Dog muzzles may appear intimidating, but they can be an effective training tool and ensure your dog's safety. The best dog muzzles provide security around dogs that may bite and provide protection for both a dog and their handlers in stressful situations, such as vet visits, grooming, nail trimming, and emergencies. A good muzzle also prevents a dog from eating harmful street treats on walks. Additionally, they can discourage mouthing during play.
To come up with our recommendations for this guide, we asked a veterinarinary behaviorist and dog trainers what makes a good dog muzzle. Then we researched numerous options. There are three primary types of dog muzzles: basket, soft sleeve, and short-snout.
Our top pick for a dog muzzle is a basket design: the Baskerville Ultra Muzzle. This muzzle is ideal for outdoor activities like walks, dog park socialization, and training, as it allows a dog to pant, drink water, and take treats easily. A soft-sleeve muzzle works well for short-term needs, such as vet and groomer visits. The best option for flat-faced dogs like pugs and French bulldogs is a custom short-snout design that covers a larger portion of the face.
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Our top picks for the best dog muzzles
Best overall: Baskerville Ultra Muzzle - See at Chewy
Best soft sleeve: Coastal Pet Products Best Fit Adjustable Muzzle - See at Chewy
Best short-snout: Trust Your Dog Muzzle - See at Trust Your Dog
Best custom: Bumas Muzzle - See at Bumas
Best overall
Designed for long-term comfort, Company of Animals Baskerville Ultra Muzzle is ideal for protection, training, and grooming.
- Easy for dogs to drink and pant
- Made from moldable thermoplastic rubber
- Attaches to collar for security and to prevent sliding and chafing
- Removable over-the-forehead safety strap
- Works well for most breeds
- Fit may not be ideal for very long or short snouts
- Large dogs who have not been properly desensitized to the muzzle may be able to break the straps
- Not 100% bite-proof for dogs with a bite history
The affordable Baskerville Rubber Ultra Muzzle strikes the perfect balance of comfort and safety that a muzzle should have. It confines a dog's jaw while still allowing them to breathe, eat, drink, and pant.
It is made from high-quality thermoplastic rubber and comes in six sizes to ensure a snug fit. It can even be heated and molded to better fit your dog. A durable nylon strap wraps around the back of the head and secures with a plastic buckle. Additional lower straps support the chin and include a tab for connecting the muzzle to a collar, providing extra security and preventing sliding and chafing.
While the Baskerville is comfortable and flexible, it is not 100% bite-proof, says Michael Shikashio, certified dog behavior consultant and founder of AggressiveDog.com. For dogs with a history of aggression or biting, he recommends a heavier-duty metal wire basket muzzle with leather padding for comfort.
It's safe for a dog to wear the Baskerville for hours, but you should frequently check the fit to ensure it isn't causing any discomfort, says Dr. Katherine Houpt, a veterinary behaviorist and professor emeritus of behavior medicine at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Best soft sleeve
The Coastal Pet Products Best Fit Adjustable Muzzle will fit most dogs during brief visits to the vet or groomer.
- Made from breathable mesh
- Adjustable strap for secure fit
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight at less than an ounce
- Sizing may run a little large
- Restricts eating, drinking, and panting
- Not for long-term wear
- May not fit very large, very small, or short-snouted dogs
If this pick is temporarily out of stock or you're seeking an alternative, we recommend the Downtown Pet Supply Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle.
Soft, or sleeve, muzzles are typically made from nylon or synthetic mesh. The material fits snugly around a dog's mouth and nose and works by forcing a dog's mouth closed. While they prevent dogs from biting, they also make it difficult for them to drink water, eat, or pant. For this reason, Houpt says soft muzzles should only be worn for short periods, such as during a visit to the vet.
We recommend the Coastal Pet Products Best Fit Adjustable Dog Muzzle, which is made from durable mesh and comes in nine sizes for dogs with snouts from 3 to 13.5 inches in circumference.
The breathable nylon mesh sleeve of this muzzle slides over the snout. An adjustable nylon strap wraps around the back of the head and fastens with a plastic buckle. Weighing just 0.8 ounces, it is incredibly lightweight.
