There could be a variety of reasons for a pet owner to buy a dog muzzle, and aggressiveness has to be the last on the list (or not at all perhaps). Often viewed in a bad light in the past, people have now come to realize their importance, benefits, and several uses cases.
Now, if you are a new or first-time pet parent, you must know that a muzzle isn’t specific to a particular dog breed. In fact, your choice of the muzzle should depend on your objective i.e. stopping the dog from barking, biting, or eating harmful stuff.
They come in all sizes, and yes, you can now have one for your little puppies as well, mainly for grooming. Luckily, you now have dozens of different brands that make this harmless product, but you have to be sure to pick one that meets your specific requirements.
What good is a muzzle that does not serve its intended purpose? In other words, you have to look for durable materials, enough breathing space, and other important factors while picking a muzzle for your pup. You can view those details in the buying guide.
BEST CHOICE
Baskerville Ultra Muzzle
Best Dog Muzzle in Our Rating
- Different sizes for different breeds of pets
- Convenient fasteners providing comfortable movement
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Two colors to choose from
Selecting the Best Dog Muzzles December, 2024
Product | Dimensions | Weight | Brand | |
---|---|---|---|---|
(Editor’s Choice) Ultra Muzzle from Baskerville | 4.5 x 13.5 x 13.5 inches | 10.6 ounces | The Company of Animals | Check Price |
(Editor’s Choice) Leather Amstaff Pitbull Muzzle | 3.2 x 7.8 x 10 inches | 5.1 ounces | CollarDirect | Check Price |
Silicone Muzzle from Barkless | 7.2 x 2 x 2 inches | 2.88 pounds | Barkless | Check Price |
Pack of Multiple Muzzles | 5.5 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches | 3.8 ounces | ewinever | Check Price |
Metal Wired Muzzle from BronzeDog | 4.7 x 2.4 x 9.8 inches | 0.64 ounces | BRONZEDOG | Check Price |
Adjustable Leather Muzzle | 3 x 10.5 x 6 inches | 2.01 ounces | Photoiscool | Check Price |
Nylon Muzzle from Niteangel | 7 x 5 x 2 inches | 7.2 ounces | Niteangel | Check Price |
Muzzle with Adjustment Options | 8 x 5 x 2 inches | 1.6 ounces | Dogs My Love | Check Price |
Muzzle for Short Snouts by Canine Friendly | 4 x 1.5 x 4.5 inches | 0.8 ounces | Canine Friendly | Check Price |
Quick Fit Muzzle from Downtown | 0.5 x 5 x 5 inches | 1.28 ounces | Downtown Pet Supply | Check Price |
1. Ultra Muzzle from Baskerville – The Most Versatile One
You may call it the most versatile option based on its many features and adjustability options. It has enough space in it to allow your canine to pant. Moreover, your dog can still eat and drink with this muzzle on.
The brand chose thermoplastic rubber to make it sturdy and durable. So, you can trust this product for a dog that is strong and reactive to things. Of course, the best test of the product can only be done when you buy and try it.
There is extra protection in the form of overhead strap, so securing the muzzle on the face of your dog should not be a problem. You can opt for it for a variety of dog breeds due to the many sizes the muzzle is available in.
- Made with strong TPR material
- Adjustable for different mouth shapes through heat treatment
- Allows canines to enjoy treats, drink water, etc. while on
- Extra protection strap (optional)
- Usable for a variety of breeds
- Not the best-looking option
- Available only in two colors
2. Leather Amstaff Pitbull Muzzle from CollarDirect – The Best-Looking Muzzle
You do not get a handmade muzzle like this one every day. What makes this one even more special is the looks. You might not find a mouth guard that looks as good as this one.
Right from the looks of it and based on the fact that its makers have made it with real leather, you can tell that it will be a comfortable fit for your pet. As the name suggests, you are highly recommended to get this one if you have a pitbull.
You might want to keep your hands off this one if you are vegan or anyone who believes in the idea of not using any animal products in any form.
- Shaped perfectly for pitbulls
- Made out of real leather
- Easy to buckle and unbuckle
- Looks fantastic because it is handmade
- Only limited for pitbulls
- Loose studs can be a problem
3. Silicone Muzzle from Barkless – The Most Secure Muzzle
One of the challenges with dog muzzles is when they keep falling off because of insecure and flimsy straps and attachments. That is the last thing you want if your dog is impulsive in certain situations.
Right off the bat, you will notice that this muzzle has been designed to be secure. The strap attachments are very sturdy, and there is one on top of the head of your dog.
