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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Mini Robot Pets
Thinking of getting a robot dog as a gift for the holidays? There’s no shortage of them as robot dog toys now come in all shapes and sizes. Whether your young loved one wants a spotted robot dog that does cute tricks or a life-sized robot dog toy with realistic features, they’ll have fun playing with these furry friends. We even have a guide to the best robot dogs right here.
But a robot dog toy isn’t the only toy robot that can keep kids entertained. If you’ve already got a real dog or are looking for a different robot pet, there are plenty of options to choose from. Popular brands like Joy For All and FurReal Friends also carry robot cats, and Amazon has no shortage of pet robot toys from birds to fish that will entertain kids and aging adults alike.
For this guide, we’ll be showing you the best pocket-sized pet robot toys in the market. They’re perfect for kids who want to bring their pet robot toys with them wherever they go.
Which is the Top Mini Robot Pet
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Mini Robot Plush |  Best Mini Robot Puppy for Tricks |
Little Live Pets Lil’ TurtleThe pocket-sized Little Live Pets Lil' Turtle is an adorable mini robot that will blow away other robot pets both on land and water when it comes to fun, features, and affordability | Westminster Casanova The Mechanical KittenThe Westminster Casanova is a robot kitten that has all the cuteness of a soft plushie but functions of a mechanical toy. | Zoomer Zupps Tiny Poodle JellybeanThe Zoomer Zupps Tiny Poodle Jellybean may be small in size but big in fun, features, and love thanks to all its tricks and adorable personality. |
Price: Functionality: Quality: | Price: Functionality: Quality: | Price: Functionality: Quality: |
Let’s go over each one
#1. Little Live Pets Lil’ Turtle
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What makes mini robots so great is how portable they are, and the Little Live Pets Lil’ Turtle is no exception. Because it’s made to swim, you can bring it anywhere you go — even to the pool or the beach.
Its smart flippers make sure it can swim freely like a real turtle. The best part is you don’t have to feed it or watch it 24/7, unlike an actual pet. Kids are sure to enjoy its vibrant colors and unique designs. We’d recommend this for younger children as it doesn’t have a choking hazard, and older kids might get easily bored with it.
Our tests show that it can swim for more than an hour before needing to be charged, although Amazon user reviews tend to vary from product to product. We also noted that the turtle isn’t made to be played with on dry surfaces as this can lead to glitching. While our product was perfectly durable and lasted multiple play sessions, some customers noted that their toys would come with defects or were easily breakable.
Pros and Cons of the Little Live Pets Lil’ Turtle
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Swims in water like a real pet ✔️ Has cute tricks ✔️ Great for younger kids ✔️ Ample battery life | ✖️ No remote control ✖️ No voice control |
#2. Westminster Casanova The Mechanical Kitten
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The best robot pets are the ones that mimic real-life animals and all their lovable traits. The Westminster Casanova mechanical kitten is an ultra-soft, huggable plushie that meows and nuzzles like a real cat.
If you or your child has ever wanted a pet cat but for whatever reason are unable to get one, then this furry robot friend is a great alternative. It wags its tail, walks, and even cuddles up to you when it wants affection.
Most kids and kids at heart are sure to fall in love with the adorable Casanova. Plus, it can fit right into any bag so your young loved one can bring it wherever they go.
Pros and Cons of the Westminster Casanova The Mechanical Kitten
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Cuddly pet to fall asleep with ✔️ Realistic movements ✔️ Great for both young and older kids ✔️ Covered in soft fur | ✖️ Lacks voice commands ✖️ Not as big as an actual pet ✖️ No remote control |
#3. Zoomer Zupps Tiny Pups Poodle Jellybean Robot Puppy
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
There’s a reason robot dogs are so popular. It’s because they’re just lovable, fun pets that you don’t tire of playing with. Jellybean is another robot dog from Zoomer Zupps’ Tiny Pups line that makes it to our list.
It’s not covered in synthetic fur so hugging it may feel a little odd, but it shines in a different area. That’s why we’ve named it the best mini robot dog for performing tricks. In fact, this dog robot has a secret trick that you’ll unlock once you buy it.
