Huxley & Kent Unveils 2026 Interactive Toy Line for High‑Energy Dogs

Huxley & Kent unveiled a 2026 dog toy collection that leans into interactive, multi-sensory play for high-energy dogs, previewing the line at Global Pet Expo and scheduling shipments to begin in March 2026. The collection was shown at Booth 4409 and is positioned to simplify merchandising while offering varied play options for dogs of different sizes and styles.

The Knoxville, TN company, founded in 2012 and identified as women-owned, introduced two new series and refreshed versions of three existing lines. Michael Dagne, President of Huxley & Kent, said, “Our goal for 2026 was to focus on what we do best—fun, function, and personality—while giving retailers products that are easy to merchandise and customers instantly connect with.” The company also noted its Huxley & Kent Rescue Fund has supported over 150 pet charities and causes across the U.S. since 2015.

The new lines are Lankies and Pudgies, joined by refreshed Tiny Tuff, Fetchies, and Squeak ’n Peek designs. The Lankies line is described in the release as: “Built for dogs who love tossing and shaking, Lankies feature long, floppy legs, mixed textures, and multi-sensory elements like rope legs, squeaky feet, and bottle squeakers to keep pups engaged.” Pudgies are pitched as softer companions: “Pudgies are soft, plush buddies featuring a fun grunting sound and pillow-like shape, making them perfect for both playtime and downtime.” The release highlights oversized shake toys, new sounds and textures, and mixed materials designed to hold attention during active play.

Retailers will find the assortment priced between $7.99 and $19.99, with wholesale prebook orders being accepted until March 20, 2026. The release notes that orders are estimated to begin shipping in March. Wholesale buyers are directed to the press-release contact string (/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#47283523223534072f323f2b223e2629232c2229336924282a) for prebook orders; general inquiries can be made through Huxley & Kent customer service Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST at (888) 489-5368 or support@huxleyandkent.com.

Industry voices included with the announcement frame the launch within a wider move toward enrichment-driven play systems. Bob Flynn and Julie Krauss of HuggleHounds said, “The most important trend is the shift from single-purpose toys to enrichment-driven play systems. Pet parents are seeking toys that do more than squeak; they want products that engage dogs mentally, slow them down, and offer purposeful play. This includes foraging, sniffing, problem-solving, and toys that can be used in multiple ways over time. Leaders who succeed in 2026 will be those who design toys with intention, not just novelty, and clearly communicate how and why the toy benefits the dog.” Marvin of Jolly Pets added, “Relevance in 2026 will be defined by clarity of purpose. Pet parents want to understand what a toy does for their dog, not simply what it is made of. Companies that clearly communicate the benefit, the desired outcome, and the problem being solved will earn trust faster and convert at a higher rate.”

For retailers and active-dog owners, the collection promises tangible merchandising ease and play-forward design. Character names visible on Huxley & Kent site snippets include Funfetti Cake, Kookie Korn, Star Pop, Pride Donut, Witch Hat, and Dracula Bone, and the new catalog aims to pair playful characters with task-focused features. Retail buyers who want to secure stock should prebook by March 20, 2026; consumers can expect the interactive, multi-sensory pieces to start shipping in March, with more specific SKU and street-date details to follow as inventory rolls out.