The Best Dog Muzzles (Expert Review)

A dog muzzle is a device put on or attached to the face or mouth of an animal to prevent biting or digging or for other practical and functional purposes.

It is just as crucial as a leash or harness. The owner will only be able to transport the pet or appear in a public place with this accessory. Additionally (unfortunately), recently, there have been more cases of dog poisoning. The quality of the purchased products directly affects the pet’s comfort and others’ safety.

Owners of small four-legged pets believe they do not need to wear a muzzle. After all, their pet is “not able to bite.” ^[1]

But a while a small pet might look harmless to an adult, it is a dog of impressive size to a baby or toddler.

There are several reasons to train a Dog of any size to wear a muzzle:

• The safety of others. Even a small pet can bite or scare a person.
• Safety. Using a muzzle during a walk eliminates the possibility of picking up food of questionable quality from the ground.
• The comfort of a groomer’s and a veterinarian’s work. Most dogs react significantly negatively to the grooming of claws and hair and medical procedures. Using a muzzle allows the specialist to work calmly without fear of being bitten.
• The ability to move with your pet on public transport without conflicts with other passengers.^[1]

Our TOP-3 Picks of Muzzles for Dogs

In this chart, we gathered our TOP-3 options:

The 10 Best Muzzle for Dogs (All Reviews)

1. Baskerville Ultra Muzzle

Dogs wear muzzles for various reasons. It can protect or control the pet’s aggression, and it is essential that your pet is happy and calm. This product is suitable for all breeds, including breeds with shorter noses.

Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle will not create discomfort for your pet. It has a curved shape for broad noses and a convenient opening so your puppy can breathe and drink freely.

This product protects other pets and people from being bitten while preserving their well-being and happiness. Two additional mounting points provide reliable protection.

2. BronzeDog Pitbull Dog Muzzle

It is suitable for large breeds and is made of high-quality, genuine leather and metal wire, perfect for preventing bites. Additionally, it prevents from picking up food from the ground.

This muzzle is a good choice for Staffordshire Terriers or AmStaffs and is ideal for training, walking, going to the vet, etc. The product is equipped with adjustable straps for comfort and will not interfere with breathing, as it has excellent ventilation. The convenient shape allows it to lick its nose without restrictions.

3. Gentle Muzzle Guard for Dogs

This choice allows you to keep your pet’s mouth closed. It can be attached to your dog’s collar for extra support. This product will not create discomfort for the pet, and the soft lining keeps your pet healthy and happy.

4. Mayerzon Dog Muzzle

It is durable yet flexible and soft to the touch. Made of flexible rubber, the product is adjustable, and the straps can be attached to the collar. Soft padding on the straps ensures comfortable wear, and dogs can breathe freely and take treats from their owner’s hands. Wide holes in the basket provide maximum ventilation, preventing your pet from overheating. ^[4]

Key Features:

• Sold in six different sizes.
• Soft and comfortable.
• Doesn’t make it difficult to breathe.

5. Crazy Felix Dog Muzzle

This Crazy Felix muzzle will help calm your pet in a stressful situation and will not prevent it from breathing and drinking freely. Its adjustable size makes wearing it comfortable. This product fits comfortably on the dog’s face and does not rub. The skin-friendly material will not create problems for the pet and will not cause pain.

Key Features:

• Does not allow your pet to chew things.
• The dog will not be able to remove the muzzle on its own.
• Extra soft padding that provides maximum comfort for your pet.

6. Good2Go Nylon & Mesh Dog Muzzle

The soft nylon muzzle of Good2Go will prevent your pet from barking loudly, and your pet will not be able to chew furniture or bite someone. It fits comfortably and securely around the nose, so it does not create discomfort and does not make it difficult to breathe.

Key Features:

• Suitable for young dogs of large breeds.
• Suitable for visiting groomers and veterinarians.
• Does not cause any discomfort.

7. Real Leather Dog Basket Muzzle

It is perfectly ventilated and perfect for everyday wear. This model can be used during trips to the veterinarian, groomer or for walking. The muzzle will not allow clutching garbage or food from the ground, but at the same time, it does not prevent breathing and does not prevent it from drinking, providing maximum comfort and safety. The belts are adjustable and do not stretch.

Key Features:

• Made of high-quality, genuine leather.
• Adjustable leather straps will not scratch.
• Most suitable for large breeds.

8. Downtown Pet Supply Nylon Dog

This one is made of durable nylon and has a puff cotton lining to gently fit your puppy’s muzzle without causing discomfort. This choice is equipped with an adjustable strap, which you can correctly adjust to fix the dog’s muzzle. Besides, it can be washed in the machine.

Key Features:

• It is equipped with a cotton lining for greater comfort.
• Convenient clips.
• Machine wash for easy cleaning.

9. OmniPet Dog Muzzle

Keep yourself and your pet safe with the soft Italian OmniPet dog muzzle. This one will not allow chewing or biting while simultaneously allowing it to breathe freely and even drink. It has adjustable leather straps and removable front grilles for added comfort. This high-quality product is designed to withstand extreme temperature changes without breaking down. A wide range of sizes will suit almost any dog, and it comes in various colors.