Prepare to meet your next furry best friend with Jellybean. It barks, wags its tail, and has the perfect puppy-dog eyes that’ll make anyone fall in love. Pet its nose and talk to it, and soon you’ll hear this robot dog say “I love you!”
It’s also worth noting that this is one of those robot dogs that doesn’t actually move on its own, so your child will have to move it around. It’s also quite small, but that’s a pro in our book because it means the child can carry it with them easily.
Pros and Cons of the Zoomer Zupps Tiny Pups Poodle Jellybean Robot Puppy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ The best robot dog for tricks ✔️ An interactive puppy with a realistic bark ✔️ More budget-friendly than other robot dogs ✔️ Comes in different variants | ✖️ No rechargeable battery ✖️ No leash controller ✖️ Can’t be taught new tricks |
#4. Westminster Chi-Chi Chihuahua Robot Dog
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Can’t get enough of these adorable plushies? Westminster has a few models more up its sleeve. Meet Chi-Chi, a smart puppy that’s just as furry and adorable as Casanova. Much like a real puppy, this pocket-sized robot dog toy barks, cuddles, and playfully wags its tail like a good robot dog.
Another thing: most “realistic” robot dogs are encased in hard plastic, but this interactive puppy is covered in soft fur, already making it friendlier than most robotic dogs.
That’s why we’ve named it the best robot dog for cuddling. You don’t have to spend a lot on it, either. At just below $16, you’re paying only a fraction of the price of other robot dog toys.
It’s truly a miniature robot dog, too, which means you won’t have a hard time putting it in a bag and taking it wherever. It makes less of a barking noise like a real dog and more of a squeak that you’d expect from a real puppy or chihuahua. While it lacks a remote control, it’s still one of the most entertaining robot dog toys you’ll find.
Plus, this robot dog isn’t just for kids, but for a live pet if you have one. Many customers notice that this dog robot can also function as a dog toy for their real dog. Just make sure that the real dog doesn’t end up biting the robot dog.
Pros and Cons of the Westminster Chi-Chi Chihuahua Robot Dog
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Cheaper than most robot dog toys ✔️ Adorable squealing sounds ✔️ Best robot dog for cuddling and hugging ✔️ Affectionate like a real puppy ✔️ Can be played by a real pet dog | ✖️ Lacks remote control ✖️ Not a lot of tricks compared to most robot dogs ✖️ Might become a chew toy for a pet dog ✖️ No voice recognition technology |
#5. Boxer Interactive A.I. Robot
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Your next furry friend might not be a furry friend at all. This mini robot might not bear much of a resemblance to a real pet, but it’s just as lovable and friendly as any robotic dog or real dog for that matter.
Meet Boxer, the 6-inch interactive AI robot that is sure to steal the hearts of kids of all ages. Boxer can play tons of games once you set it up with its smartphone app, including Bot Bowling, Paddle Bot, and Go Kart.
Pros and Cons of the Boxer Interactive A.I. Robot
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Can express emotions ✔️ Plays different games ✔️ Entertaining for children of all ages ✔️ Unique tricks ✔️ Durable and quality material compared to other robot pets | ✖️ Not modeled after an actual pet ✖️ Can’t be taught new tricks |
#6. Gilobaby Kids Robot Toy
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Is your younger child expressing interest in robotics? The Gilobaby Kids Robot Toy is sure to be the perfect gift for them. Unleash their inner engineer with this entertaining smart mini robot they can play with wherever they go.
The Gilobaby comes in two colors and different play modes. Much like an interactive puppy, it responds to voice commands like “Goodbye” and “Sleep.” You can even ask it questions and it’ll respond. Try it with a remote control or by using the touch sensors that allow it to move forwards, backward, and sideways.
Pros and Cons of the Gilobaby Kids Robot Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Entertaining and educational ✔️ Introduces younger kids and older kids to artificial intelligence ✔️ Rechargeable battery ✔️ Comes with a remote control ✔️ Voice-activated sleep mode | ✖️ Not modeled after real pets ✖️ Can’t be taught new tricks |
#7. Robo Alive Fish Playset
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Is your little loved one a fan of sea creatures? The Robo Alive Fish Playset is the perfect toy to give them for the holidays.
