Making sure your dog is prevented from biting or indulging in bad habits while still being comfortable is important.
This often means using a muzzle on your dog.
Which are the best dog muzzles for you to choose from? When to use it?
There’s a wide variety of muzzles available for dogs depending on your needs and your dog’s breed, figuring out which muzzle to use can be overwhelming.
So I have put together a list of the best muzzles of 2017 to help you find the best muzzle for you and your dog.
Choosing the Best Dog Muzzle
Here are some critical factors to consider to get the best muzzle for your dog:
Breed of Dog – The breed of your dog affects which muzzle you need. A French Bulldog needs a much different muzzle style from a German Shepherd.
Problem to Correct – Is your dog excitable and prone to nipping? Do you need to prevent a bad habit like eating poop? Does your dog need help reducing his stress level?
What you are using the muzzle for? – Are you planning to use the muzzle for long walks so your dog needs to drink? Is the muzzle only for short-term visits to the veterinarian or groomer?
Material – What sort of material do you want or need? Muzzles are available in leather, nylon, and silicone rubber, for example.
Getting the right fit – Your dog’s breed does affect your choice of muzzle, you will need to properly measure your dog’s snout in order to purchase the right muzzle for your dog.
Ease of use – Will the type of muzzle you choose go on the dog quickly and easily? And will it stay on?
Price – It’s important that the muzzle you choose not only fits your dog but your wallet too.
Buying Online – Be sure to check the seller’s return policy before you buy. You can almost always return a muzzle within a couple of weeks after purchasing.
Here is the list of the Best Muzzles of 2017 that will help you pick the best muzzle for your dog.
Basket-Type Muzzles
Baskerville Ultra Muzzle
Called the “Ultimate Muzzle” by its makers, the Baskerville Ultra Muzzle is a good muzzle for all breeds, but especially for the larger breeds of dog.
The muzzle comes in black and tan versions.
The muzzle is useful for walks, visits to the veterinarian and to the groomer.
Its basket shape lets you give your dog snacks from your hand, and lets your dog pant, and drink but keeps your dog from biting or eating the wrong things.
The muzzle is made out of lightweight materials and the basket itself is slightly flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit around the dog’s snout.
The muzzle buckles at the back of the dog’s head, it also has a loop that the collar can be fitted through and an optional overhead strap for extra stability.
Dog owners who have purchased this muzzle are pleased with its ease of use, durability, and comfort for the dog.
Silicone Gel Dog Muzzle
The Barkless Muzzle is made of lightweight flexible silicone that conforms to the dog’s snout and is comfortable for the dog to wear.
The muzzle is available in black only.
The muzzle is useful for walks, veterinarian appointments and groomer visits.
The basket shape allows for eating snacks from your hand, drinking, and panting but prevents biting or eating the wrong things.
The padded straps buckle at the back of the head and hold the muzzle securely while protecting the dog’s face from rubbing.
The straps include an optional overhead strap for extra stability.
Dog owners who have purchased this muzzle are pleased with its ease of use and durability.
Deen and Tyler Wire Basket Muzzle
The Wire Basket Muzzle is the classic wireframe muzzle, its heavy-duty construction makes it an excellent muzzle for the larger breeds like mastiffs and Staffordshire Terriers.
The muzzle is available in chrome wire with black straps.
Its open basket shape allows the dog to pant, drink and eat treats while preventing biting or eating the wrong things.
The straps are made of leather, and include an overhead strap that helps stabilize the muzzle on the dog’s head.
Dog owners who have purchased this muzzle have been pleased with its construction and suitability for large, broad-headed breeds.
Fabric Muzzles
BIG SMILE PAW Dog Muzzle
The Big Smile Paw Dog Muzzle has a padded, wide strap that fastens with a buckle that goes around the snout of your dog.
This padded muzzle has a nylon neck strap that fits around the back of the dog’s head and firmly secures the muzzle in place with a snap-type buckle.
This muzzle is available in black with red padding.
