The 10 Best Herding Balls for Dogs of 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

After testing 45+ products for their durability, longevity, and safety, we have selected and reviewed the 10 best herding balls that are also available at an affordable price.

Are you looking out for a way through which you can keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated? If yes, then the herding ball can help you to keep your pooch physically as well as mentally active.

The treibball game will not only stimulate the natural instincts of your herding dog but will also provide them with a good way to exercise so as to remain fit.

In addition to using it as a herding ball, it can be used as a fetch toy or even in the swimming pools if it floats on the water.

With all these benefits, irrespective of whether your dog breed belongs to herding breed or not, it is always a great choice to get a herding ball for your pooch.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

• Best Overall: Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy at Amazon
• Premium Choice: The Company of Animals Boomer Ball at Amazon
• Best Value: Jolly Pets Soccer Ball Floating-Bouncing Dog Toy at Amazon

The 10 Best Herding Balls Reviews of 2023

1. Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy — Best Overall

The Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy makes the top position in our list not only because it has been designed considering the safety of your pets but it is also available in various sizes so you can easily get the size whichever is most preferable for your pooch.

In addition to herding ball, it can also be used to play in the swimming pools since it floats on water. The ball is also uniformly designed so as to provide a constant motion. Hence it is the perfect toy for dogs who love pushing and herding.

To conclude, we think this is the overall best herding balls.

Key Features:

• Size: 3 inches, 4.5 inches, 6 inches, 10 inches, and 14 inches
• Material: Hard plastic
• Color: Blue, purple, red

The largest size variant of this dog ball is the perfect size for small breeds for a formal treibball game. However, it is even suitable for medium and large breed dogs for informal games.

It is made with a hard plastic material that is safe for your pet, additionally, it is made right in the USA to ensure its safety and quality.

Moreover, since the ball is made up of hard plastic so it cannot be deflated, hence it will require an ample amount of space to store.

2. The Company of Animals Boomer Ball — Premium Choice

The Company of Animals is an expert in providing pet-related products since the year 1979. Hence the products provided by this brand are trustworthy to be safe as well as durable.

The Boomer Ball is also one such product that is made without any non-toxic material.

The boomer ball is designed for dogs who love to herd and chase using their nose, head, or paws. The bigger size makes it appropriate to use as a herding ball for medium and large dog breeds.

Various size options also make it suitable to be used as a fetch toy or exercise ball for your dog.

Key Features:

• Size: 15 cm, 4 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch
• Material: Polyethylene (hard plastic)
• Color: Red and blue

Since it is made from polyethylene hard plastic hence it is safe for your pooch as well as most of the dogs can’t puncture or tear it apart. This also makes it virtually indestructible and perfect for those ball-obsessed toy destroyers.

It also floats in water and hence in addition to using it as a herding ball, it can also be used in the swimming pools. The ball has a glossy surface and hence looks bright and appealing in color.

It is available in red and blue color, however, you do not have the option to choose the color as it is shipped based on the stock availability.

3. Jolly Pets Soccer Ball Floating-Bouncing Dog Toy — Best Value

If you are looking for an affordable herding ball for your dog then the Jolly Pets Soccer Ball Floating Bouncing Dog Toy stands on the top positions on our list.

In spite of being available at a cheaper price, it does not compromise the quality of the ball and its safety towards your pet.

The ball is made with the brand’s innovative material JollyFlex which is durable and safe for pets. Additionally, with this innovative and trademarked material, the ball will not deflate or lose its shape even if it gets punctured due to any circumstance.

Key Features:

• Size: 6 inches and 8 inches
• Material: JollyFlex material
• Color: Apple green, ocean blue, orange

Its textured surface provides grip and makes it easy for your dogs to play with it. Additionally, it also floats in the water so it can be also used to play as a fetch ball in the swimming pools.

Since the ball is available in two different sizes 6 inches and 8 inches hence it is ideal to be used as a herding ball for small and medium-sized dogs.

For large breed dogs, it may not be appropriate as a herding ball but it can be used as an exercising ball or simply like a playing toy.

