Every year, pet parents get excited when seasonal dog toys start rolling out, but every so often, one drops that feels a little more special than the usual holiday plush. With Lunar New Year around the corner, Petco shoppers are already buzzing about a festive new dog toy that blends cultural celebration with good old-fashioned playtime.
What’s driving the excitement isn’t just the bright colors or limited-time appeal. Dog parents are increasingly drawn to toys that double as enrichment; something soft enough for cuddling, engaging enough for play, and visually fun enough to feel like a moment. Seasonal toys, especially those tied to cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, tend to stand out because they feel intentional rather than gimmicky. And for dogs, that usually translates to a toy that actually gets used instead of tossed aside.
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Leaps & Bounds Lunar New Year 2026 Horse Plush Dog Toy, $12 at Petco
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Petco’s newest Lunar New Year release celebrates the Year of the Horse with a plush dog toy designed to bring energy, movement, and fun into your pup’s daily routine. The Leaps & Bounds Lunar New Year 2026 Horse Plush Dog Toy features a bold red-and-gold design inspired by traditional Lunar New Year imagery, making it instantly eye-catching both in-store and at home.
Beyond the festive look, this plush toy is built for play. It includes a soft, cuddly exterior, an internal squeaker, and crinkle material to keep dogs engaged longer. The combination makes it appealing to a wide range of dogs, whether yours prefers gentle carrying, enthusiastic squeaking, or playful pouncing. At 16.5 inches long, it’s especially well-suited for medium to large dogs who love plush toys they can really grab onto.
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Pet parents also appreciate that this toy is part of Petco’s seasonal collection, meaning it feels like a fun, limited-time treat rather than another generic plush. Many shoppers gravitate toward these kinds of toys around holidays because they add novelty to a dog’s environment. And that’s something that can spark renewed interest and excitement during playtime.
Seasonal plush toys have been gaining traction lately, especially ones tied to celebrations beyond the usual winter holidays. We’ve seen similar enthusiasm around themed releases, such as the playful finds in this TJ Maxx patchwork pet toy set, and branded holiday collections like Dunkin’s Bark holiday toys, where novelty and design play just as significant a role as function.
At just $12, this Lunar New Year plush offers an easy way to refresh your dog’s toy rotation without overspending. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday yourself or want a festive, engaging toy your dog will love year-round, this one checks both boxes.
For dogs who thrive on new textures, sounds, and interactive play, sometimes all it takes is the right toy with little extra flair to arrive.
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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Dec 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Shopping section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.