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The Best Dog Muzzles in 2022

Last Updated: January 4, 2022
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By Petside
Published 09:55 am
Show Contents
Contents
  • The Best Dog Muzzle
  • 1. Baskerville Ultra Muzzle
  • 2. GoodBoy Gentle Muzzle Guard for Dogs
  • 3. CooZero Dog Muzzles Suit
  • 4. CollarDirect Pitbull Dog Muzzle
  • 5. Crazy Felix Nylon Dog Muzzle
  • 6. Mayerzon Dog Muzzle
  • 7. Wintchuk Dog Soft Muzzle
  • 8. CollarDirect Leather Muzzle for Dogs
  • 9. BronzeDog Wire Basket Dog Muzzle
  • 10. Barkless Dog Muzzle

Dog muzzles are often associated with extreme and aggressive behavior in dogs, but they also have other uses when it comes to training and keeping your pet safe. And for this reason, if you are thinking of getting a muzzle for your pooch, it's essential to make the right choice. Muzzles not only prevent biting, they can help stop chewing, licking, barking or acting on their reactive instinct when they see other dogs. They can also help to manage an anxious pet, whether that’s during a vet check-up or a much-needed visit to the grooming parlor. With a range of muzzle products on the market, understanding why your dog may need a muzzle and knowing the type you need is a good place to start. We’ve reviewed 10 of the best dog muzzles so you can decide on the right one for you and your dog’s needs.

The Best Dog Muzzle

1. Baskerville Ultra Muzzle

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Key Features

    Rubber basket for easy panting and drinking

    Malleable design can be heat-shaped to fit

    Neoprene padded lining for comfort

    Head safety strap to keep it in place

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Baskerville Ultra Muzzle
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This lightweight basket muzzle for dogs is made from soft rubber that’s both durable and malleable. Available in six sizes, each muzzle is adjustable and can be heat-shaped for a tailored fit for even broad nosed or short snout dogs. The nose cage gives plenty of room for your pet to pant and drink, while the basket allows them to be fed treats. The neck and head straps easily adjust, and you get neoprene padding and an ergonomic design to keep the whole muzzle in place. The rubber does mean this muzzle can be vulnerable to chewing should your dog get hold of it, but there’s an additional safety head strap to stop your pooch pulling it off. For the price, this well-made guard scoops our best dog muzzles review top pick.

2. GoodBoy Gentle Muzzle Guard for Dogs

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Key Features

    Soft dog muzzle for chewers and barkers

    Available in four different sizes

    Padded neoprene to prevent chafing

    Adjustable straps and D-ring lead attachment

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GoodBoy Gentle Muzzle Guard for Dogs
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If you have a problematic biter and want to discourage the behavior without too much pressure, then this muzzle guard could be your solution. Made from soft neoprene and designed to restrain without discomfort, the muzzle wraps securely round their snout, limiting their ability to bite, chew or bark. And the comfort design, complete with padding, still lets your pooch freely breathe, pant and drink water. This gentle dog muzzle for barking and chewing is also a good way to train a younger dog, simply slip on the nose strap, adjust and connect the neck strap and off you go. This muzzle is best used on longer muzzled dogs, although you do get a choice of four sizes to fit a variety of dog’s snout lengths.

3. CooZero Dog Muzzles Suit

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Key Features

    Seven-piece fabric muzzle set

    Small to medium dog sizes

    Adjustable straps and easy release buckle

    Lightweight, waterproof oxford material

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CooZero Dog Muzzles Suit
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For a multi-dog household or a family with a fast-growing pup, this seven-piece muzzle set could be your new best friend. Each sheath-style muzzle is made from waterproof oxford cloth, that’s flexible, durable, lightweight and breathable. The design is simple; the open-ended sleeve slips over your dog’s muzzle and secures with an adjustable strap and sturdy, easy release buckle. The seven different sizes range from a small dog muzzle (chihuahua size) through to medium sized breeds and can also be used on short snout dogs as well as older puppies. Perhaps not tough enough for larger, aggressive dogs, these versatile guards can help with biting, chewing, barking as well as stopping your pooch from licking wounds after surgery.