4. Virtually Indestructible Best Ball for Dogs

This Virtually Indestructible dog ball from Doggie Dooley is made up of hard plastic that will last for years. Additionally, it is also made from non-toxic materials that make it safe for your pooch.

This makes it a perfect herding ball, which is also available at an affordable price.

Its 10-inch giant size is perfect for dogs who love pushing and herding. This size is also appropriate for small dogs as well as large dogs.

Moreover, this ball is designed in a way that it floats in the water and hence besides using as a hearing ball, it is also appropriate to be used in the swimming pool along with your pooch.

Key Features:

• Size: 10 inches
• Material: Hard plastic
• Color: Red, orange, and blue

There are two versions of this ball available, both of them are of the same size and available in assorted colors. The newer version is available at a lower price as compared to the later one and it also has a better finish with a smoother surface.

The ball is made in the USA so as to ensure its quality and safety for your pet. The thick and hard polyethylene material makes it durable and long-lasting.

It is also available in various colors, however, upon purchasing you do not get an option to choose the color of your choice and an assorted color based on the stock is provided to you.

5. Banfeng Giant 9.5″ Dog Tennis Ball with Inflating Needles

Looking out for the best herding ball for your dog which is durable as well as safe for your pet? The giant dog tennis ball from Benfeng would be the perfect choice for your fido.

It is made up of rubber and felt material that makes it safe and durable. Its non-toxic and non-abrasive felt is also safe for your dog’s teeth.

With its optimum size and gentle and soft surface, the ball is perfect for all breeds for puppies as well as adult dogs. In addition to being used as a herding ball, it can be also used as an exercise ball or simply as a playing ball for your dogs.

Key Features:

• Size: 9.5 inches
• Material: Rubber and felt
• Color: Fluorescent yellow

The outer material is made up of felt that making it totally safe for your dog’s teeth. However, because of the felt material, it is more susceptible to getting dirty and hence it will need frequent cleaning if used outdoors.

Because of its giant size, it is sent without inflating. You can inflate it with the help of a needle provided along with it. However, they only provide the needle so you will need a separate pump in order to make the ball ready to use.

6. Doggie Dooley Virtually Indestructible Best Ball

This virtually indestructible ball from Doggie Dooley is perfect for dogs who love pushing and herding. With its large diameter of 14 inches, it is also suitable for large breeds up to 100 pounds.

With this size, it might not be suitable for a formal herding ball game for large dogs. However, for medium dogs it makes a perfect perfect size to be used as a herding ball.

The ball is made from pet-friendly hard plastic that is also durable and long-lasting. The brand also claims that these balls are made up to last for the lifetime of your dog without getting damaged.

These balls are also made in the USA to ensure their quality and safety.

Key Features:

• Size: 14 inch
• Material: Hard Plastic
• Color: Assorted(Orange, blue, red)

It is light in weight and also floats in water and hence in addition to using it as a herding ball, it can also be used to play in the swimming pool.

This ball is appropriate to be used by most dogs. However, since it is made up of hard plastic so it is vulnerable to mars in case your dog prefers playing and gripping the ball with its teeth.

The mars might create plastic shards that would not be comfortable for your pooch. In this case, you should get a herding ball which is made up of rubber.

7. Indestructible Tough Ball for Herding

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If you are looking for an indestructible ball for herding then this bowling ball from Dogify would be perfect for your pooch. Not only this bowl is made up of tough and durable material but it is also chew-proof and puncture-proof.

In spite of this ball being made like a real bowling ball, it is very much suitable for herding. This also makes a perfect toy for dogs who love to chase and herd as it provides them with a mental stimulation on their natural instincts.

Key Features:

• Size: 10 inch
• Material: Hard plastic
• Color: Blue, orange, red

The ball is made using non-toxic hard plastic and hence it is not only durable but also safe for your pet. Additionally, it is made in the USA so as to ensure its quality and safety.

Since it is made like a bowling ball hence it is easy to pick up using the finger and thumb holes provided on it and then it can be easily played like a fetch toy.

You can also add kibble and treats in these holes so as to increase the playtime of your pooch. However, these holes may also attract dust and dirt if played in a muddy place.

