All dogs have different quirks and habits, but there’s one behavior you can almost always expect from canines: They’re going to chew things. The reasons for chewing can vary, says dog trainer and author Victoria Schade, but the solution is often the same. Pups need their own toys to chew so they don’t leave their bite marks on your possessions. And for Schade, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience training dogs for clients like Animal Planet, KONG toys are a favorite, whether for large dogs, small dogs or anything in between.
“I love that KONG was the absolute innovator in the world of dog toys. They changed the way our dogs have fun,” she says. Though she’s not affiliated with the brand, she jokes, “I think KONG should hire me to be a spokesperson because I am an unabashed fan and subject matter expert!”
Whether you’re a new dog mom or dad looking for toys for your puppy, or a longtime pet parent hoping to spice things up with a new KONG for your large dog or small dog, we’ve got the ultimate guide to the different types of KONG toys and how to use them, as well as KONG recipes and more.
First, she says, “I love that they have a variety of options that take different chewing styles and abilities into account.” The different types of KONG toys range from the classic snowman-shaped KONG (which itself comes in a variety of sizes and rubber strengths) to toys designed for playing fetch, tug-of-war, and even sweet, post-playtime snuggles.
The second perk? Schade also loves that KONG toys are made in the USA from globally sourced natural rubber materials.
What Sizes Do Kongs Come In?
Kongs come in six different sizes: extra small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), extra large (XL), and extra-extra large (XXL) (just scroll down to the chart below to see the actual dimensions of each size).
Every dog needs a Kong that’s well suited to his body type, and many dogs will need more than one Kong over the course of their lifetime due to changes in their size and chewing preferences.
The toys also come in different strength varieties, and they’re color-coded to make it easy to tell the difference between each. Here is a quick breakdown of the general Kong types:
| Puppy KONG | Senior KONG | Classic KONG | Extreme KONG | |
| XS | 2.5″ x 1.4″ ( opening) 1.2 OZ | Not Available | 2.5″ x 1.4″ ( opening) 1.2 OZ | Not Available |
| S | 3″ x 1.75″ (0.72″ opening) 1.7 OZ | 3″ x 1.75″ (0.72″ opening) 1.7 OZ | 3″ x 1.75″ (0.72″ opening) 1.8 OZ | 3″ x 1.75″ (0.72″ opening) 2.2 OZ |
| M | 3.5″ x 2.5″ (1″ opening) 3.4 OZ | 3.5″ x 2.5″ (1″ opening) 3.4 OZ | 3.5″ x 2.5″ (1″ opening) 4.4 OZ | 3.5″ x 2.5″ (1″ opening) 4.1 OZ |
| L | 4″ x 2.75″ (1″ opening) 6.3 OZ | 4″ x 2.75″ (1″ opening) 6.3 OZ | 4″ x 2.75″ (1″ opening) 7.9 OZ | 4″ x 2.75″ (1″ opening) 6.8 OZ |
| XL | Not Available | Not Available | 5″ x 3.5″ (1.31″ opening) 13.3 OZ | 5″ x 3.5″ (1.31″ opening) 13 OZ |
| XXL | Not Available | Not Available | 6″ x 3.9″ (1.56″ opening) 20.5 OZ | 6″ x 3.9″ (1.56″ opening) 20.2 OZ |
The Classic Kong can be purchased in any of the 6 sizes, while the Extreme Kong is available in small through extra-extra large. Senior Kongs only come in small, medium, and large sizes. Puppy Kongs come in all sizes except XL and XXL, though these sizes are likely unnecessary as dogs should grow out of their Puppy Kongs with age.
However, this long conflict took a toll on the Kongs, and after a time only two remained, a male and a pregnant female. Perhaps sensing the weakened state of their age-old enemies, the Skullcrawlers struck with renewed vigour, and a battle of epic proportions ensued. Part way through the struggle, the female gave birth, and managed to seal the infant away in a cave before rejoining her mate in his fight against their massed assailants.
Creatures which resemble nothing so much as immense gorillas, how large a Kong can actually grow is unknown as only a single member of the species has ever been seen alive, and that specimen – the mighty King Kong himself – was still an adolescent at the time he was encountered. However, King Kong stands in excess of one hundred feet tall, weighs many dozens of tons, and is still growing. They are believed to have reached such colossal proportions by virtue of the hyperthermic properties gifted to so many of the local flora and fauna, which may be a result of the island’s unique geological makeup.
A breed unique to Skull Island, the Kongs survived there for untold millennia as the apex predators of that strange land. There, they waged a centuries-long war against the subterranean Skullcrawlers, killing or chasing off any that ventured to the surface world through the volcanic vents which occupy the island’s central valley.
What Size Kong Does My Dog Need?
Finding the right fit for Fido ensures that playtime with Kong toys is fun, safe, and engaging. You want your dog to be able to access the inside of the Kong while being able to grab the outside comfortably.
Kongs can be somewhat heavy relative to other toys, so it’s important to select the right size so that your pooch isn’t lugging one around that’s too large. Plus, Kongs are frequently stuffed with food which can add to the weight count.
Note that if you’re ever struggling to pick between two sizes, Kong recommends picking the larger size for safety purposes.
Kongs that are too small for your pooch could pose a choking hazard.
Such Kongs would also make it difficult for your doggo to get his tongue inside the toy, where he can access the tasty treats you’ve added. For that matter, it is conceivable that your dog’s tongue could become stuck inside an undersized Kong.
As a rule of thumb, here are some basic size recommendations broken down by weight:
FAQ
How many types of KONG are there?
You can choose from the Classic Kong, Extreme Kong, Puppy Kong, and Senior Kong, with sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-extra-large for some versions.
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