4. CollarDirect Pitbull Dog Muzzle

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Key Features

    Handmade from soft leather

    Designed for the pitbull dog’s snout

    Metal rivets for strength

    Adjustable straps – side and head

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CollarDirect Pitbull Dog Muzzle
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This Pitbull Dog Muzzle from CollarDirect looks like it means business but made from quality leather, it’s actually a bit of a softy! Handmade specifically for the face shape of pitbulls, staffies and other similar short snout breeds, you get a fit that gives your pooch plenty of space to breathe. The metal studs are largely there for appearance, but they do also give this tough muzzle some extra strength and the over the head strap offers no-slip security. As a basket muzzle, this dog mouth guard looks the part, but is also effective should your dog react and the whole piece has adjustable straps to keep your precious pittie comfortable.

5. Crazy Felix Nylon Dog Muzzle

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Key Features

    Reinforced nylon; non-stick mesh

    Lets your dog breathe easy and drink

    Adjustable and ergonomic straps

    Fits small to medium/large dogs

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Crazy Felix Nylon Dog Muzzle
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Our Best Value pick is this simple but effective fabric muzzle which can be used for a host of reasons on small through to larger dogs. Made from durable nylon, with reinforced stitching and adjustable head strap, the real plus to this muzzle is the non-sticky mesh panel which won’t catch on your pooch’s fur and gives them plenty of ventilation. And the design means they can easily pant and drink while wearing it. While not a muzzle for overly aggressive dogs, this is a good guard to have on hand. For the pup that won’t stop eating yucky things on their walk or the pooch that has a licking habit, to a little extra ‘bite protection’ for an anxious pet on a vet visit, Crazy Felix’s dog muzzle is a versatile buy.

6. Mayerzon Dog Muzzle

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Key Features

    Soft, pliable, non-toxic rubber

    Adjustable muzzle basket for fit

    Lets your dog pant and drink

    Available in sizes XS to XL

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Mayerzon Dog Muzzle
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This super-tough muzzle is one for stronger, larger dogs thanks to the pliable rubber that’s both durable and skin-friendly soft. The basket has plenty of ventilation, as well as space for your pooch to loll, drink and pant, but still creates a protective barrier for those reactive moments or if chew or over-bark. The muzzle section can also be adjusted wider or narrower to give your pet the ideal fit, without the slip. The whole muzzle is held securely with an adjustable nylon neck and head strap that won’t rub or chafe. What we also like about this muzzle is that it also uses the big dog design for much smaller hounds, with sizes going down to extra small.

7. Wintchuk Dog Soft Muzzle

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Key Features

    Lightweight, durable nylon muzzle

    Adjustable padded nose loop

    Allows your dog to breathe easily

    Prevents chewing, biting and barking

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Wintchuk Dog Soft Muzzle
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The simple yet effective design, coupled with quality fabric, makes this dog muzzle from Wintchuk a good buy for short-duration use. Intended to hold your dog’s mouth closed, it works to prevent them biting, barking or chewing when out on their walks while letting them breathe easily. The fabric is soft and adjusts with a Velcro strap so you can control how restricted your pet is. And the nose loop is lovely and padded for a comfortable fit. Add in sturdy plastic buckles, tough nylon straps and you have a quality dog muzzle for chewing that works without hurting your dog or their mouth, although the fabric may be a little vulnerable to the more persistent chomper.

8. CollarDirect Leather Muzzle for Dogs

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Key Features

    Handmade from quality leather

    Designed for Pitbull-type dogs

    Adjustable straps – neck and head

    Available in a choice of two colors

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CollarDirect Leather Muzzle for Dogs
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Here’s an enclosed basket muzzle that fits beautifully on short-shouted breeds such as Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers. And as it’s made for these breeds, it can take the rough and tough without losing its strength or shape. Handcrafted from quality leather, this is the muzzle you need if you are concerned about your dog reacting as it gives excellent protection and reassurance when you are out and about. The neck and head straps are also fully adjustable and there’s ample ventilation holes in the basket plus an open space where your dog’s nostrils lie. Straightforward, well-made and up to the job, this is one of the best looking dog muzzles for biting and chewing.

