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Which Ball Size for Which Dog? ETPU Balls vs Tennis Balls
Short answer
The automatic ball launcher uses balls of 5.5 cm diameter. The included ETPU balls weigh 30 grams and are suitable for dogs from medium size (10 kg+). For smaller dogs, 5.5 cm is at the edge of comfortable for fetching back. Weight — not size — determines throwing distance: lighter balls travel twice as far.
- ✓Size: 5.5 cm diameter (standard tennis ball size)
- ✓ETPU ball: ~30 g, shoots up to 24 m on setting 3
- ✓Tennis ball: ~57 g, shoots up to 12 m on setting 3
- ✓Replace: as soon as the ball becomes smaller than 5 cm
In this article
➤ Which size fits in the ball launcher?
➤ Weight: why it matters
➤ Small dogs and the ball launcher
➤ Large dogs and heavy chewers
➤ By breed: which size and type?
➤ Frequently asked questions
Which balls do you use in the automatic ball launcher? The answer depends on two things: which size fits in the funnel and which weight gives the best throwing distance for your dog. Dogs vary enormously in size, chewing strength and fetching behaviour. This article helps you make the right choice.
Which ball size for which dog: this size fits in the ball launcher
Which ball size for which dog? That starts with the size: the funnel opening of the ball launcher is designed for balls of 5.5 cm diameter. This is the standard tennis ball size. The included ETPU balls are also 5.5 cm.
Balls too small (<5 cm): fit too loosely in the funnel. The sensor may not detect them reliably. Furthermore, a too-small ball increases the choking risk if your dog takes it in its mouth.
Balls too large (>6 cm): do not fit in the funnel opening or block the launch mechanism. Never force a too-large ball — this damages the funnel opening.
Balls from other brands. Soft balls from other brands in 5.5 cm diameter technically fit in the funnel. However, weight and bounce properties may differ, making sensor detection less reliable. Always test first on the shortest throw setting. The included ETPU balls are optimised in weight and bounce performance for this specific device.
Weight: why it matters for throwing distance
Same launch process, twice as far: that is the effect of the weight difference between ETPU balls (30 g) and tennis balls (57 g). The ball launcher shoots with a fixed force per throw setting. A lighter ball accelerates more and travels further.
| Ball type | Weight | Setting 1 | Setting 2 | Setting 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennis ball | ~57 g | 6 metres | 9 metres | 12 metres |
| ETPU ball (Prime AnimalZ) | ~30 g | 12 metres | 18 metres | 24 metres |
For the dog this makes a tangible difference: more throwing distance = more sprint per throw = more exercise per session. Read the full comparison: ETPU balls vs tennis balls: what is the difference?
Small dogs and the automatic ball launcher
For dogs under 5 kg, 5.5 cm is the upper limit of comfortable for picking up and returning. Small breeds like the chihuahua or the maltipoo may have difficulty taking the ball in their mouth. For them the shortest throw setting (6 metres tennis ball / 12 metres ETPU) is the safest choice.
Small dogs with an active fetching instinct — jack russells, miniature schnauzers, welsh corgis — do excellently with the ball launcher. The weight of the ETPU ball (30 g) is light enough for small breeds to carry. The size is at the limit but works for most dogs over 5 kg.
Note for dogs under 5 kg. Test the ball first separately — without the ball launcher. Let your dog pick up the ETPU ball and check whether it takes it comfortably in its mouth and lets go. If the ball is too large for the mouth, the ball launcher is not suitable for this breed in this size.
Large dogs and heavy chewers
For large dogs (labrador, golden retriever, German shepherd, husky), 5.5 cm is a small ball. They pick it up easily and return it — the funnel opening works perfectly. The advantage of the longer throwing distance (24 m on setting 3) is most noticeable for larger breeds: they need more space for a real sprint.
The point of attention for large dogs is chewing behaviour. If your dog chews extensively on the ball after fetching, the ETPU ball wears faster. With heavy chewers expect 2 to 4 weeks per ball. A set of 12 gives you half a year's supply with normal use.
| Dog type | Recommended setting | Ball lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Small breed (<10 kg), light chewer | Setting 1–2 | 6–12 weeks |
| Medium breed (10–25 kg), average | Setting 1–3 | 4–8 weeks |
| Large breed (>25 kg), light chewer | Setting 2–3 | 6–10 weeks |
| Large breed (>25 kg), heavy chewer | Setting 2–3 | 2–4 weeks |
By breed: which size and type?
Labrador retriever, golden retriever, flatcoated retriever: ideal fetching dogs. Use ETPU balls on setting 2 or 3. Heavy chewers — keep a stock of 12.
Border collie, Australian shepherd: energetic, mentally driven. ETPU balls on setting 2–3. Varying setting (random mode) keeps them extra sharp.
Jack russell, beagle, cocker spaniel: small but active fetcher. Setting 1–2. ETPU balls work well; check first if weight under 6 kg that the ball fits comfortably.
French bulldog, pug: short snout. Fetching balls work technically — but brachycephalic breeds can get breathing problems with intensive chewing use. Keep sessions short (max 10 minutes) and use the shortest setting.
Order ETPU refill balls
Refill
ETPU balls 6 pieces
5.5 cm · ~30 g · Tooth-friendly · Water-resistant
View product
Value pack
ETPU balls 12 pieces
5.5 cm · ~30 g · Tooth-friendly · Water-resistant
View product
Frequently asked questions
Which ball size fits in the automatic ball launcher?
The ball launcher is designed for balls of 5.5 cm diameter. Balls smaller than 5 cm are a choking hazard and are not detected reliably. Balls larger than 6 cm do not fit in the funnel opening. The included ETPU balls are 5.5 cm and work optimally.
Are ETPU balls suitable for small dogs?
For dogs over 5 kg ETPU balls in 5.5 cm diameter are suitable. For dogs under 5 kg the size is at the limit. Test the ball first: let your dog pick it up and check whether it takes it comfortably in its mouth. If that does not work, the ball launcher is not suitable for this breed.
Can I also use balls from other brands?
Technically yes, if the size is 5.5 cm and the material is soft enough to activate the sensor. Balls from other brands may differ in weight and bounce properties, causing throwing distance and sensor reliability to vary. Always test on the shortest throw setting.
When should I replace an ETPU ball?
Replace the ball when it (1) visibly tears or flakes, (2) becomes smaller than 5 cm through wear, or (3) is so deformed that the sensor no longer detects it in the funnel. Minor surface wear is normal and not a reason for replacement.
How many ETPU balls do I need for my dog?
For daily use at least 5 balls are recommended so there are always several ready while the dog fetches one. With a heavy chewer you go through 2 balls per month. A set of 12 gives you half a year's supply with average use.
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