Sometimes, when people mention dog muzzles, the first thing that comes to mind is aggression. However, it has become common knowledge nowadays that aggression is not the only reason to get a muzzle for your dog. Other reasons include training, safe socialization, safe grooming, veterinary trips, and so on.
That said, for any or all of the reasons listed above, you want to get the best dog muzzle that will suit you and your dog’s needs. This article will serve as a guide to help you find exactly that. We’ve also listed several products that we’re sure you will find interesting.
Top Picks
Last update on 2023-12-04 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose the Best Dog Muzzle
In order to get the best muzzle for your dog, these are the factors you need to consider:
Purpose
Different types of muzzles serve different purposes, and this is the first thing you need to think about. Are you getting a muzzle for your dog’s aggression? Or are you just thinking of keeping your already calm dog’s mouth shut?
Your choice of muzzle will depend on what you will use it for. There are muzzles specifically made to prevent your dog from opening his mouth, and there are ones that will give your dog enough space for panting, drinking, and eating treats. You also need to condition your dog to wear muzzles.
Type
There are several types of muzzles available in the market. There are basket muzzles that can be made of hard materials like plastic or metal, allowing dogs to freely open their mouths with ease.
Then there’s the occlusion muzzle which wraps around your dog’s mouth. These can be made of nylon or fabric, and they intentionally limit your dog’s mouth use. Some can be tightened to fit better while others can’t.
Material
Muzzles can be made of many different materials. You need to consider what you will use it for, as dogs may be able to break it and you may need to get another one.
For aggressive dogs, you want to get a muzzle that will endure their hostility, like the ones that are made of tough plastic, metal, or leather. When you don’t need that kind of durability, you can get ones that serve a lighter purpose, like the ones made of fabric, nylon, or mesh.
Shape and Size
Dogs come in different shapes and sizes, and so do their snouts. There are a lot of muzzles available for long-nosed dog breeds like German Shepherds and Retrievers, but if you have a brachycephalic dog like a pug, you want to look for muzzles made specifically for short snouts.
You also want to make sure that you get a size perfect for your dog. You don’t want it too small that it’s tight on your dog’s snout, and you also don’t want it too big that it slips out.
Comfort
Since your dog will be wearing the muzzle for a period of time, you want to guarantee that he’s comfortable with it. Aside from choosing the right size for your dog, you want to make sure that the muzzle doesn’t cause irritation.
The best dog muzzles have soft pads on the contact points between your dog and the parts of the muzzle as well as clearance between the tip of your dog’s nose and the inside of the muzzle, if possible. This avoids irritation and chafing on your dog’s skin.
You also want to make sure that your dog can breathe while wearing the muzzle. Some muzzles are more closed than others, and this limits inside air circulation.
9 Best Dog Muzzles
The Company of Animals Baskerville Ultra Muzzle
The World’s Ultimate Muzzle
This all-around basket muzzle from The Company of Animals is regarded as the world’s ultimate muzzle, and for good reasons.
This product is made of thermoplastic rubber, which means that while it’s tough and durable, it is also malleable and can be heated and shaped according to your dog’s snout. Apart from the neck strap, it also comes with an optional over-the-head strap and a loop at the bottom for attaching to a collar.
Its ergonomic design also ensures a good and secure fit for most muzzle shapes, with added neoprene padding and a 1cm clearance from the tip of the dog’s nose for better comfort. The only downside is that it’s not ideal for brachycephalic dogs.
Why We Like It:
- All-purpose design
- Comes in six different sizes and can be shaped for optimal fit
What We Don’t Like:
- While it can be shaped, a good fit is not ensured for dogs with short snouts
Canine Friendly Short Snout Dog Muzzle
Made for Short Snouts
As the name implies, this muzzle from Canine Friendly is perfect for hard-to-fit dogs with short snouts. This kind of muzzle covers your dog’s whole face and comes with an opening at the front for your dog’s nose and/or mouth.
