The animal rights movement has always known the value of marketing its agenda to young children, from “sea kittens” (don’t even ask) to distasteful blood and guts “comic books” that PETA activists put into the hands of unsuspecting children.

Those of us who support animal welfare (different from animal rights)  have tools, too, but they’re toys that inspire a child’s imagination, not scare it. Animobil figures include a line of purebred dogs, and the figures fit in nicely with Playmobile toys. Some breeds are a bit more accurate than others, but what’s important is that the toys open discussion with children not only about responsible dog ownership, but also about purebred dogs, their different jobs, and where their breeds are from. Find the list of dogs here.

Images of the Border Collie, Bernese Mountain Dog and Harlequin Great Dane figures from the Animobil line.