9. BronzeDog Wire Basket Dog Muzzle

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Key Features

    Adjustable genuine leather straps

    Soft padding for extra comfort

    Steel wire cage fits longer snouts

    Metal rivets and strap buckles

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BronzeDog Wire Basket Dog Muzzle
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Using wire and leather to create a durable muzzle for Dobermans or large, long snouted dogs, our Premium Pick is a real stand-out. Coupling a lightweight steel nose basket with a quality leather head harness, this muzzle is easy to fit and gives your pooch plenty of room to breathe and drink. It may look minimalist, but the design is well thought-out, with a soft padding and a comfort shape for unrestricted panting a nose-licking. Yet the cage is strong enough to repel biting or a determined pooch wanting to chew or eat something undesirable. Rivets and steel buckles add extra strength to one of the best muzzles for dogs that’s also light and comfortable for your large dog to wear.

10. Barkless Dog Muzzle

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Key Features

    Soft silicone muzzle basket

    Adjustable nylon head and neck straps

    Open nose space for comfort

    Added reflective strap stitching

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Barkless Dog Muzzle
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For comfort and protection, this well-designed dog muzzle from Barkless ticks the best dog muzzle box. Made from soft silicone that molds to the face but is tough enough for everyday use, this is an excellent guard for reactive-prone dogs. The basket allows plenty of ventilation and wider spaces at the front means your pooch can pant, lap, lick and take treats in comfort. However, the grill also protects against sudden biting as well as preventing chewing or excessive barking. The whole muzzle is kept in place with two adjustable nylon straps for a secure fit, even on the most energetic of walks. We also like the stitching along the straps which glow after dark for added safety. There could be a little extra padding but as this muzzle is for short periods of use, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Best Dog Muzzle Buying Guide & FAQ

Why Does My Dog Need A Muzzle?

See a dog in a muzzle and you can easily assume he is aggressive and can bite. And while this is true in many cases, it is not the only reason why a dog may need a muzzle. A soft muzzle can be a useful training tool for puppies or for adult pooches who are demonstrating behavioral problems such as chewing or excessive barking. A muzzle can also help if your dog is being reactive to other canines or even humans. They can also be used if you have an anxious of stress-snapping pet when you need to take them to unfamiliar surroundings, such as the vet. And if your dog struggles to tolerate their grooming session, a grooming muzzle can be used to keep your pet safely under control.

Girl puts her dog muzzle

What to Look For in a Pet Muzzle

Purpose – knowing why you need a muzzle for your dog – aggression, biting, barking, chewing, anxiety, dislike of being groomed, or having their claws clipped – will ensure you choose the right type for your pet.

Style – the muzzle style will address specific issues in your pet. Basket muzzles are a good choice for aggression, biting, and barking while soft loop muzzles are good for less aggressive pets or if you need to keep their mouth closed. Grooming muzzles are the most restrictive and should only be used for short periods at a time.  

Size – As well as generally sized muzzles, there are also muzzles sized specifically for longer snouted breeds such as German Shepherds and for shorter snouted breeds like pugs. Measure the length and circumference of your dog’s neck and snout as you don’t want the muzzle too tight on their nose, but it needs to be snug enough that their face can’t slip out.

Material – the muzzle material depends on its use and how strong your pet can be. For aggressive dogs, you can get muzzles made from toughened plastic, leather, or metal. For more lightweight, less tough versions you can opt for fabric such as mesh or nylon.

Comfort – look for features that are going to make wearing their muzzle as comfortable as possible. It must be adjustable and ideally with some sort of padding, with no sharp buckles, joins, or releases. It also needs to allow your pet to breathe and pant naturally.

Types of Dog Muzzles

Dog muzzles come in several main types:

Basket – shaped like a basket, these muzzles are more rigid and create a protective ‘cage’ that fits your pooch’s snout. Typically made from plastic, basket muzzles can also be made out of metal or leather and provide space around their snout, meaning your dog is free to pant, tongue-loll, drink and in many cases, eat.

Soft or loop – lighter and more pliable so easier to put on, soft muzzles don’t create as much space around their snout and often need to be removed if you dog needs to drink or eat. When choosing a soft muzzle, it's essential it allows enough room and movement for your dog to pant and breathe easily.