8. The Virtually Indestructible Ball Dog Toy

This dog ball toy from The Virtually Indestructible Ball would be a perfect herding toy for your fido. It is made up of hard and tear-proof polyethylene which is completely non-toxic.

This rigid and rugged construction makes the ball last for years even on rough and rumble backyard playtime sessions.

It provides hours of safe & interactive outdoor exercise & entertainment and hence keeps dogs healthy and happy. The ball has been made in the USA and has been tested by generations of rough-playing fidos and pet parents.

Key Features:

• Size: 6 inches and 10 inches
• Material: Plastic
• Color: Assorted (Orange, blue, red)

Never get worried about this toy getting dirty. It is made up of material that is completely washable and its shape and surface provide easy cleanup.

The ball is available in two different sizes, 6 inches and 10 inches. Hence you get the appropriate size of the ball for your small dog as well as a large dog.

However, it does not give you an option to choose between the color and it is shipped in assorted colors.

9. Horsemen’s Pride Mega Ball Horse Toy

Even though the Horsemen’s Pride Mega Ball Horse Toy is specially made for horses, however, because of its giant size and durability, it is very much suitable to be played as a herding ball.

This 25″ ball is available in red color and the blue and green color balls are available in 30 and 40 inches respectively.

It helps eliminate boredom and encourages your dog to play. This not only keeps your doggo happy and cheerful but also increases the bonding between you and your pet.

Moreover, it can also be used for enjoyment in informal games as well as for training purposes.

Key Features:

• Size: 25 inches
• Material: Vinyl material
• Color: Red, blue(30″), green(40″)

Because of its giant size, initially, the ball is sipped deflated. You don’t need to worry about how you would inflate it as the ball comes with a hand pump using which you can easily make it ready to use.

It is also available with an optional removable cover that makes it easy to clean as you can simply remove the cover and wash it manually or into the machine.

The giant ball with the smallest variant of 25 inches makes it unsuitable for small breed dogs or puppies. However, if you have a large dog then this makes a perfect herding ball for your fido.

10. Rural365 Anti-Burst Giant Ball Toy with Pump

The Rural365 Anti-Burst Giant Ball is also made for horses yet it is also suitable for dogs to be used as a herding ball. Similar to the Horsemen’s Pride Mega Ball Horse, Rural365 also provides the giant ball in two different sizes; 30 inches and 40 inches.

In addition to being used as a herding ball, it is also suitable to be used as a training ball, exercise ball, or simply as a playing toy in the backyard.

Because of its giant size, it is suitable to play outdoors on the lawn or yard and it might not be suitable indoors.

Key Features:

• Size: 30 inches
• Material: Rubber
• Color: Red, blue(40″)

The ball is shipped deflated due to its larger size. It can be easily inflated using the food pup provided along with it, which also makes it easy to use. The instruction manual has also been included in the inflation kit that makes your task easier.

The exterior side of this ball is textured for providing an easy grip. Additionally, its anti-burst rubber compound design can withstand high pressure and prevent the ball from puncturing or busting.

It is thicker than the yoga ball and normal exercise ball and hence will last longer.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Herding Ball?

The herding balls come in various shapes and are available in a wide variety of materials. So it is important to know about its odds and ends before purchasing one.

Hence here we have mentioned the important factors and the steps that you need to follow so as to get the best herding ball.

Size

The first and the most important thing that you need to consider before purchasing a herding ball is its size. As per the official rules of treibball, the size of the balls should be approximately between 45 to 75 cm (17.72″ to 29.53″).

In the case of informal games that your dog is playing in the backyard then this strict requirement of size is necessary as you can use the smaller size as well.

National Association of Treibball Enthusiasts mentions that the size of the herding ball should be at least the height of the dog at the withers and can exceed the dog’s head height.

For smaller dogs or puppies, a smaller size herding ball would be appropriate. For larger dogs as well you can use a herding ball which is of size smaller than 45 cm for informal games. However, for this, you have to make sure that it is not too small.

