My dogs like this toy, albeit not as much as the similar, football-shaped toy (Ruff Dawg football flyer) - even though they're nearly identical. The material is very soft and light, yet heavy enough to throw well. The long tail gives leverage to really fling it quite far. It floats, which is a bonus. As mentioned, the similar, football-shaped toy (which is slightly large and heavier) is preferred by my dogs. A friend's dog rejects this gladiator toy completely but loves the football variation. It's sturdy enough for retrieving games but won't withstand any amount of gnawing; it isn't intended for that.