The product is made of breathable mesh and durable nylon. Since it covers your dog’s face, it also covers the eyes; however, the mesh still gives your dog a good visual range, and there are soft padded bumpers to prevent the material from rubbing on your dog’s eyes. It also boasts of two adjustable sliders that allow for a better fit as well as a buckle to make muzzling quicker and more convenient.
This is an occlusion type muzzle, so your dog can only eat small treats and can’t bite. It also limits your dog’s panting; therefore, it is not advisable to have it worn for long periods of time.
Why We Like It:
- Perfect for dogs with short snouts
- Best for grooming and veterinary visits
What We Don’t Like:
- Should only be worn for a short period of time and while supervised
GoodBoy Gentle Muzzle
Perfect for Dogs Who Like Getting in Trouble
GoodBoy’s Gentle Muzzle is made specifically for preventing biting and unwanted chewing while still allowing your dog to pant, eat, and drink water. It’s an occlusion type muzzle, so it wraps around your dog’s snout and limits his movements.
The company claims that their product has neoprene padding to eliminate chafing and that its quality buckles and connection straps will securely keep the muzzle in place. They also have a sizing chart and measuring instructions to help you find the perfect fit for your dog.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with straps and Velcro for a better and custom fit
- Best for chewing, biting, and barking problems
What We Don’t Like:
- Not for short-nosed dogs
- Should only be worn for a short period of time and while supervised
CollarDirect Pitbull Dog Muzzle
Designed Specifically for your Pitbull
If you’re looking for the best muzzle for your Pitbull, then this one is for you. CollarDirect’s Pitbull Dog Muzzle is made specifically for pitbulls and other breeds with similar snouts. It is handmade, made of genuine leather, and has two adjustable straps for the perfect fit.
CollarDirect sells its product as a training muzzle, and it has a loop on the top for you to insert a collar. While it looks like a basket muzzle, it keeps your dog’s mouth closed. If your pitbull has problems with aggression or if he tends to unwantedly chew, then this muzzle may be perfect for you.
Why We Like It:
- Ideal for training aggressive dogs
- Made of durable and genuine leather
- Features adjustable snouts
What We Don’t Like:
- No openings for your dog to eat, drink, or pant
- Comes in only one size and only for specific breeds
Crazy Felix Nylon Dog Muzzle
Super-breathable Muzzle To Keep Pets Comfortably Secure
If your pet thinks the vet is a threat, or he gets bitey at the dogs in the park, you might want to consider the Crazy Felix dog muzzle. It’s got loads of great features to securely keep your pet from nipping and chewing, without compromising his comfort.
Made with long-snooted dogs in mind, the muzzle is made from strong nylon and non-sticky mesh. This keeps your dog from biting, whilst also enabling him to breathe freely without sweat and dirt getting trapped. For extra comfort, it is also padded and is fitted loose enough to allow yawning and even drinking and taking treats.
Owners will love how easy the muzzle is to fit, which is so handy when your pet is averse to this kind of accessory. You simply place it on your pet and secure it with the lock-on buckle. Once in place it cannot be removed, which is reassuring if your pet is prone to aggression.
Why We Like It:
- Breathable mesh
- Allows drinking, yawning and taking treats
- Perfect for long-snooted pooches
- Secure and easy to fit
What We Don’t Like:
- May still be ‘out-witted’ by very determined dogs
- Sizing can be tricky
Ewinever Dog Muzzles Suit
A Variety of Size Options
This dog muzzle set from Ewinever is yet another affordable option which comes in a variety of sizing options. These occlusion muzzles come in a package of either five or seven muzzles in a single set, making it easier to get a size perfect for your dog. Aside from that, the muzzles are durable, adjustable, and multi-functional.
Due to their build and design, they’re perfect for biting, barking, and chewing prevention.