The ball should be large enough so that your pet can easily move using his paws. If the ball is too small as compared to their size then they might try to push or grip the bowl with teeth, which might also cause teeth to wear.

Similarly, if the size of the ball is larger than required for your small dog or puppy, then he might not be able to move it appropriately.

Material

The material of which the herding ball is made would not only affect the durability but also affects the safety of your pet. Make sure that it is made up of non-toxic materials and materials which are safe for pets.

The balls made up of natural rubber are the safest for dogs as well as the environment. However, these balls could be heavier in weight.

You can also choose the herding balls that are made up of pet-friendly plastic so that it is safe for your pooch. Additionally, if the ball is made up of plastic then see to it that ball is made up of BPA-free plastic.

Other Factors

There are some other factors as well that you might need to consider before purchasing a herding ball for your dog.

The color you can choose is based on your pet’s and your preference. The surface of the ball should be also smooth enough so that it is safe for your pet to play with.

What is A Herding Ball?

Herding ball game, also termed as Treibball, is a positive-reinforcement competitive dog sport which was originated in Germany in about 2003.

The herding ball game(Treibball) is thought to have started as a substitute sport for herding dogs who did not have access to sheep, yet provided them with an option of mental and physical stimulation. It entered the formal competitions in the year 2008.

These balls were also termed “rolling sheep” because the sport has its roots in herding dogs who do not have access to regular sheep. It stimulates the actions of what dogs would do to control the herds in the farm or grazing land.

The main goal of this game is that the dog must gather and drive large exercise balls into a soccer goal. In this game, eight balls are arranged similar to billiards in a triangle formation and kept at the farthest location from the goal.

The objective of the game is to get all the balls into a predefined space (similar to the soccer goal) within a set period of time, usually 15 minutes.

In the formal competition, the dog works in close cooperation with the handler who is only allowed to use a whistle and cannot use verbal or physical corrections.

The handler and dog team are scored based on the cooperation and direction within them, if the task is completed before fifteen-minute time then the team can earn extra points.

FAQs About Herding Ball

Is treibball the same as herding ball?

Treibball is a positive-reinforcement competitive dog sport which was originated in about 2003 in Germany. Whereas, the herding ball is used for this sport.

Other balls like exercise balls, giant tennis balls, etc, of appropriate size, can be also used in alternative to the herding ball for playing treibball.

What is the best herding ball for large dogs?

If you want to conduct a formal competition of treibball then the Horsemen’s Pride Mega Ball Horse Toy and Rural365 Anti-Burst Giant Ball Toy would be perfect for large breed dogs like Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, German Shephard, etc.

However, if you are going to use it for an informal game, then the 14″ size variant of Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy would be perfect for your pooch.

What is the best herding ball for small dogs?

For small breed herding dogs like Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Shetland Sheepdog, etc, the Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy would be of the perfect size.

Other miniature toy breeds can play with smaller size variants of Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy and The Company of Animals Boomer Balls.

How much do herding balls cost?

There are various sizes of herding balls available, which are also made from different materials. Hence depending upon the size and materials used, the price also differs. The herding balls are available between the price of $10 to $35.

What size are herding balls?

As per the formal game of treibball, the size of herding balls is approximately 45-75 cm (17.72″ to 29.53″). However, balls of smaller size can be also used for informal games that you want your pet to play in the backyard or lawn.

Here are the sizes mentioned by the American Treibball Association for herding balls:

• 21.5″ = 75 cm (Giant Breeds)
• 19.1″ = 65 cm (Large Breeds)
• 17.5″ = 55 cm (Medium Breeds)
• 15.5″ = 45 cm (Small Breeds)
• 13″ and under = 35 cm (Toy Breeds)

The Final Note

We hope you found the perfect herding ball for your dog. Make sure that before choosing any herding ball you check its size and compare it with your dog.

For the formal game, the size of the ball has to be at least the height of your dog. However, this does not apply in the case of informal games.

Additionally, if you are purchasing the herding ball to be used as a normal dog toy then also consider the material preference of your pooch.

Go for a rubber ball if he likes soft material, however, if he is an aggressive chewer who doesn’t spare the soft toys then go for something which is made up of hard plastic.