You will notice that there is enough room in the muzzle for your dog’s nose to fit in, allowing for easy breathing.
Based on the design, it should be good not only in keeping your dog from barking, but also from swallowing big chunks of food off the ground.
- Very sturdy with multiple strap attachments
- Inner lining with cotton for your dog’s comfort
- Enough space at the front for treats and drinking fluids
- Special stripes for luminescence at night
- Works for many breeds
- Color choices are very limited
- The reflective ability of the stripes could have been better
4. Pack of Multiple Muzzles from Ewinever – The Simplest Design
So, you do not have a dog, you have a dog family in your house. And if that is the case, there is no way you can make do with a single muzzle.
This pack of muzzles is for pet parents who have a large family of dogs in their homes. While most other muzzles are meant to keep your canines from biting and eating, this one is just as good to stop them from barking.
So, if you have a few noisy fellows in your pet family, pick this set of five. It may not seem like it at first glance, but the company claims its muzzle material is breathable.
- Very simple design
- Easy to put on and take off
- One of the affordable options
- Suitable for large pet family or a growing pet
- Sturdy nylon attachments
- May seem a bit too tight on the snout
- Securing attachments do not seem promising
5. Metal Wired Muzzle from BronzeDog – The Most Breathable Muzzle
Despite the great claims that come from the makers, most dog muzzles look discomforting from the way they are constructed. This one, on the other hand, is the most breathable option you can find on the market today.
You see no bells and whistles on this one. It is a basket shape made out of metal wires with leather attachments and protection. There is a leather attachment right where the snout of the dog starts to protect the metal wires from hurting the dog.
The steel framing makes the muzzle look sturdy. But does it get too hot during summers or too cold during winters? That is a point of concern.
- 4-point strap attachment for secure fit
- Conveniently breathable
- Sturdy steel construction
- Soft cushioning for pet’s comfort
- Steel might get too hot or too cold depending on the season
- The joints in the steel framing might have pointy edges
6. Adjustable Leather Muzzle from Photoiscool – The Most Intelligently Designed Muzzle
For some reason, leather muzzles seem uncomfortable on dogs. You can hardly believe that they let any air pass through for the pet’s comfort. But this one is different.
The primary material used in the making is leather, but the big holes inside the material make it conveniently breathable.
The dog’s nose is always out of the shell. Since the straps have adjustment options, you can always make it more comfortable based on the size of your dog’s snout.
- Holed design enhances breathability
- Strong construction with near-premium leather
- Extra light for easy carrying
- Mostly suitable only for large dogs
- Not as secure as many other straps on the market
7. Nylon Muzzle from Niteangel – The Most Minimalistic Muzzle
You might not notice too much when you see this muzzle at first. For the most part, it seems nothing more than a few straps sewn together.
It is all nylon with cushioning on the inside to eliminate scrubbing damage to your canine’s skin. The straps on this muzzle are quite sturdy – you can tell that from their widths.
Ideally, this guard should work for any dog because you can adjust the snout hole on it. You can be in control of things with the d-ring attachment.
- Simple and minimal design
- Cushioning inside the snout hole
- Adjustable opening for dogs of different sizes
- Available in blue, red, and black
- Plastic attachments can be questionable
- Might leave enough room for some barking
8. Muzzle with Adjustment Options from Dogs My Love – The Most Padded Muzzle
If you do not want to take any chances in terms of the comfort of your dog, this muzzle might be the perfect pick for you. The makers have chosen soft materials in its construction, and even the inside has a spongy material for added comfort.
At the bottom of the muzzle, you will notice an extra buckle attachment to secure the guard on your dog’s snout as per veterinarian guidelines.
The design is quite simple and straightforward. With just one buckle attachment in the back, you can easily open and close the muzzle within seconds.
- Simple design
- Soft padded material to line the inside for maximum comfort
- Snout buckle for added security
- A single strap for security does not seem too promising
- The material might trap odors too quickly
9. Muzzle for Short Snouts by Canine Friendly – The Most Stylish Muzzle
If your dog has a long snout, you should avoid this one. As the name suggests, it only suits dogs with a short snout.
It has a netting cover that will cover your canine’s entire face. A small opening at the front should allow some eating, drinking, and breathability.
It has proper buckle and strap placements to ensure the muzzle remains in place. It is a nylon muzzle with proper stitching, making it very sturdy and durable.
