The Best Herding Balls for Dogs in 2022

And there you have it - some of the best herding balls for dogs that the pet market has to offer. Still not sure which toy ball is right for your furry companion? Not to worry - in this buying guide, we cover everything you need to know about herding balls, including how to pick the best one for your pup.

Herding dogs can be a handful - but only if you lack the right tools to deal with their behavior. These dogs were bred to herd sheep and cattle in farms, and even our modern, apartment-living pooches haven't lost this need to protect and move animals from one place to another. Of course, most of us don't own livestock nowadays, which is why our pups tend to exhibit their herding instincts on less suitable things, such as other dogs, bikes, even children!

Fortunately, herding balls were created to cater to this instinct, but there are certain things that you need to consider before buying one for your pooch.

• Material

Herding dogs are incredibly smart, highly energetic breeds who need their very own tough dog toys to keep them thoroughly entertained in the yard. These toys come in the shape of round, durable balls that were specifically designed to make backyard herding possible for your pooch. Giving your dog the chance to release his pent up energy on herding balls will prevent him from nipping at your heels and chasing after cars and bicycles. These balls are typically made of tough polyethylene to stop your dog from biting them and tearing them to shreds. Some of them have a glossy surface that prevents dogs from picking them up and chewing on them. Non-toxic balls can be the perfect afternoon companion for herding breeds who need to a toy to push around within the safe confines of your garden.

• Size

When shopping for a herding ball for your pooch, there are several things you need to consider. If you have an enthusiastic puppy on your hands, you will need to purchase a ball that complements his size. Balls designed for herding can be dense and heavy at times, so choosing the right one for your pup will encourage him to play with it. Luckily, some manufacturers have come up with a size guide that you can use to check the dimensions of the ball. Generally speaking, Great Danes will find enormous balls worthy of their time and will have a blast chasing them around the yard. In contrast, smaller breeds will find happiness in equally small balls that they can easily herd and bark orders at during playtime.

• Durability

Dogs love to chew on things, and balls are no exception. Their passion for chewing can get them into trouble and can also put them at risk of swallowing small shards that often become choking hazards. Playtime should be about having fun and exercising using safe, unbreakable toys, and this is where herding balls can come in handy. Indestructible dog toys can be lifesavers when it comes to smart and highly energetic dogs who can cause a ton of damage when bored. Fortunately, the cure for boredom comes in the shape of heavy duty balls that were specifically built for outdoor use. Tough herding balls can be used in both swimming pools and gardens, and their durability makes them the toy of choice for Australian Shepherds and other breeds who need a long-lasting toy to shove around the yard. Puncture proof balls are also available in case you needed a bouncy ball capable of surviving your pooch and their sharp teeth during playtime.

Check out our guide on Dog Chews.

• Weight

Weight is one more thing that you need to consider before buying a herding ball for your dog. A lightweight ball can be fun and appropriate for indoor use if you have a basement or a special playroom where your puppy can practice his herding habit. Similarly, large dogs require a ball that is compatible with their height and weight.  If a ball is too small for herding, they will grow bored of it and will probably start looking for something else to chase.

• Extra Features

Herding balls can be slightly altered in terms of weight and made to wobble using sand or water. These balls are usually fitted with plugs so you can easily fill them up and use them to give your energetic pooch the workout they deserve. Heavy, water-filled balls inject more fun into playtime because they tend to move slower and this wobbling effect can be attractive to herding breeds. Keep in mind that these balls are not made for kicking or bouncing. If your pooch gets fixated on the plug and tries to chew it off, then buying them an ordinary herding ball may be the way to go. Heavy balls are also not designed for indoor use and can collide with your furniture or tumble down the stairs and injure someone, especially if they are large and filled with gravel.

Playtime is synonymous with toys and fun. Giving your pooch a proper dog toy will keep them entertained for hours on end while keeping them away from your volleyballs, tennis balls as well as furniture and expensive leather shoes. Herding balls offer a wealth of benefits for your dog including providing them with a safe and fun outlet for their herding behavior.

You may also like our guide on Chew & Teething Toys for Puppies.

• Unbreakable

Sharp canine teeth can leave a trail of destruction in their wake, especially in the absence of chew bones and other teething toys. Premium herding balls for dogs are the best product money can buy in terms of durability and longevity. Highly energetic pups can sometimes damage their toys beyond repair and this means dog parents will have to replenish their toy box with replacement toys on a regular basis to make up for this loss. Herding balls will save you money in the long run since they are specifically designed to be knocked around the yard. They also have a bite-resistant surface that dogs will have trouble sinking their teeth into and are too big to be chewed on, which makes them the balls of choice for herding dogs everywhere.

• Energy Outlet

Chewing, digging holes in the yard and excessive barking are all behavioral issues that appear in the absence of adequate physical and mental stimulation. Herding dogs were originally bred to steer cattle and sheep, so they are competitive and hardworking. These traits make them the perfect fit for agility training and other canine sports where they can put their skills to good use. Dog breeds such as Border Collies and German Shepherds will benefit greatly from herding balls since they will be able to express this behavior in the safety of your own backyard. Indulging in this activity will stop your pooch from herding pets and children or chasing after moving vehicles.

Take a look at our article on Dog Agility Tunnels.

• Bonding Tool

The recipe for maintaining a healthy bond with your pooch includes many positive ingredients such as love, trust and carving out enough time to spend with your dog on a regular basis. Herding balls that double as soccer balls are the perfect bonding toy and can be used to play catch in the swimming pool during summer or you can simply kick them around the yard while your dog chases after them. You can also bond with your pooch via a game of treibball.

Herding balls are available in a wide range of sizes starting from small 4-inch balls that are designed for small dog breeds such as Cavalier Spaniels. Enormous 14-inch balls are on the opposite end of the size spectrum and these are tailormade for large dog breeds such as Great Danes and Mastiffs. Generally speaking, herding balls are supposed to discourage your pooch from chewing them due to their large size. Reading the manufacturer’s size guide beforehand will help you select the right herding ball for your dog.

Durable, practical and safe are three words that can be used to describe the Jolly Pets herding ball. Its 14-inch size makes it the ideal playtime companion for large dogs who need their daily dose of exercise to keep them healthy and entertained. This large indestructible dog ball was designed to survive summer games in the pool and is guaranteed to keep your pooch busy in the yard. All in all, a must-have product for herding dogs who need a reliable ball to play with every single day!