A retrieving device includes a body with at least one respiratory passageway formed in it through which a dog can breathe when holding the device in its mouth during retrieval. In some embodiments, the body includes two radially-large end sections that are harder for dogs to grasp with their mouths, two radially-midsize lateral sections positioned therebeween each defining lateral respiratory passageways for side-breathing by the dog, and a radially-narrow middle section positioned therebeween defining a forward/transverse respiratory passageway for front-breathing by the dog. In use, the respiratory passageways decrease obstructions to enable the dog to breathe more freely to avoid overheating and associated problems. In addition, one or more flotation elements can be provided in the body so provide buoyancy for the retrieving device in the event it's launched into water during retrieving activities.