The Kong Extreme toy line has long been a staple for dog owners seeking durable and engaging options for their canine companions. Born from a serendipitous discovery in the 1970s when founder Joe Markham noticed his dog Fitz’s unusual fondness for a car suspension part, Kong toys have evolved into a diverse range designed to withstand even the most enthusiastic chewers. This review focuses on the Extreme Kong range, specifically tested by the rescue dogs at Benafim Shelter, to determine if they live up to their reputation for toughness and amusement.
The Toughest Critics: Benafim Shelter Dogs
With a majority of rescue dogs at Benafim being medium to large in size, the need for toys that are not only strong but also capable of enduring extended play and chewing is paramount. The Extreme range, crafted from the “most durable strength of rubber,” is specifically engineered for “the toughest of chewers.” This review evaluated seven toys from this line: the Kong Extreme Ring, Kong Extreme Ball With Rope, Kong Extreme Dental, Kong Extreme Goodie Ribbon, Kong Extreme Flyer, Kong Extreme Dog Toy, and Kong Extreme Tyre.
The testing involved dogs engaging in hours of chewing, games of fetch, and general play. For many of the rescue dogs, these toys represented their first introduction to the concept of play, offering heartwarming moments of discovery and joy. Witnessing their initial hesitation transform into enthusiastic engagement was a highlight for the shelter staff.
Individual Toy Reviews
Kong Extreme Ring
Designed for prolonged chewing sessions and promoting healthy teeth and gums, the Kong Extreme Ring was a hit with Jambo and Star, two avid chewers at the shelter. By adding a smear of peanut butter, the dogs were quickly engrossed, chewing contently for hours. They even engaged in gentle tug-of-war with the ring. The XL size, suitable for dogs weighing 27-41 kg, is made from natural extreme rubber and measures 5.25 inches. It’s described as durable, strong, lightweight, and easy to clean.
Kong Extreme Ball With Rope
This toy is intended for interactive play like fetch and tug, with the 100% cotton rope designed to reward appropriate chewing. Tom and Alex, energetic rescue dogs, particularly enjoyed this toy. Tom was captivated by the bouncing ball and the interactive potential. Alex, who previously struggled with fetch, showed remarkable improvement, proudly retrieving the ball. However, Tom’s rigorous chewing eventually led to the rope’s demise after a few hours, highlighting that while excellent for interactive play, the rope may not withstand prolonged, unsupervised chewing for the most aggressive chewers. The ball itself measures 3 inches and is made from extreme rubber, designed for dogs between 13-30 kg.
Kong Extreme Dental
The Kong Extreme Dental Toy aims to entertain dogs through chewing while cleaning their teeth and gums, thanks to its unique grooves that can be stuffed with treats. KaiKai and Chica were the primary testers. KaiKai spent hours diligently chewing, while Chica, initially cautious, became fully engaged once she discovered the hidden treats. Despite Chica being smaller than the toy’s intended weight range (13-30 kg), she thoroughly enjoyed it. The toy, measuring 5.25 x 2.75 inches, is made from extreme rubber and features a design that allows for a good grip, proving durable against strong chewers.
Kong Extreme Goodie Ribbon
This toy features four stuffable “Kong compartments” with internal ridges to keep treats challenging to retrieve, designed to entertain dogs for hours. It passed a rigorous test with Nero and Black Nero, known for their destructive chewing habits, remaining intact. Kyra enjoyed licking peanut butter from the compartments, while the Neros were given dog treats. The ribbon’s design, being strong and large enough to grip between the paws, was a significant positive. Black Nero, who can typically destroy large sticks in moments, showed immense enthusiasm for the Goodie Ribbon, which remained in one piece. Available in S, M, and L, it’s designed for dogs from 13-30 kg.
Kong Extreme Flyer
The Extreme Flyer proved to be a favorite for the human testers as well, owing to its lightweight design making it easy to throw. Alex, the tester, showed great enthusiasm for retrieving the soft, durable rubber flyer. Its dynamic rebound feature means the toy bounces if not caught mid-air, keeping the game engaging. The softness of the material eliminates the risk of injury during play. Alex played with the flyer for 45 minutes continuously. Gau Gau also enjoyed chasing it, though he was occasionally distracted by smells. The flyer is large-sized and made from durable rubber.
Kong Extreme Dog Toy
An even tougher version of the classic Kong, this toy was tested by Komo, Nero, and Jean. After an initial moment of curiosity, the dogs settled into relaxed chewing, particularly enjoying the random bounce feature that adds an element of unpredictability to fetch. Nero, an experienced toy destroyer, showed no signs of damage to the toy after his testing. Jean even attempted to bury it, a sign of his affection for the toy. Available in sizes S through XXL, the XXL measures 6 x 4 inches and is designed for dogs over 38 kg.
Kong Extreme Tyre
The Extreme Tyre is designed to offer the ultimate chewing experience with its unique sidewalls and thick outer tread. Pebbles, an experienced chewer, was so engrossed with peanut butter stuffed inside that she temporarily ignored human interaction. Teddy, a newly rescued and traumatized dog, showed increased confidence while playing with the tyre. The toy’s bounce makes it a good alternative to a standard ball for fetch. Available in S and M sizes, it’s made from extremely durable rubber and designed for dogs weighing 13-30 kg.
Conclusion: A Resounding “Pawsitive” Verdict
The Benafim shelter dogs overwhelmingly approved of the seven Kong Extreme toys tested. Each toy performed as advertised, providing hours of entertainment and stimulation, which is crucial for shelter dogs awaiting their forever homes. The durability of the Extreme range means less frustration for owners and more sustained enjoyment for the dogs. From aggressive chewers to playful retrievers, the Kong Extreme line offers a robust and engaging solution for a variety of canine personalities.
