The 10 Best Dog Muzzles
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in August of 2019. Though it feels odd to put a muzzle on a furry friend, there are many instances in which doing so is necessary. For example, pets that aren't accustomed to being handled by strangers can become aggressive with groomers, veterinarians, and trainers, and these accessories can prevent biting incidents. Remember, they are only intended for short-term use, as some inhibit drinking, eating, and panting. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. BronzeDog Wire Basket
2. The Company of Animals Baskerville Ultra
3. Birdwell Enterprises Headstall
Editor's Notes
August 08, 2019:
Since there are so many different reasons pet owners might put muzzles on their dogs, we wanted to present a diverse list of models for each situation. Some people simply need a way to stop their pups from picking up found food on the ground they aren't supposed. If you are in this category, you may want to look at either the Canine Friendly Short Snout or the JYHY Training Mask, both of which have mouth openings that are strategically sized and shaped to keep Fido from gobbling up anything that could give him a stomach ache. They provide plenty of ventilation, too, so they're a great option for extended use during walks.
It can be hard to accept when a pet has aggression issues, but if that's the case, it's important to take any and all precautions to prevent an incident, like investing in strong leashes and dependable muzzles. That's why we included cage-style models, such as the Dogs My Love Secure #11, the BronzeDog Wire Basket, the Dean and Tyler DT Freedom, and the Birdwell Enterprises Headstall, the last of which is plastic, making it easy to clean and less harsh in appearance than metal varieties.
When you just need a short-term solution to keep biting at bay, like during vet appointments, visits to the groomer, or brief interactions with other animals that could turn volatile, the Coastal Pet BestFit and Trixie Loop are excellent options as they keep the jaw firmly closed. They do, however, interfere with panting and should never be used for more than 20 minutes at a time.
As good as the models on this list may be, we want to point out that no muzzle is 100-percent incident proof, and the best way to prevent biting or other issues is through proper training, even if that requires you to enlist the help of a professional.
Special Honors
The Dean & Tyler Guardian As its name implies, this muzzle will provide tremendous protection in situations when your dog could become agitated. Its cage boasts a steel reinforcement bar on the front that's covered in heavy-duty leather and is both glued and stitched into place, so you can count on it even when aggression runs high. While it is expensive, it's more affordable than the lawsuits that can occur if your animal attacks a person or another pet. dtdogcollars.com
All K-9 Agitation Police If you want a muzzle that's of the same quality law enforcement professionals put on their apprehension dogs, this is it. It's available with either a standard buckle or a quick-release one, the latter of which may be necessary if you are teaching your pet to be an attack dog for self-defense. It's hand-made in the USA and has a nose piece with felt padding for the animal's comfort. allk-9.com
4. JYHY Training Mask
5. Dean and Tyler DT Freedom
6. Canine Friendly Short Snout
7. Trixie Loop
8. Dogs My Love Secure #11
9. CollarDirect Leather Basket
10. Coastal Pet BestFit
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.