A detailed look at the ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Hedgehog Den, an interactive hide-and-seek plush toy that gives dogs three squeaky hedgehogs to discover, pull out, and play with.
Quick Verdict
“`
What makes the Hedgehog Den different?
The ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Animals Hedgehog Den is more than a conventional plush squeaky toy. It combines a larger plush “den” with three smaller squeaky hedgehogs, creating a simple hide-and-seek game that the dog can repeat over and over.
Instead of simply giving the dog a toy to carry or chew, the owner places the three hedgehogs inside the den. The dog then investigates the openings and works on pulling the individual toys out. ZippyPaws describes its Burrow toys as interactive hide-and-seek toys designed to keep dogs busy and promote mental stimulation.
Who is it best suited for?
The Hedgehog Den is particularly interesting for small and medium dogs that enjoy squeaky toys, searching, pawing, digging, pulling, and manipulating small plush objects. The three hedgehogs can also be used separately after they have been removed from the den.
The biggest limitation
This is still a plush toy, not a heavy-duty chew product. The Hedgehog Den and its Miniz are not intended to withstand unlimited chewing. The small hedgehogs also need supervision because they are removable plush components.
What Is the ZippyPaws Burrow Hedgehog Den?
A hide-and-seek plush puzzle
The ZippyPaws Hedgehog Den belongs to the company’s Zippy Burrow family of interactive plush toys. The basic idea is straightforward: a larger plush structure contains several smaller plush toys, and the dog has to figure out how to get those smaller toys out.
The Hedgehog Den uses three small hedgehog Miniz as the hidden toys. Each Miniz contains stuffing and a round squeaker. ZippyPaws currently lists the Hedgehog Miniz as small toys intended for use inside Zippy Burrow products, while also noting that they can be used as standalone toys for small dogs.
This makes the product fundamentally different from a normal squeaky plush animal. The dog does not immediately have access to all three toys. They are initially hidden inside the den, which creates an additional problem-solving step.
Three hedgehogs create a repeatable game
Once the dog successfully removes one hedgehog, there are still two more to find. After all three are out, the owner can simply put them back inside and start another round.
That repeatable design is one of the main reasons Burrow toys can provide more engagement than an ordinary plush toy. The dog is not simply playing with the object; it is interacting with a small challenge.
ZippyPaws describes the broader Burrow concept as a way to keep dogs busy and engaged through hide-and-seek play, with the goal of helping prevent boredom and promote mental stimulation.
Where it fits in a dog’s toy collection
The Hedgehog Den sits between several common toy categories. It is a plush toy, a squeaky toy, and an interactive puzzle-style toy at the same time.
Its strongest characteristic, however, is the interactive component. If your dog already owns many squeaky plush animals but tends to lose interest quickly, the hide-and-seek mechanism gives the toy another reason to be interesting.
Features and Design of the Hedgehog Den
Three squeaky Hedgehog Miniz
The most important part of the set is the trio of removable hedgehogs. ZippyPaws identifies the Hedgehog Miniz as 3-inch-class small plush toys with one round squeaker in each toy. The current official listing gives dimensions of approximately 3.00 × 2.50 × 4.00 inches for the individual Hedgehog Miniz.
Each hedgehog has its own squeak, so the dog gets an audible response when interacting with the individual toy. That sound can make the search process more rewarding for dogs that are naturally attracted to squeaky toys.
After being pulled out of the den, the hedgehogs can also be tossed, carried, shaken, or squeaked independently. This effectively gives the dog multiple small toys rather than one single plush object.
The plush Hedgehog Den
The outer den provides the hiding space for the three Miniz. It is plush and stuffed, unlike stuffing-free products such as the ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz.
This difference is important when comparing the two ZippyPaws products. Skinny Peltz is designed around a long, floppy, stuffing-free body, while the Hedgehog Den is designed around a structured plush container that holds other toys.
The den therefore serves a functional purpose: it creates the hiding environment that makes the puzzle possible.
Small and medium dog positioning
ZippyPaws currently lists the Hedgehog Miniz for Small and Medium dogs. The discontinued Hedgehog Den listing from Chewy likewise described the complete Hedgehog Den as suitable for small and medium-sized dogs.
This makes sense given the dimensions of the individual hedgehogs. The Miniz are intentionally small, allowing them to fit inside the den and making them easy for appropriately sized dogs to pick up.
