Tennis ball or rubber ball?
Updated 16 September 2026
A ball built for dogs is the one to buy for daily fetch. Dog tennis balls use a softer felt, and a rubber ball gives bounce, float and a surface that rinses clean. Both are made for the game.
Dog fetch toys come down to the ball in your pocket, and the material decides how the game goes. Rubber gives a high bounce, floats and rinses clean. A dog tennis ball is lighter and squeaks, which suits a dog that plays for the sound.
Both keep a dog running, and plenty of owners carry one of each. Match the ball to how your dog plays, and how much of the walk it spends holding on to it.
Side by side
Rubber ball
Solid rubber with a high bounce and a smooth surface. Most float.
Suits
- Daily fetch and ball launchers
- Swimming, because they float and rinse clean
- Dogs that keep hold of the ball between throws
Ones we like
Chuckit!
Ultra Ball, medium, two pack
A high bounce rubber fetch ball that floats and fits standard launchers.
The two pack is the one to buy, so there is always a spare in the bag.
Chuckit!
Max Glow Ball, medium, two pack
A glow in the dark fetch ball you charge under a light before you leave.
Charge it under the kitchen light before you leave and it is ready at the field.
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Tennis ball
Felt-covered and light, with a squeaker in the dog versions.
Suits
- Dogs that want the squeak as much as the chase
- Casual throwing in the park
- Small mouths, since they are light to carry
Ones we like
KONG
SqueakAir Tennis Balls, six pack
Dog tennis balls with a softer, non-abrasive felt and a squeaker inside.
A good pick if your dog spends the day carrying a ball around.
Rosewood
Squeaky Tennis Balls, three pack
Three bright squeaky tennis balls in standard size, made for throwing and fetching.
Keep this pack in the car for park throwing, and pair it with a rubber ball at home.
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Common questions
Are dog tennis balls better for teeth?
Dog tennis balls use a softer, non-abrasive felt, which is why they are the ones to buy for a dog that carries a ball all day. KONG list theirs as softer on teeth, and a solid rubber ball has no felt at all.
Which ball size should I buy for my dog?
Big enough that it sits in front of the back teeth. Sizing runs on weight, so a medium suits a spaniel or a collie, and a labrador or bigger wants the large.
How often should I use a ball launcher?
Mix it into the walk rather than filling the walk with it. A handful of long throws, then sniffing and wandering, gives a dog the sprint it loves and keeps the rest of the walk easy on young joints.
Other comparisons
Rubber chew or plush
Rubber dog chew toys are built for chewing and stuffing with food, while plush toys are for carrying and shaking, so pick the one your dog wants.
Puzzle or a stuffed KONG
Dog puzzle toys and a stuffed rubber toy both use food to occupy a dog, and each suits a different part of the day.