Ruff Dawg Stick

A hollow rubber stick for fetching and tug, made in the USA by Ruff Dawg, a division of Jefferson Rubber Works.

Who it suits

Fetch and tug fans, especially dogs that play rough with another dog. The 12 inch Stick suits medium and large dogs; the maker sells a 6 inch Twig for smaller ones. Not a chew toy for power chewers.

Key facts

• Stick is 12 inches, for medium to large dogs of about 40 lbs and up; the 6 inch Twig is for dogs up to about 40 lbs (Ruff Dawg)
• Made of rubber that the maker says is free of phthalates, latex and BPA (Ruff Dawg)
• Floats, is weatherproof and washable, and can be strung on a rope for longer throws (Ruff Dawg)
• Made in the USA (Ruff Dawg)

What reviewers say

Whole Dog Journal: Nancy Kerns ranked it second of five after more than a month of play with three test dogs (published June 2022, updated March 2023). The dogs chose it on their own for tug games with each other and it showed no rips. Being heavier than the Zwig, it carries further when thrown. She praised the maker for naming the material. The article does not say how the toys were obtained.

Canine Journal: Reviewer Amanda called it a strong contender for best fetch stick and surprisingly durable, but it missed her top list because of a strong rubber smell and because it floats low in the water, which made it harder for her dogs to spot (September 2023). The article does not say how the toys were obtained.

We did not test it ourselves.

Pros

• Heavier than many stick toys, so it throws well
• Held up to dog to dog tug in Whole Dog Journal’s test
• Two sizes, including a small Twig
• Maker names the material and says it is made in the USA

Cons

• Strong rubber smell when new, per Canine Journal
• Floats low in the water, so it can be hard to see
• Not meant for heavy chewers

Good to know

• Supervise play and retire the stick if it starts to tear.
• If your dog swallows a piece or seems to hurt its mouth, see your vet.