For a large dog with a strong tendency to swallow or destroy small toys, however, the small removable components require particular caution.
How Does the ZippyPaws Hedgehog Den Provide Mental Stimulation?
The dog has to search before it can play
The main source of mental stimulation comes from the fact that the dog has to find and retrieve the hedgehogs.
With an ordinary squeaky toy, the reward is immediate. The dog sees the toy, picks it up, and hears the squeak. With the Hedgehog Den, the dog first has to understand that something is inside the larger object.
This can encourage behaviors such as:
- Sniffing around the den
- Investigating the openings
- Pawing at the plush structure
- Searching for exposed parts of the hedgehogs
- Grabbing and pulling
- Removing one Miniz at a time
- Repeating the process to find the remaining toys
The result is a simple form of enrichment that does not require treats or food.
Useful for dogs that naturally like to investigate
Some dogs seem to enjoy searching games naturally. They may dig through blankets, investigate bags, look underneath furniture, or become excited when a toy is hidden.
For these dogs, the Hedgehog Den turns that natural curiosity into a controlled indoor activity.
Instead of allowing the dog to search through places where it should not be digging, the owner can offer a designated object that provides a similar type of challenge.
It can be easier than a food puzzle
Food-based puzzle toys can be useful, but they are not appropriate for every situation. Some owners may not want to add treats between meals, while others may simply want a different type of enrichment.
The Hedgehog Den provides an alternative because the reward is the discovery of a squeaky toy rather than food.
This also makes it easy to repeat the game multiple times without having to continually refill a treat compartment.
How Durable Is the ZippyPaws Hedgehog Den?
It is not designed as a heavy-duty chew toy
The Hedgehog Den should be approached as an interactive plush toy, not as a chew-resistant product.
Chewy’s listing for the Hedgehog Den specifically stated that the product was not recommended for aggressive chewers.
That distinction matters because the puzzle format may encourage a dog to pull, paw, bite, and manipulate the den. Those behaviors are normal parts of the intended game, but they can also put stress on plush seams.
The three hedgehogs are also small enough that some dogs may decide to chew them rather than simply carry them.
Real-world durability depends heavily on the dog
Customer feedback on the Hedgehog Miniz illustrates how different dogs can interact with the same product.
One current verified customer review on ZippyPaws describes a small dog that repeatedly squeaks, carries, hides, and retrieves the hedgehogs, with the owner replacing older ones after they became dirty and crusty. Another review describes a Husky puppy destroying the small hedgehogs very quickly.
These experiences demonstrate why it is difficult to assign a universal lifespan to a plush toy. A dog that gently carries the hedgehog can have a very different experience from a dog that immediately targets the fabric and squeaker.
The best approach is supervised interactive play
The Hedgehog Den makes the most sense as a toy that comes out for a play session rather than something every dog should have available for unrestricted chewing.
Let the dog search for the hedgehogs, allow some individual play with the Miniz, then inspect the pieces afterward. If the dog begins tearing apart the den or one of the hedgehogs, the toy should be removed.
ZippyPaws itself advises owners to choose appropriately sized Miniz and supervise dogs during play.
Who Is the ZippyPaws Hedgehog Den Best For?
Small dogs that love squeaky toys
The Hedgehog Den is naturally suited to smaller dogs because the removable Miniz are designed around smaller mouths. ZippyPaws lists the Hedgehog Miniz for small and medium dogs.
A small dog can potentially enjoy several different activities from the same set: searching for the hedgehogs, pulling them out, carrying them around, and playing with each one individually.
This makes the product particularly appealing if your dog likes having several small toys available rather than one large plush animal.
Dogs that enjoy hide-and-seek
The strongest match is a dog that naturally enjoys searching.
If your dog gets excited when you hide a toy under a blanket or behind furniture, the Burrow format can turn that behavior into a repeatable game.
The important point is that the owner can control the difficulty. At first, you can leave part of a hedgehog visible. Once the dog understands the game, you can place the Miniz farther inside the den.
Dogs that enjoy carrying and retrieving small toys
The Hedgehog Miniz are not permanently attached to the den. Once removed, they become independent toys.
This gives dogs that enjoy carrying small plush toys another reason to engage with the product. The dog can finish the search and then continue playing with the individual hedgehogs.
However, owners should remember that the small Miniz are not intended to be unrestricted chew toys.