While we like Coastal Pet Products Best Fit for its simplicity, low cost, and breathability, it will not fit all dogs perfectly. With only one adjustable strap and no way to shrink or expand the sleeve, it may not be suitable for very small or large dogs.
Best short-snout
Trust Your Dog Muzzles' vinyl and biothane designs are custom-made to fit the unique dimensions of dogs with short snouts.
- Custom fit for short-snouted dogs
- Two designs available for different security needs
- Straps come in 28 colors and can be mixed and matched
- Additional safety straps and bling available
- Cannot be returned
- Takes up to 12 weeks to arrive
- Not 100% bite-proof for dogs with a bite history
Traditional basket and sleeve muzzles are designed to fit snugly around a dog's snout, but brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds like pugs and bulldogs require a different solution. For flat-faced dogs, Shikashio recommends custom handmade muzzles by Trust Your Dog.
These are the best dog muzzles for brachycephalic breeds and come in two designs: The Custom Vinyl Muzzle and the Custom Biothane Muzzle. The former resembles a vinyl face shield rather than a standard basket design and features holes from top to bottom so a dog can easily drink water and eat treats. A colorful biothane strap wraps around the back of the head and is secured with quick-release metal or plastic buckles. Trust Your Dog recommends this style for dogs with a bite history.
The second design, the Custom Biothane Muzzle, has straps that wrap around the back of the head and over the forehead and secure with a quick-release metal or plastic buckle. You can also customize it with rhinestones, silver heart rivets, and brass stars. However, the biothane muzzle may not be 100% effective at preventing dog bites in highly motivated dogs.
The biothane straps on the Custom Vinyl and Custom Biothane Muzzles can be mixed and matched from 28 colors, and additional safety straps are optional. Because Trust Your Dog Muzzles are handmade and custom-fit, they are more expensive than standard models and may take up to 12 weeks to arrive. Keep in mind that these muzzles are not eligible for returns.
Best custom
Bumas Muzzles are made from high-tech biothane webbing and are tailored not only to a dog's snout size and shape but also to their personality.
- Custom fit with several behavioral safety options
- Fits a range of snouts from 5/8 to 5 1/2-inches long
- Does not restrict dog's ability to eat, drink, breathe, or pant
- Cannot return or exchange
- Not 100% bite-proof for dogs with a bite history
Our pick for the best customizable muzzle is the Bumas Muzzle, which is designed to fit both your dog's snout and personality. The biothane material stays soft and pliable in freezing temperatures and extreme heat, allowing your dog to eat, drink, and pant. There are 13 standard sizes to choose from, or you can order a custom-made muzzle tailored to your dog's exact measurements.
The basket features tightly woven biothane-coated straps and can be customized for snouts from 5/8 to 5 1/2 inches in length. It has straps that wrap around the back of the head, and an optional security strap runs from the top of the muzzle and between the ears. Metal rivets in the webbing secure the pieces together. Additional customization options for the Bumas include a neoprene nose piece or nose-free design for dogs with sensitive snouts and a simple click-clasp or a metal-buckle fastener.
Although Bumas Muzzles are expensive, they are among the best dog muzzles on the market. Shikashio also recommends them. However, because the biothane material is not 100% bite-proof, he says they are best for dogs that are low-level biters rather than those with a more significant bite history. This custom-made muzzle cannot be returned or exchanged.
What to look for in a dog muzzle
There are a few key elements to keep in mind when shopping for one of the best dog muzzles.
Intended use: Jennifer Malawey, a certified professional dog trainer and behavioral consultant at Instinct Dog Behavior and Training, says there are several reasons why a dog might wear a muzzle. It's important to find the one that best suits your dog and the situation. For example, brief trips to the vet may only require a soft sleeve muzzle intended for short-term wear, while a basket muzzle might be best for longer walks. All muzzles used for extended wear must allow the dog to comfortably breathe, pant, drink water, and accept treats, Malawey says.
