A lover of cuddly canine toys from way back, I surrounded myself with stuffed dogs in my formative years. Now that I’m past childhood — but not quite, ahem, an adult — I still track the latest in toy dog technology, always on the lookout for the ones with the cutest expressions and most pettable hides. Whenever there is a baby shower or other child giving occasion, I choose a stuffed dog in hopes that the little gift will be a boy who loves real dogs. If you want to do the same, here’s a handy resource list.
The 7 Most Realistic Stuffed Dogs
1. Steiff, the German company known for its heirloom-quality teddy bears, has an equal opportunity when it comes to stuffed animals, offering a veritable petting zoo of adorable species, from squirrels to giraffes. Some Steiff selections — namely, those covered in expensive “premium mohair,” such as the Lielou Pug — are definitely not for very young children. Classified as collectibles, they are status gifts for the child’s parents (and they definitely deserve protection from dogs that dig up deconstructing plush toys).
Steiff is serious about capturing canine cuteness in a way that younger Dogster readers can relate to, however, and the soft, cuddlesome, machine-washable Lumpi Golden Retriever and Little Floppy Lumpi make perfect plush starter pets.
2. “Is it true… or Hansa?” is the slogan of Hansa Toys, which calls these animal reproductions “pictures in nature.” That is not an exaggeration. Not long after, someone regifted me a Hansa Papillon, which caused quite a stir while he was living with me (and before he got re-Regift). Upon seeing that cute, soft toy, visitors always do a double take and exclaim, “I thought it was a real dog!”
Another striking and somewhat lifelike breed likeness is the handsome Hansa Husky, available in petite and full-sized versions. Meanwhile, at high prices, Hansa’s Harlequin Great Dane is leading the way.
3. Melissa and Doug is a toy-designing couple whose company makes an impressively wide range of canine likenesses, from Beagles to Border Collies, Basset Hounds to Boxers. M&D gets extra credit for creating a cuddly stuffed Rottweiler, a cute breed that isn’t always considered cuddly.
And, as a long-time lover of stuffed Poodles, I must say that I am fascinated by the M&D Standard Poodle, which prides itself on attention. Sporting a butch coiffure, she’ll be welcome in either a boy’s or girl’s room.
4. For little ones who can’t help but be drawn to big dogs, the gift of an oversized (60-inch) plush canine is just the ticket. JooJoo’s Jumbo Bernese Mountain Dog is created to remain permanently in a “relaxed” position (ie, lying down,reclined to resemble a cross between a rug and a pillow) and very soft with gentle features.
This dog also conveniently doubles as a neck and back rest, offering support to little ones reading their favorite comic books (or less loved school books).
5. Village has been making what it calls the “most huggable” stuffed animals since 1898. Among its offerings are a cute white-and-brownmutt puppy named Daisi Daisy Dog, and a convincing likeness of a famous Pomeranian named Boo, aka the fluffy Facebook phenomenon billed as “The World’s Cutest Dog.”
In this case, the stuffed dog looks more realistic than the very cute, flesh-and-blood canine it’s modeled after!
6. Advocates of shelter dog adoption will be pleased to know that Webkinz uses highly evolved lingo — when you get one of its plush dogs, you “adopt” (nice). Plus, proceeds help support the Webkinz Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting programs for children around the world. The Shar Pei sports the right wrinkle ratio, while the Bull Terrier will score bullseye with fans of bully breeds.
Furthermore, each pet comes with a secret code that gives access to Webkinz World online, where kids can feed and care for their virtual pets and earn KinzCash to pay for clothes and treat. Oh!
7. FAO Black, New York City’s famously fabulous Fifth Avenue toy mecca, puts its house label on two very convincing toy breeds: the Maltese and the Yorkie. Toy dog or toy dog? You decide: Cradle this arm candy and you’re sure to fool passersby into thinking it’s the real thing.
As befits miniature canine urbanites, these two sport a stylish topcoat, so they’re ready for a promenade on any high-profile city street.
Can you recommend more drool-worthy dog toys? Please share your favorites in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: So sweet. (Dog with stuffed toy by Shutterstock.