Pros and Cons of ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Animals
Pros
- Interactive hide-and-seek design: The dog has to search for the hedgehogs rather than simply receiving an exposed squeaky toy.
- Three removable toys: The set includes three Hedgehog Miniz.
- Multiple squeakers: Each hedgehog contains its own round squeaker.
- Repeatable activity: The owner can put the hedgehogs back into the den for another round.
- Mental stimulation: The Burrow concept is designed around searching and retrieving rather than simple chewing.
- No treats required: The puzzle can be used without food.
- Individual play after solving: Dogs can continue playing with the hedgehogs once they are removed.
- Replacement Miniz available: ZippyPaws currently sells Hedgehog Miniz 3-packs as replacements for Zippy Burrow toys.
Cons
- Not for aggressive chewers: The plush construction can be damaged by determined dogs.
- Small removable components: The hedgehogs require supervision with dogs that destroy or swallow small toys.
- Plush can become dirty: The individual hedgehogs may need regular cleaning or eventual replacement.
- Simple puzzle mechanism: Dogs that quickly understand the concept may retrieve all three hedgehogs very quickly.
- Requires resetting: The owner needs to put the hedgehogs back into the den to restart the game.
Where the product makes the most sense
The Hedgehog Den is most compelling when you view it as a short interactive enrichment session rather than a chew toy.
Its value comes from the combination of searching, pulling, squeaking, retrieving, and resetting. For the right dog, those multiple steps can make the product much more engaging than a conventional plush animal.
ZippyPaws Hedgehog Den vs. Other Dog Toys
Hedgehog Den vs. ZippyPaws Burrow Log
Both products use the same fundamental Zippy Burrow concept: a larger plush object hides three smaller squeaky Miniz.
The key difference is the theme and physical design. The Hedgehog Den is built specifically around three small hedgehogs and is positioned toward smaller dogs, while the Burrow Log uses chipmunks and a longer log-shaped outer toy.
For a dog that likes smaller plush animals and has a play style suited to the Hedgehog Miniz, the Hedgehog Den can be a more compact option.
Hedgehog Den vs. a regular squeaky plush toy
A standard squeaky toy has no puzzle layer. The dog simply picks it up and plays.
The Hedgehog Den adds a search-and-retrieve stage. The dog has to access the smaller toys before it can fully interact with them.
This makes the Hedgehog Den more appropriate when you are specifically looking for interactive enrichment rather than just another squeaky plush.
Hedgehog Den vs. a treat puzzle
The main difference is the reward mechanism.
Treat puzzles use food. The Hedgehog Den uses squeaky toys. This means the Burrow can be used as a puzzle-style activity without changing the dog’s feeding schedule or adding treats.
On the other hand, a food puzzle can offer adjustable difficulty through different mechanisms and food-placement strategies. The Hedgehog Den is deliberately simpler: find the hidden animals.
How to Use, Clean, and Maintain the Hedgehog Den
Start with an easy version of the game
If your dog has never used a Burrow toy before, start by making the hedgehogs easy to discover.
Place the three Miniz inside the den while leaving part of one visible. Allow the dog to investigate and pull it out. Once the dog understands that interesting toys are hidden inside, you can gradually place them farther into the den.
This prevents the first interaction from becoming frustrating and helps the dog learn the basic rules of the game.
Supervise the small Miniz
ZippyPaws specifically notes that Miniz are small plush toys and recommends appropriate sizing and supervision.
This is especially important if your dog has a history of chewing through plush toys. A damaged hedgehog should be removed rather than allowing the dog to continue playing with loose fabric or components.
The same principle applies to the outer den. Inspect seams and openings regularly and discontinue use if the toy becomes significantly damaged.
Cleaning and replacement
The discontinued Chewy listing for the Hedgehog Den stated that the toy could be machine washed on a gentle cycle and air dried.
Because product care instructions can change between versions, it is best to follow the care information associated with the exact item you purchase.
One practical advantage of the Zippy Burrow system is that ZippyPaws currently sells Miniz 3-pack Hedgehogs specifically as replacements. The current official listing identifies them as replacement toys for a dog’s favorite Zippy Burrow and lists a trio of Hedgehog Miniz.
Final Verdict: Is ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Animals Worth It?
The interactive design is the real selling point
The ZippyPaws Burrow Hedgehog Den is more interesting than a standard squeaky plush because it gives the dog a reason to investigate the toy before play can fully begin.
