up since it can easily be torn into pieces that can be a choking or impaction hazard.
Best Squeaky Ball: RHL Dog Squeaky Toys for Aggressive chewers
- SQUEAK TEETHING TOYS --- Squeaker built into the center to stimulate interest. It can makes a sound,our...
- ULTRA DURABLE: The natural rubber used in the toy will stand the test of most aggressive chewers. It's...
A ball that squeaks can be a great way to motivate your Rottweiler to keep playing with it and chewing on it, especially since many Rottweilers have some prey drive. This ball is also flavored with beef to make it even more enticing for your Rottweiler.
This toy is large enough that you won’t have to worry about your Rottweiler choking on it. It is textured with little diamonds that make it very easy for your Rottweiler to grip and can also provide a slightly irregular bounce.
It floats in the water to provide a great fetch toy for water use as well. The slick natural rubber surface does not tend to hold drool. If you are looking for a fairly durable squeak toy for your Rottweiler, this can be a great option.
Learn more about this big Rottie-friendly ball and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: The squeak function is very compelling for most Rottweilers, so even Rottweilers that don’t normally like to play with balls may be compelled to enjoy this toy.
What I wish it had: While this toy is quite tough, it is not indestructible to a Rottweiler’s strong jaws, and may break into pieces that could be an impaction or choking risk. Many dogs also are driven to swallow the squeaker, which can be an impaction risk, so you should always supervise your Rottweiler when they are playing with this toy.
FAQ
What if my Rottweiler doesn’t like balls?
If balls don’t seem to be your Rottweiler’s favorite toy, you may want to try one of the balls that stimulate play with noise. Balls that make noise when they are moved about or that squeak when your Rottweiler chews on them can make it much more likely that your Rottweiler will enjoy chasing after and catching the ball.
You can also reward your Rottweiler by playing tug using a ball when they retrieve it for you or even giving them a food reward when they bring the ball back to you. Stuffing balls that have a hollow center with food can also be a great way to encourage your Rottweiler to like the ball more. In fact, this tactic can even teach dogs who never learned to play with toys as puppies to enjoy them.
What if my Rottweiler destroys balls?
Rottweilers are very strong chewers, and it should come as no surprise that they can destroy even balls intended for powerful chewers. If it has taken a fairly long time for your Rottweiler to be able to destroy the ball, you may just want to replace it so that your Rottweiler can continue to enjoy that particular toy.
If your Rottweiler is very prone to destroying balls, choose a ball made of tough rubber that will only be destroyed in very small pieces that will not act as a choking or impaction risk. Always supervise your Rottweiler when they play with a given ball until you see how they will destroy it.
What if my Rottweiler is possessive of balls?
Some dogs love balls too much. Possessiveness is not particularly likely for a Rottweiler compared to any other breed, but it can certainly happen.
If your Rottweiler growls or snaps at you or other animals when you try to take the ball away from them or even come near them when they’re playing with a ball, it is best to prevent them from having access to a ball and seek the help of a professional trainer.
A Rottweiler is a powerful dog and some are very bold and fearless, which can be a bad combination when combined with toy possessiveness. If your Rottweiler gets a ball, distract them away from it with a high-value treat and close a door between them and the ball before retrieving it.
Closing Thoughts
Watching a Rottweiler play with a ball can be a lot of fun. Rottweilers tend to have an adorably goofy play style when it comes to balls. They love to toss them around, often very high in the air, and then chase after them.
Have fun watching your Rottweiler play with a ball, but be sure to make careful decisions with the balls you give to your Rottweiler and to supervise them until you know how they will interact with a ball so that they do not destroy it and swallow pieces that they could choke on or which can cause an impaction risk.