Key Features:

• Made of flexible material.
• Withstands extreme temperature changes without breaking.
• Available in two colors and a wide range of sizes.

10. Canine Friendly Short Snout Dog Muzzle

The CanineFriendly muzzle is made of breathable mesh and durable nylon. The product has an adjustable slider and an easy-to-use clasp that allows you to adjust the size. Soft linings prevent rubbing, and the soft type is intended for temporary use only. Never leave your pet in a muzzle without direction, as prolonged use or incorrectly selected size can harm your pet.

Key Features:

• Soft lining eliminates friction.
• Made of breathable mesh and durable nylon material.
• Convenient latches.

Types of Dog Muzzles

What is the most suitable muzzle for my dog? Today, animal manufacturers offer a large selection of different types for different purposes, but they are less convenient and safe for animals.

1. Metal

The most popular and familiar for us is a metal muzzle, a basket of thin metal rods. This bulky, heavy but reliable design is suitable for adults of large and medium breeds. It allows the dog to fully breathe, drink, and take food from its owner or trainer and is a reliable protection against bites. This typically lasts a very long time, does not break, and is quite heavy; however, it is not suitable for wearing in cold temperatures, as the animal can get injured on its metal bars.

2. Leather

Mesh made of strips of thick leather or substitute, intertwined and fastened with metal rivets. Depending on the distance between the strips, the muzzle also allows breathing normally and drink. Unlike metal, it is quite light and can be used all year round, regardless of temperature and weather.

This type is suitable for almost all breeds and can be used in transport for visits to the veterinarian and grooming salon, as well as safe walking. The disadvantages of the product are that it is short-lived and susceptible to deformation.

3. Without holes

It perfectly copes with the task of protecting others from the aggression of the animal. At the same time, it causes a lot of discomfort. If your pet needs behavior correction, make sure that the muzzle is made to order, strictly according to the size. Remember that it is difficult for the dog to fully breathe in it, it is categorically not suitable for use in warm weather and it is incredibly short-lived.

4. Nylon

This type made of nylon is an unreliable but straightforward design of nylon bands that look like a leather. It is suitable for dogs not prone to aggression and serves rather as an accessory for the peace of others when traveling in public as it does not allow to bite a person.

This muzzle is light and comfortable, easy to care for, inexpensive, and often with the ability to adjust the size. However, this is not the right option for long-term wear, because it does not allow the dog to breathe normally, while not preventing the animal from “vacuuming.”

A nylon type without holes can only be used in emergencies and only near the owner, as it is entirely unreliable. Also, the dog cannot breathe and drink normally. The loop is often used to deprive the dog of the ability to bark.

5. Plastic

The plastic type is a light and inexpensive copy of the metal and is suitable for small breeds. Cast plastic mesh does not interfere with breathing, allows drinking and take encouragement from a person during training or play. Plastic is not as reliable as a metal, and it does not tolerate low temperatures. ^[2]

READ MORE: How to Stop Dog’s Barking at Nights?

Features to Look for the Most Suitable Muzzle for Dogs

Veterinarians recommend purchasing several models:

• Train your pet to wear a muzzle. Nylon and plastic products do an excellent job with this task
• Walk with your pet in public places or use public transport. Finding an animal without a muzzle in public places is unacceptable. Therefore, a nylon or plastic version is essential for a quiet pet. And for more aggressive breeds, a leather or metal muzzle will become indispensable
• Metal or leather products are also suitable for ensuring the safety of others. So, it is better to make a trip to the veterinarian, one that dogs associate with painful medical manipulations;
• Many pets have a pernicious habit of picking up leftovers from the ground or other little edible items. Metal mesh, leather or plastic muzzles eliminate the possibility for the development of this unpleasant habit
• For regular walks without conflicts with others, the risk for the pet to pick up something from the ground, etc. In this case, a leather or metal muzzle will be indispensable. If your family friend is not in the habit of “vacuuming” the land in search of food, you can use a nylon analog.
• This is important: If the owner can not independently determine which version of the muzzle for his pet will become universal, you should seek help from specialists. You can consult with a veterinarian. They will help you choose the right model for each dog.^[5]

READ MORE: How to Calm Down a Dog?

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. Cabral, Francisco. Concerning the Human-Dog Relationship, Paperity. paperity.org/p/233738730/concerning-the-human-dog-relationship.
2. Twomey, Leanne N., et al. “A ‘down under’ Lesion on the Muzzle of a Dog.” Online Library, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1939-165X.2005.tb00031.x.
3. Johnson, Mark R., et al. Humane Canine Handling, Capture, and Transportation. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781119380528.ch4.
4. Cronin, G. M., et al. An Anti-Barking Muzzle for Dogs and Its Short-Term Effects on Behaviour and Saliva Cortisol Concentrations. sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159103001333.
5. S.Howsea, Melissa. Social Behaviour of Domestic Dogs (Canis Familiaris) in a Public off-Leash Dog Park. sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635717305168.