Fit: The best dog muzzles will stay securely on your dog's head, Malawey says. Muzzles should have adjustable straps to loosen or tighten for a better fit. If you're opting for a muzzle without customization options, Malawey recommends moldable muzzles. They can help achieve a more secure fit in most dogs. Another aspect to consider is snout length. Large and small breeds will have different muzzle requirements, so avoid anything that's considered one size fits all.
Material: Durable materials like rubber and biothane are good options for the best dog muzzles. For sleeve muzzles, synthetic mesh typically works well to ensure airflow.
Extra features: Muzzles with extra safety straps may be useful in keeping a dog safe, but they are unnecessary. Options with fun colors or designs may also be a good choice, especially if you want to avoid some of the stigma of muzzling a dog.
How we selected the best dog muzzles
We made our choices for this guide based on recommendations and advice from Michael Shikashio, a certified animal behaviorist and dog aggression expert; Dr. Katherine Houpt, a veterinary behaviorist and professor emeritus of behavior medicine at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine; Jennifer Malawey, a certified dog trainer and behavioral consultant at Instinct Dog Behavior and Training; and Laura Sharkey, owner and senior trainer at Woofs! Dog Training Center. Reporter Shoshi Parks' experience as a certified professional dog trainer also helped shape our selection criteria.
For each type of muzzle, we favored products with the majority, if not all, of the following characteristics:
- Breathable
- Gives dog the ability to pant, eat treats, and drink water
- Moldable or custom fit
- Nods to comfort including the type of material used
- Secure straps and optional safety straps
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
Dog muzzle FAQs
What muzzle do vets recommend?
Sharkey says wearing a muzzle may be a good idea for some dogs, especially in high-stress situations like going to the vet, where the dog may pose a biting risk. The type of dog muzzle recommended by your vet will vary, but the best dog muzzles are properly fitted to your dog and keep them and people safe in triggering situations.
Is it cruel to muzzle a dog?
No, it's not cruel to muzzle a dog likely to bite or eat objects on walks. Wearing a properly fitted muzzle can be as comfortable as wearing a harness or collar. "In a well-acclimated, well-fit muzzle, a dog is going to be able to do everything they would normally do," Shikashio says. It's an excellent way to provide freedom while assuring the safety of your pup and everyone around them.
How long can a dog wear a muzzle?
Dogs should only wear a muzzle when they need it. That may include on walks, around strangers, or at the vet's office. A dog can wear a comfortable, properly fitted basket muzzle for a few hours as long as you regularly check that it is not rubbing or chafing. A sleeve muzzle that prevents a dog from panting should only be worn briefly during vet exams or grooming.
Do muzzles stop barking?
Sharkey says using a muzzle to stop barking or disruptive behavior is never appropriate. A dog exhibiting these behaviors may be experiencing discomfort or anxiety, and it's best to consult a canine behaviorist to determine why. Plus, if a dog can't bark, it can't pant, leading to dangerous overheating.
How do I get my dog to wear a muzzle?
Dogs not properly introduced to a muzzle are likely to hate wearing one. Sharkey says only muzzling a dog in stressful situations can cause strong negative associations with it. To help your dog be comfortable in a muzzle, it's best to use a process of gradual desensitization. "It's going to be something that they're used to, that they accept and tolerate well, and that they are reinforced highly for wearing," she says. Our how-to guide can help you properly acclimate your dog to wearing a muzzle.
What muzzle is best for aggressive dogs?
In general, Malawey recommends a basket muzzle for most situations. This type of muzzle is the safest for long wear because the dog can eat, drink, breathe, and pant. A basket muzzle can also prevent dogs who don't respond to the "leave it" cute from ingesting foreign materials on walks and curb biting. Dogs who may be reactive in stressful situations, like the vet, may need a soft sleeve muzzle worn for short periods. Regardless of the type you choose, one of the best dog muzzles can help keep you and your dog safe in various situations.
What is the best muzzle for dogs that eat everything?
A basket muzzle can be a good option for dogs that attempt to eat objects they aren't supposed to. Malawey advises purchasing the muzzle that will work best for their specific physiology to ensure you get a secure fit. A poorly fitted muzzle may not stop a dog from eating foreign objects.
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