Grooming – designed for biters or anxious dogs, when you or a pet groomer need to get up close and personal. A grooming muzzle is the tightest fit of all the muzzles and can seriously restrict the mouth, preventing your dog from drinking, eating, and even panting. For this reason, they should only ever be used for short periods of time. 

For more options, check out our detailed reviews of Dog Anxiety Vests, Dog Life Jackets and Dog Collars.

How to Safely Use Dog Mouth Guards

Getting the correct fit is key, as is following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use your new dog muzzle. You also need to slowly introduce your dog to his new muzzle to allow him to get used to wearing it and ensure that he is able to easily breathe while it is on. A muzzle should never be used as an aggressive tactic to deal with aggression and never leave your dog in his muzzle for too long or leave him wearing it unsupervised. 

Check out our guides on Dog Harnesses and Retractable Dog Leashes for more info.

Our Top Pick

The Baskerville Ultra Muzzle scoops our best choice, based on price, comfort, and ease of use. The rubber is lightweight and can be heated to shape it for your pet's face and has been ergonomically designed for a comfortable fit. Add in padding, a safety strap, and plenty of room for your dog to drink, pant, and even eat treats, this well-thought-out muzzle is a great buy for the price.

FAQ

Q: Is it cruel to muzzle a dog?

A:

Used properly and for the right reasons, muzzles are not cruel. Muzzles are intended to restrain or adjust a dog’s behavior and keep the situation safe, but your dog should never be forced into wearing one. Training your dog to accept a muzzle should be carefully managed and he should always wear it under supervision so that should he become distressed, you can step in to help.

Q: For how long should a dog wear a muzzle?

A:

A muzzle should not be used as a permanent solution to your dog’s behavioral problems but only worn when circumstances dictate. For example, a grooming muzzle, which tightly closes a dog’s mouth should not be worn for more than 20 minutes at a time and removed as soon as the session is completed. Basket-style muzzles give greater movement around the snout and allow dogs to keep cool, drink and pant and in most cases, eat so can be worn for longer. These types of muzzles are typically worn during exercise and should be taken off when you and your pooch are safely back home. Muzzles can also be used for short periods to cover potentially stressful situations, such as a visit to the vet.

Q: Do muzzles calm dogs or make them more aggressive?

A:

Training your dog to wear a muzzle is an important first step as it gives him time to get used to it, meaning it's a less stressful experience. However, a muzzle is not intended to calm your dog as such, but to prevent him biting, barking and chewing, if aggression is the reason he’s wearing it. And roughly misusing a muzzle, or using a muzzle that is a poor fit, can actually lead to negative behavior.

Q: Can a dog still eat and drink with a muzzle on?

A:

Most muzzles will stop your pet from eating independently, although you should be able to feed them a small treat or two while they are wearing one. Unless you are using a muzzle specifically designed to be worn while your dog is being groomed, most muzzles do, however, allow your pet to drink. It is essential that your dog can breathe, pant and ideally drink without needing to take the muzzle off.

Q: How do I get my dog used to wearing a muzzle?

A:

Letting your dog gradually get used to a muzzle will make a huge difference to his experience. Here’s our step-by-step guide:

Let your doggo sniff and explore the muzzle under your supervision, with a treat or two.
Touch their nose with the muzzle and reward with a treat, then progress to holding it in front of their face. At this point, you could hold a treat with one hand at the end of the muzzle, so they need to place their snout inside to reach their reward.
When you feel they are ready, gently slide the muzzle onto their nose, reward then remove the muzzle. Repeat a few times.
Place the muzzle onto their face and gently fasten it. Reward with a treat, then take the muzzle off. Repeat a few more times, gradually extending the time you wait to remove the muzzle.
Now you are ready to leave it on for a little longer; take them out in the yard and play with them for a few minutes before taking it off. Gradually increase the time the muzzle stays on until you feel ready to take them out on a short walk. Reward their good behavior with a treat. And never leave the muzzle on for longer than you need to.

Sources

  1. Dog Muzzles: What You Should Know about When, Why, and How to Use One - AKC

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