The Best Stuffed Dogs
No matter how old we get, stuffed dogs will always be easy to love. They are there to comfort us as children and stick around for the good and bad as we age. But finding a new furry friend is always an option as well, especially since there are so many adorable choices out there. To narrow down the search, we decided that the best stuffed dogs need to be easy to hold, soft to touch, and machine washable. Sticking to these guidelines, our top pick is Gund Plush Boo: The World's Cutest Dog. This little guy fits all three criteria since he's small enough to fit in your pocket and his already fuzzy fur can easily be refreshed with a quick spin in the washing machine. Our second favorite is the Jellycat Bashful Black and Cream Puppy. Floppy and super soft, this stuffed dog will make anyone's day. Read on to discover the perfect pup for you and your loved ones.
Gund Plush Boo, The World’s Cutest Dog
After claiming the title of the World’s Cutest Dog, Boo the Pomeranian has gained a lot of publicity. This plush version of the famous pooch stands at only five inches and is made of the softest materials from Gund. Boo comes dressed in various costumes including a unicorn, mermaid, and even an alien. Children and adults alike will fall in love with this cuddly critter.
Pros:
- Even though the instructions say this stuffed dog is only surface washable, many have found that it can also be washed on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. If you want to be extra careful, place the toy in a delicates bag before washing.
- The costumes are sewn onto the stuffed dog by a few threads that can easily be snipped. This will make the toy more versatile and make it easier to wash the costumes separately.
Cons;
- It is more expensive than other stuffed dogs this size.
PixieCrush Stuffed Dog with Four Puppies
Everyone loves surprises, and with this toy, you’re in for a special treat. It might look like you’ve only got one stuffed dog, but when you unzip her belly there are four puppies inside. Kids of all ages will spend hours playing with these lovable pups. It won’t take long before they become part of the family.
Pros:
- This is a great teaching tool to help children understand how a C-section works in both animals and humans. While this is a very simple demonstration, it makes the idea of this surgery less intimidating for young minds.
- The zipper pouch in the mama dog’s belly can be used to store things once her puppies have been “born.” Kids can carry around their favorite pup, keeping their small treasures and trinkets in the pouch for easy access.
Cons:
- The puppies are fairly small so they aren’t safe for babies or toddlers to play with on their own.
Squeezamals 3Deez 3.5 Inch Plush Dog
Friends fur life
Huggable friends come in all shapes and sizes, just like this teeny pup from Squeezamals. At only 3.5 inches tall, this stuffed dog is filled with slow-rising foam that is extra soft and makes your pet more squeezable. It even has a light fruity scent to make playtime more fun. Made from non-toxic materials, this toy will be a hit for parents and kids everywhere.
Pros:
- The stuffing used in this dog makes it inflate more slowly after squeezing. This means it can be used as an alternative to a stress ball when life gets hard.
- There are so many other animals available in this collection in addition to the dog toy, all sold at an affordable price. These stuffed animals are easy to collect and make great gifts for family and friends.
Cons:
- The scent only lasts a short time before it fades completely.
Jellycat Bashful Black and Cream Puppy
At 12 inches tall, this fuzzy pup from Jellycat London is the perfect gift for everyone from newborns to seniors. The polyester body is filled with a combination of cotton and plastic beads to make this stuffed dog extra cozy. Caring for your new friend requires just a little spot cleaning and lots of love. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Pros:
- This puppy comes wrapped in plastic in addition to the outer shipping materials, keeping it extra clean. This is great if you are giving one as a gift to a newborn who hasn’t yet been exposed to all the germs the world has to offer.
- Jellycat also sells a book that tells the story of this desirable puppy. Children would love to read a book about their favorite furry friend.
Cons:
- This is a more pricey stuffed animal, especially for its size.
MorisMos Big Plush Dog Pillow
If you’re looking for a larger stuffed dog than most, this is the one for you. At 31 inches long, this plushy pooch can be used as a pillow or footrest in addition to being a great companion. Made of soft material, you won’t regret bringing home this adorable puppy.
Pros:
- This stuffed dog comes vacuum-sealed to avoid wasting excess shipping materials. If you’re traveling a long distance with it to give as a present, packing the box in your car will still leave you plenty of space.
- Since he’s so big, small children can lean up against it and snuggle with this pup. And for adults who have trouble sleeping, this dog could be easily be used as a body pillow.
Cons:
- The large size of this stuffed dog makes it difficult to wash if it gets dirty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of filling makes for the best stuffed dogs?
Most stuffed dogs are made with a polyester filling that is both soft and lightweight, making it the best option for children’s toys. Some toy brands use natural filling materials such as wool, cotton, and linen, which are also lightweight options. To make stuffed toys a little heavier, many brands put plastic pellets in the backside and paws to add weight and make the toy feel more lifelike.
Do stuffed dogs have the same calming effect on humans as real dogs?
When life gets hard, we cling to the things that comfort us most. Just like real dogs, stuffed dogs are comforting for both children and adults. The act of squeezing something soft and familiar is both relaxing and nurturing. It helps to calm your breathing and slow down your heart rate to help you relax.
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