- Very sturdily built
- Meshing for breathability
- Opening for sipping and treats
- Slider with adjustment for different head sizes
- Cushioning on top to prevent the mesh from rubbing against the skin
- Might seem too restraining
- Thick meshing may affect visibility
- Very small front opening
10. Quick Fit Muzzle from Downtown – The Cutest Muzzle
It is simple and it is cute. The minimal attachments and accessories on the muzzle make it easy for pet owners to put it on and take it off their dogs.
While your dog’s nose will be out of the muzzle from the front end, the breathability of the material might be a bit questionable.
The inside of the guard has cotton padding, which should keep nylon and stitched ends of the muzzle from rubbing against your dog’s snout.
- Simple, minimal, and quick-to-handle design
- Inner padding with cotton for maximum comfort
- Adjustable straps so size should not be an issue
- Minimum security with straps only on the back
- Absence of the snout buckle to change the size of the opening
Buying a Muzzle – The Simple Buying Guide
You can find numerous types of muzzles on the market that serve different purposes. You must understand the needs you have and pick a type that meets them. If your dog scratches its face a lot, you need a product that covers the entire face of the pet. If your dog is into eating stuff off the ground, you can pick one that curbs this particular habit.
Moreover, some muzzles are meant for small snouts. Use it for a pet that boasts a tube-like snout, and you will see the dog chewing it within the next five minutes.
The Snout Adjustment Option
Is your dog little but growing fast? For a dog approaching youth, you should buy a muzzle that sports adjustments options on the snout opening. When you feel the muzzle is pressing too hard on your dog’s mouth, you can readjust the opening for increased comfort.
The Strap Protection
If your dog is clever or difficult to handle during a fit of anxiety, maximum security is what you need. Some muzzles come with two-strap closing while some may have up to four straps in different locations. The added straps enhance the fitment of the guard for dogs that try to get it off.
You must not forget that pets usually do not like muzzles and may even try to use their paws to get one off. A muzzle with four straps is a blessing for pet owners.
The Material of Construction
Undoubtedly, what makes up the muzzle matters because it can improve or ruin the comfort of your dog. How does the idea of wearing a helmet made out of iron and weighing 10kgs on your head sound? So, prior to picking a dog muzzle for lovely pet, you must proper know-how of a few things associated with the material.
First, it should be breathable at all costs. Secondly, it should remain tolerable irrespective of the hotness and coldness of the weather. Last but not least, the durability of the muzzle also depends on the material it is made of.
The Cushioning
Muzzles secure the snout of your dog, and occasionally, the face as a whole inside them. Almost every muzzle rubs against the skin of the dog, and so you have to buy one that has some cushioning and padding on the inside. A tight muzzle with no padding can cause bruises and wounds on the skin of your dog.
The Size
It is the last option on the list, but probably the most important one. A mistake people commit frequently while buying muzzles is picking the wrong size.
Pick up a measuring tape to know how big your dog’s snout and head are before making your final purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most comfortable muzzle for a dog?
All of the options mentioned above have their pros and cons, but the top pick i.e. Ultra Muzzle from Baskerville, checks the most boxes. It is durable, secure, multi-purpose, adjustable, and works for huge, small, young and old dogs.
Do muzzles only serve to control aggressive dogs?
Some dog owners mistakenly believe that wearing a muzzle is just the thing for biting pets. There is a number of reasons why a dog must wear a muzzle aside from preventing aggression. If your canine scratches his face severely, you definitely need a product that covers the face of the pet. If your dog is fond of food from the ground, you can choose one that curbs this particular habit. From the range of dog muzzles available, select one which best meets your dog’s temperament and physique.
Conclusion
However, buying an excellent fit without the knowledge of your requirements is impossible. Buy the one that meets your requirements the best, but you have to dedicate some time to training beforehand. And when using the muzzle, be sure you do not go too far and leave the dog without supervision. So, you know at this point that buying a muzzle does not mean you are an aggressive dog owner.
We have taken account of variables such as durability, adjustability, security and your dog’s temperament, etc. These criteria allied to reviews and tests have allowed us to provide a balanced guide to buying a canine muzzle. All feedback is welcome and will be added to the observations arrived at through personal experience or those of other correspondents.
Den says
We have a rescue dog (Labrador crossed with either a beagle or a spaniel) that has aggression problems around other dogs. We tried the ordinary Baskerville muzzle first but found that our dog had trouble getting treats through it (which is quite important when you are trying to train your dog). But after a couple of times it works perfectly!
Una says
After using many different muzzles that would break after a couple uses Adjustable Leather Muzzle has stood the test of time. It also is very adjustable and secure since it can be anchored to a collar.