The invention is a pet toy with a braided exterior and a flexible core. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible core has an elongated shape and a generally tubular configuration with a hollow interior or chamber. The flexible core is covered with a braided material that may be selected from a resilient and relatively strong fabric material. A noisemaking device or “squeaker” may be incorporated within the pet toy in a protected configuration thereby making it difficult for an animal to gain access to the squeaker. The squeaker can be embedded in one end of the flexible core, and may be fully or partially encapsulated by the core material thereby providing additional protection for the squeaker, yet enabling the squeaker to function in order to produce sound. According to another aspect of the invention, a braiding technique provides an aesthetically pleasing yet functional covering for the flexible core.
