The scent hit me first, that unmistakable tennis ball aroma, even through the unopened Amazon box. My assistant, bless her heart (and her lack of nose), just smiled. This wasn’t her world, not yet. This was about to be my world, or rather, the world of my working dogs, and the potential for a decent game of fetch. We’re talking about the Chuckit! Ultra Ball – a staple, a rite of passage, a… well, a ball.

I spend more time assessing dog toys than most people spend picking out shoes. Durability is paramount. We need equipment that can handle the sheer, unrelenting joy of a well-bred Border Collie, not to mention a couple of enthusiastic Labradors. The 2.28-inch size is a winner for most breeds. Larger balls can become choking hazards, especially for pups.

The construction, thankfully, is robust. High-rebound rubber. No seams to peel away and become a choking hazard. Simple, effective. The weight feels right in the hand, contributing to good flight distance from a launcher. A decent distance, combined with the bright orange, means easier location for both me and the dogs, even in fading light or overgrown fields. Forget the dull, short-lived tennis balls of yesteryear.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: aggressive chewers. Some dogs, bless their hearts, can destroy steel. While these aren’t indestructible, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball holds up admirably. You’ll see teeth marks. Maybe some minor surface wear. But the core structure remains intact, which, frankly, is more than you can say for most competitors – I’m looking at you, Kong. They aren’t bad, but the Ultra Ball has a certain…bounce to it that is unmatched.

My only real gripe? The surface, while tough, can collect mud and debris. A quick rinse under a tap usually does the trick, but it is an extra step. Fine. Deal with it. Every product has compromises. I can live with it.

So, who is this ball for? If you’ve got a medium to large breed with a penchant for fetch, and you’re tired of replacing chewed-up tennis balls weekly, this is a no-brainer. Invest in the eight-pack. Trust me. You’ll thank me later. Go get ‘em!