Like a real fish, the Robo Alive robot fish toy swims in all directions. Just place it in a fishbowl and watch it flounder about in the water like a real pet. But you don’t have to worry about feeding this one because it can survive for hours on its batteries.
Plenty of pet fish owners are concerned about their tiny pets being bothered by their dogs or cats. That won’t be a problem with the Robo Alive fish as its tough plastic material can survive most pet attacks.
The playset also comes with model sand that you can mold into corals, castles, and any shape your mind conjures. It’s equipped with unique technology that makes it water-resistant, so you can use it to decorate your fishbowl.
Pros and Cons of the Robo Alive Fish Playset
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Durable material ✔️ Long battery life ✔️ Waterproof ✔️ Comes with water-resistant accessories | ✖️ Doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery ✖️ No voice control ✖️Can’t be programmed to perform new tricks |
#8. Indoor Cat Interactive Swimming Fish Toy
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Who says only children can enjoy robot pets? If you have a pet cat at home who is positively dying for some fun playtime, look no further than this Interactive Swimming Fish Toy set.
Just drop these little swimmers in a small pool of water and watch your cats try to catch them. They’re durable, easy to play with, and provide stimulation and exercise for any cat.
Pros and Cons of the Indoor Cat Interactive Swimming Fish Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Pocket-sized ✔️ Can swim in water ✔️ Long battery life ✔️ Perfect for cat owners | ✖️ No interactive tricks ✖️ Little resemblance to a real pet |
#9. Present Pets Fancy Puppy Interactive Plus Robot Dog Toy
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Our next robot dog will be so excited to meet you, it jumps out of its box on its own. Yup, the Present Pets robot dogs are self-unboxing! All one has to do is remove the outer layer of the box and pull on the gift tag.
This is one of the best robot dogs because it has the best of both worlds: It’s soft and cuddly and able to do tons of tricks and stunts. However, it’s not as budget-friendly as some of the other best robot dogs on the list.
These fancy pups can play music, flop their ears, and make over 100 sounds and actions, a feature only a few models have. Our only wish is that it comes with a remote, but the tactile sensors work perfectly fine too.
Pros and Cons of the Present Pets Fancy Puppy Interactive Plush Robot Dog Toy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Responds to voice ✔️ Self-unboxing ✔️ Covered in soft synthetic fur ✔️ Over 100 sound and action combos | ✖️ Expensive compared to other robot dog toys |
#10. Zoomer Zupps Tiny Unicorns Dream
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Second to the last is the Zoomer Zupps Tiny Unicorn. Aptly named Dream, this wistful creature is covered in a cotton candy-colored mane that you can brush and play with. Its horn lights up when you ask it a question.
But that’s not all. Touch the unicorn’s nose or back and watch as you unlock tons of fun games, songs, and dances that will entertain for hours on end. We’d recommend this for any child who loves magical creatures.
This toy comes with its very own comb, a collector’s card, and a handy instruction manual in case you or your child has trouble operating it. In our experience, the toy is quite intuitive and easy to use. Do note that it is definitely pocket-sized, so don’t expect a regular-sized toy.
Pros and Cons of the Zoomer Zupps Tiny Unicorns Dream
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Pocket-sized and easy to transport ✔️ Colorful mane ✔️ Comes with its own accessories ✔️ Light-up horn | ✖️ Thin plastic |
#11. Rizmo Evolving Musical Friend
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Finally, we’ve got a unique little toy that can sing its way to your heart. The Rizmo Evolving Musical Friend is our last pick for the best mini robot pet, but it’s certainly not the least. The best part? It’s like an actual pet because you will get to watch it grow from a small little creature to a fully grown Rizmo.
All one has to do is play musical games. By pressing the button and swinging the toy, you’re already starting the game! The more points you earn, the faster your little musical friend starts to evolve.
There’s plenty of fun in store for children of all ages when you get the Rizmo Musical Friend.
Pros and Cons of the Rizmo Evolving Musical Friend
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Colorful and eye catching ✔️ Whimsical ✔️ Grows like an actual pet | ✖️ Can be quite difficult to get it to "evolve" |
How Much is a Robotic Pet?
The cost of robot pets depends on many factors. The most common of these are the robot pets’ interactive features, how advanced or sophisticated their technology is, the quality of materials used, and so on.