Three small hedgehogs are hidden inside the den, and each one contains a squeaker. The dog has to search, paw, grab, and pull to retrieve them. Once the hedgehogs are out, they can become individual toys for carrying, tossing, and squeaking.
That combination gives the product several layers of interaction without relying on food.
The right expectations are important
This is not an indestructible toy and should not be marketed as one. The Hedgehog Den is made from plush materials, and the individual Miniz are small stuffed squeaky toys.
Dogs that enjoy gentle searching and carrying may get considerably more use from the set than dogs that immediately attack seams or attempt to destroy squeakers. ZippyPaws’ own safety guidance recommends supervision, and the available product information specifically positions the Hedgehog Den away from aggressive-chewer use.
Our overall take
If you have a small or medium dog that loves squeaky plush toys and enjoys searching for hidden objects, the ZippyPaws Hedgehog Den is an appealing interactive option.
Its biggest advantage is not simply that it contains three cute hedgehogs. It is the activity created by hiding those hedgehogs inside the den. That gives the dog a simple problem to solve and allows the owner to reset the toy for another session.
The current availability of replacement Hedgehog Miniz is also useful because the individual pieces are likely to receive the most wear and may eventually become dirty, lost, or damaged.
For heavy chewers, however, a dedicated durable chew toy is a better category. For dogs that enjoy searching, squeaking, carrying, and interactive play, the Hedgehog Den offers a more engaging alternative to a conventional plush toy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Animals toy?
The product is the ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Hedgehog Den, an interactive plush hide-and-seek toy that contains three small squeaky Hedgehog Miniz.
How many hedgehogs come with the Hedgehog Den?
The set is designed around three Hedgehog Miniz. ZippyPaws’ current Hedgehog Miniz listing also sells a three-pack as replacement toys for Zippy Burrow products.
Do the ZippyPaws hedgehogs squeak?
Yes. Each Hedgehog Miniz contains one round squeaker.
What size dogs is the Hedgehog Den for?
ZippyPaws currently lists the Hedgehog Miniz for small and medium dogs, while the available Hedgehog Den product information similarly positions the toy toward small and medium-sized dogs.
Is the Hedgehog Den a puzzle toy?
It is best described as an interactive hide-and-seek puzzle toy. The dog has to find and remove the hidden hedgehogs before playing with them individually.
Does the Hedgehog Den help with boredom?
ZippyPaws describes its Burrow products as interactive hide-and-seek toys intended to keep dogs busy and engaged while promoting mental stimulation and helping prevent boredom.
Is the ZippyPaws Hedgehog Den good for aggressive chewers?
No. Available product information specifically says the Hedgehog Den is not recommended for aggressive or extra-tough chewers.
Can the Hedgehog Miniz be replaced?
Yes. ZippyPaws currently sells a Miniz 3-Pack Hedgehogs specifically as replacement toys for Zippy Burrow products.
Can the hedgehogs be used without the den?
Yes. ZippyPaws describes the Hedgehog Miniz as replacement pieces for Burrow toys and also as small standalone toys.
Are the Hedgehog Miniz stuffed?
Yes. The current ZippyPaws listing identifies them as stuffed plush toys and states that the company’s stuffing is made from 100% recycled materials.
How is the Hedgehog Den different from a normal plush toy?
A normal plush toy is immediately available for play. The Hedgehog Den hides three smaller squeaky toys inside the den, creating an additional searching and retrieving activity before the dog gets to play with the individual hedgehogs.
Related Dog Toy Guides
Choose toys based on your dog’s play style
If you’re building a balanced toy collection, these guides can help you decide which types of toys fit your dog’s size, behavior, and activity level:
- How to Choose the Right Dog Toy
- How to Choose Safer Dog Toys
- How to Choose the Right Dog Toy Size
- How to Introduce a New Toy to Your Dog
- How to Keep Dogs Mentally Stimulated With Toys
Explore related categories
The Hedgehog Den fits particularly well into interactive, puzzle, plush, and squeaky toy categories. You can explore related sections of DogToyChoice to find other options for different types of play.
Ready to Try the ZippyPaws Hedgehog Den?
If your dog enjoys squeaky toys, searching, digging, and pulling hidden objects out of small spaces, the Hedgehog Den offers a simple interactive game that goes beyond ordinary plush play.