For extra control this muzzle also comes with a D-ring for attaching a leash and leading your dog by the head.
This type of muzzle can be adjusted to let your dog drink and pant when necessary.
It is excellent for short-term use, such as a visit to the groomer or veterinarian, or for walks..
The dog owners who have purchased this muzzle have been pleased with its ease of use and good fit, especially on hard-to-fit larger breeds.
Coastal Pet Best Fit Mesh Muzzle
The Coastal Pet Best Fit Mesh Muzzle is a lightweight, minimal muzzle that is made from breathable mesh fabric with an adjustable nylon strap.
The hook-and-loop adjustable mesh muzzle slips over the dog’s snout and fastens behind the his head with a snap-type buckle.
This muzzle is available only in black.
This type of muzzle would be best for those short visits to the veterinarian for a checkup and shots, some behavioral problems, or a trip to the groomers.
The mesh allows for easy breathing and the design allows for eating and drinking.
Dog owners using this type of muzzle have used it successfully for visits to the vet and dealing with excessive barking by their dogs.
Canine Friendly Short Snout Dog Muzzle
The Canine Friendly Short Snout Dog Muzzle is the muzzle for your short-snouted dog.
This is a mesh and fabric muzzle designed for breeds such as the Pug, French Bulldog and Pekingese that a regular muzzle won’t fit due to their short snouts and round heads.
This muzzle is available in charcoal grey and orange.
Don’t let the over-the-eyes design concern you, the muzzle has padded bumpers that protect the eyes.
The mesh allows the dog to see and breathe. The small opening allows for drinking and snacks but prevents biting.
This muzzle is useful not only for walks but for visits to the veterinarian or groomer and claw-trimming.
Other Muzzle Styles
Pawliss Leather Dog Muzzle
The Pawliss Leather Dog Muzzle is an adjustable leather muzzle that comes in brown or black leather.
The muzzle fastens around your dog’s snout with three adjustable straps that buckle under the dog’s chin.
The open format of this muzzle allows for drinking and snacking.
The design of the muzzle includes a loop that can have the dog’s collar threaded through it, adding to the stability of the muzzle.
Dog owners have been pleased with this muzzle, using it for their dog who chews on everything.
It also helps control behavioral situations. For example, some owners have used it on their older dog when introducing a puppy to the household.
Duck Mouth Shape Anti-bite Muzzle
In spite of its humorous appearance the Duck Mouth Shape Anti-bite Muzzle lives up to its name. The soft silicone beak has a strap that goes behind the dog’s head and fastens with a quick release snap buckle and prevents biting but allows for panting and drinking.
The muzzle’s design also keeps the dog from eating inappropriate items on walks.
This muzzle is especially good for the smaller breeds. For example, from long-snouted dachshunds to petite Chihuahuas and Shi-Tzus, the muzzle adds a whimsical touch to a necessary dog accessory.
Many dog owners use this muzzle for visits to the veterinarian or groomer to prevent dog bites.
ProGuard Pets Softie Muzzle
The ProGuard Pets Softie Muzzle is a cordura fabric and mesh muzzle that completely covers the dog’s snout.
This muzzle combines the full coverage of a basket muzzle with lighter weight and comfort of a fabric muzzle. This prevents the dog from biting or eating the wrong things.
The mesh covered opening running down the center of the muzzle allows for free airflow. The soft padded sides add to the comfort of the muzzle.
The muzzle has an adjustable nylon strap that features a quick release buckle at the back of the dog’s head.
This muzzle comes in three colors that correspond to size: orange is medium, green is large, yellow is extra large.
Many dog owners claim this muzzle has prevented their dogs from eating sticks, rocks, and garbage.
Conclusion – The Best Dog Muzzles
There are almost as many dog muzzles to choose from as there are dog breeds. That’s good because the best dog muzzle will often depend on the breed of your pet.
The best dog muzzle will be the one that is easy to use, your dog is willing to wear, and protects your dog and other people.