A robot dog toy, for example, can cost anywhere from $10 to $1000. Robot dogs available for commercial use are often pretty affordable. Take the Joy For All Golden Pup which costs $140 on Amazon. The robot dog has pretty sophisticated technology, including the ability to understand and follow voice commands, perform realistic puppy-like movements, and perform puppy tricks, all at a reasonable price.
Despite their popularity, there are more noteworthy toys for children and adults beyond the usual robot dogs, and most of them are incredibly affordable if you know where to look. But you needn’t work too hard. If you’re looking for a robot toy on a budget, go to our list of the best cheap robotic pets right here.
What is the Best Robotic Pet?
The best part about choosing a robot pet is that there’s no wrong way to do it. Some people prefer a realistic robot dog, while others like a robotic pet that is less like a real pet and more like a smart robot with tons of unique tricks. Plus, all robot pets have incredible health benefits that you can read about here.
Still, to maximize your experience with your pet robot, here are a few characteristics to consider:
Interactive Features
When choosing robot pet toys to buy — whether it’s a robot dog or cat or fish — a great way to gauge their value is by looking at their interactive features. How quickly does it respond to touch, if at all?
A great example is the Joy For All Golden Pup, which we named the best robot dog of the year. The robot puppy doesn’t actually have the fancy tricks you’ll find from other robot dogs. But what sets it apart from other robot dogs is the way it interacts with its owner. Much like a real dog, the Joy For All robot dog almost follows and responds to your every movement. It tilts its head at you, wags its tail, nuzzles your hand when you pet it and rubs its head on you. These little things are what make it such a realistic, and therefore lovable, robot dog.
Many robot pets have a degree of interaction, but so far we’ve noticed that the ones kids never tire of playing with are the toys that respond quickly to different stimuli, such as voice and touch.
Voice Recognition Technology
In general, voice commands make robot pets a lot more interactive and sociable. The best robot dogs and cats are often operable through voice commands and remote control. One example is the Zoomer Robot Dog, which has advanced voice recognition to access some of the best tricks, such as singing, dancing, and play-dead. VR makes a huge difference in terms of engagement and interaction.
Body Texture: Soft Fur or Hard Plastic?
Do you want a robot puppy to cuddle with? How soft does your robot horse have to be? Again, there’s no right or wrong answer, but make sure to look for a pet robot with a texture that suits your tastes and preferences.
Suitable for Younger Kids and Older Kids
The best pet robot toys are the ones that can keep kids of all ages entertained. There are even robot dog toys that are targeted at the elderly.
Frequently Asked Questions
There isn’t one model that holds the title of the most realistic robot dog. Thanks to advancements in technology, you’ll find some of the best robot dogs have been around for quite some time.
Examples of these ultra-realistic robot dogs are the Sony Aibo, Tombot, and the Golden Pup by Joy For All. These are also the smartest robot pets because they house some of the most sophisticated technology in the field of robotics.
Some of the best robot dog toys are sold online. While the ones we mentioned above can be a little pricey, there is no shortage of robot dog toys on Amazon that are perfectly affordable, entertaining, and interactive.
In fact, we’ve made a list of the best robot dogs right here. We cover everything from the FurReal Friends Poopin’ Pup to the Zoomer Robot Dog and Zoomer Interactive Puppy. The Zoomer Interactive Puppy, for example, has intelligent modes; can do tricks like sit, stand, and play dead; and much more.
Final Note
It’s no surprise that the best toys come in all shapes and sizes. We hope this guide has given you a few options for your next holiday present or companion pet.
Want more content on robot toys and pets? Check out our blogs here at Robot Pet Friends.
Editor’s Choice
Little Live Pets Lil’ Turtle
Surprise: our pick for the best mini robot pet isn’t a robot dog toy, nor a robot puppy. In fact, it’s not an animal you’ll regularly find on dry land. But the Little Live Pets Lil’ Turtle is just as entertaining as a smart robot dog, and even more durable.
This pocket-sized turtle is no larger than 5 inches. Put it in a tub of water and it’ll swim using its flippers. Plus, it comes in three different vibrant designs and you can collect them all without blowing all of your holiday gift budget. Learn more about it below.
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