Why We Like It:
- Comes in many sizes for one price
- Perfect for chewing, biting, and barking problems
What We Don’t Like:
- The muzzle itself is not adjustable, so there may be occasions where you get a good neck strap fit with a loose muzzle or vice versa
Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle
Perfect for Excitable Dogs
Four Paws’ Walk-About Quick-Fit dog muzzle is ideal for excitable dogs that need just a little nudge to help them stop biting, nipping, barking, or chewing. This occlusion muzzle controls them while still allowing them to pant and drink while being sociable around other pets.
The muzzle is durable and machine-washable. It also comes with a comfortable padded noseband for your dog’s comfort and a quick-release clasp for easy usage.
Why We Like It:
- Easy to use
- Comes in seven sizes as well as an option for short-nosed dogs
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s not a basket muzzle
Mayerzon Dog Muzzle
Soft Yet Durable
The Mayerzon dog muzzle is a basket muzzle which is made of pliable rubber, making it easy to adjust its shape to best fit your dog. It is tough and durable but flexible and soft to the touch. Moreover, the straps have neoprene padding for added comfort.
It comes with a neck strap, an over-the-head safety strap, and a loop at the bottom for threading with your dog’s regular collar. All these ensure a secure and proper fit on your dog so he won’t be able to remove it.
It also has a dedicated hole for your dog’s nose and big enough spaces so that he can still pant, eat, and drink even with the muzzle on.
Why We Like It:
- Comes in six different sizes and can be shaped for optimal fit
- Very soft and comfortable for your dog
- Comes with an adjustable strap
What We Don’t Like:
- Your dog might get out of it if not properly secured
JYHY Short Snout Dog Muzzles
Perfect for Short-Snouted Dogs
The last on our list is another occlusion muzzle made for short-snout dogs. JYHY’s short snout dog muzzle is designed for training dogs against biting, chewing, barking, and the likes. It is similar to Canine Friendly’s dog muzzle except that this one has eye holes for your dog.
Why We Like It:
- Perfect for dogs with short snouts
- Comes with eye holes
- Best for grooming and veterinary visits
What We Don’t Like:
- Some buyers complained that their dogs were able to take the muzzle off with ease
FAQs
Q: Are muzzles bad for your dog?
A: Not when they are used properly. Muzzles are used as a means of restraint, but they should always be assisted with conditioning, training, and supervision. Moreover, they should not be worn for too long. You can also use them in conjunction with a training collar, bark collar, or an invisible dog fence.
Q: For how long should a dog wear a muzzle?
A: While basket muzzles can be worn for longer periods compared to their occlusion counterparts, it is not advisable to let your dog wear muzzles for long periods of time. The exact length of time will depend on how your dog can deals with the muzzle on.
Final Thoughts
Different dog muzzles have different purposes, and it’s important to recognize what you want in order to get the best one for your dog. Hopefully, you can find the right one that will suit you and your dog’s needs with this information.
One Reply to “The Best Dog Muzzles in 2022”
Wow’ this is such a sad list for sure. Let’s face it, muzzles are for preventing dog bites and there’s not but a couple listed that would prevent biting and they are down the list mainly due to not allowing eating?..Seriously? Nobody muzzles a dog that isn’t a biter, don’t let people bs you on why they muzzle their perfect little pet.
For yrs I worked at the largest grooming parlor in our area and it was virtually impossible to get owners to put a muzzle on a biting dog. Trust me, very few pet owners would muzzle a well behaved dog nor would we ask them too so why are the many muzzles that don’t protect other pets/people from bites listed even? Why muzzle a good dog out walking, all it does is prevents any good dog from protecting itself if it is attacked while your walk it, you know that. While your dog is failing to protect itself it may even die before your eyes?
I read countless reviews on amazon for Baskerville muzzles completely failing to prevent biting, so you can remove that #one muzzle. That leaves only one or two here at best that actually do what a muzzle is supposed to do.
If a muzzle allows a dog to eat it certainly allows him to bite too, no way to have it both ways.