I’ve written quite a few blog posts about the benefits of muzzles. Rather than discuss advantages and conditioning yet again, this blog post will consider different types of muzzles and how to choose the best muzzle for your dog and situation.  Please be aware that there are many many options and this post will only talk about the most common ones.  

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Becker

A good place for more information is the Muzzle Up! Project website.  It’s a really great comprehensive resource for researching muzzles and muzzle training.  

Fit

No matter the muzzle type you choose, proper fit is vitally important.  Muzzles are sized by snout length (usually ½” under eyes to ½” past the end of the nose) and diameter around the widest part of the mouth (adding a few inches for room to pant).  Dogs with differently shaped faces may require special designs or custom adaptations.  

Function

A major consideration when choosing a muzzle is function.  Why are you using a muzzle?  It might be a “just in case” mostly training situation, to avoid your dog eating unwanted things, for general safety, or for a clear and known bite risk.  The function is a main determinant in your decision.  Function leads to different choices in muzzle structure, style, and material.

Safety

Along with function comes safety.  For a dog who is a bite risk I want to choose a muzzle that prohibits the ability to bite (not all muzzles do).  I also want to choose a muzzle with sturdy straps, and would include straps to connect to a collar as well, so there’s less chance of the muzzle accidentally coming off.  

For the dog’s safety and well-being you want to be sure a muzzle has good airflow and enough space for your dog to open his mouth and pant.  This is especially important for muzzles that will be worn for longer periods of time or while exercising.  

Comfort

I’ve said before that muzzles are like bras, and it’s very true.  Fit and comfort are quite individual.  What works for one in terms of shape and size might not work so well for another.  There are general measuring guidelines, but from there you will either need to try a variety or choose a custom made option.  There are also adaptations and additions you can make to existing muzzles (such as widening the sides or adding more padding) that can help with comfort.

Here are several options designed specifically for brachycephalic face shapes:

Photo courtesy of Darlene B. Pye

Photo courtesy of Trooper Hughes

Ease of Feeding

Another consideration is the ease with which you can feed through the muzzle.  Muzzles need to have openings for air flow, and some of these are perfect for feeding through the muzzles.  This might be an  issue if your reason for a muzzle is eating unwanted items!  In this case you might want a muzzle without a front opening but with side ones instead.  

Below are some common muzzles and their usefulness as I see it.  Please note that wearing a muzzle is not a 100% guarantee of safety.  Always supervise your dog during training and while wearing.  

Baskerville (brand name)

Photo courtesy of Trooper Hughes

Photo courtesy of Reiichi Hanson

I like Baskerville muzzles and use them for most of my training.  They are relatively cheap, easy to obtain, sturdy, have plenty of airflow, and a great opening in the front for feeding treats.  They come in several different styles depending on your needs.  

Wire 

Photo courtesy of Marissa Hadley Bigler

Photo courtesy of Aubrey Heffner

Wire muzzles (choose epoxy coated for long lasting wear) are a great choice for many.  They are very sturdy, have great airflow, plenty of openings for feeding, and are also more structured and rigid, which makes them good for dogs who are a bite risk.  

Vinyl

Photo courtesy of Christine McElhaney

Photo courtesy of Sasha Hughes

The vinyl muzzle (Jafco is a popular brand) is great for dogs who eat things they shouldn’t.  It has a closed front, which makes scarfing prohibited items very difficult.  It also has plenty of openings throughout for nice airflow. 

Sleeve/mesh/cloth

Photo courtesy of Deb Jones

Photo courtesy of Talia Everding

These types of muzzles are cheap and easy to obtain.  Many veterinary clinics keep them on hand.  The problem with these muzzles is that they absolutely do not prevent biting due to their design.  They do make it easy to feed through though.  These are very short term wear only as they don’t allow panting room so a dog who is stressed or exercising can easily overheat.  

Biothane

Photo courtesy of Rachel Crane

Photo courtesy of Jess Horwitz

Biothane muzzles are a great choice for many.  The material is flexible yet strong.  Several companies (such as BUMAS) offer custom made biothane that includes your choice of colors as well as a personalized fit.  While there are many openings for good airflow most do not have a front opening for feeding.  These types of muzzles can be pricey, but if you plan on lots of use they might be an excellent choice.  

Leather

Photo courtesy of Samra Elser

Photo courtesy of Natasha Pomeroy

Leather muzzles are generally considered to be the safest and sturdiest.  They are often used for working k9s and by those that participate in bite sports.  The straps are typically strong and these types of muzzles work well to help avoid the possibility of unwanted biting.

Obtaining a muzzle

There are many options for obtaining muzzles.  Some, such as those custom fit, must come directly from the company.  Most are available at a variety of animal-related retail outlets.  You can also find the more common brands at your local pet stores.  Do be careful about choosing size based on general breed/type guidelines.  These can vary greatly.  Size based on specific measurements is your best option.  

Muzzle workshop

Once you’ve got your muzzle then it’s time to start a positively based conditioning program like the one I am currently offering (May 2025) at Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.  CLICK HERE for more information.  

Deborah Jones, Ph.D. is a retired psychology professor who now trains animals full-time.  She has been training for 25+ years and focuses on positive reinforcement based methods.  Deb has written 12 books on dog training and has helped develop several DVD series.  She has also trained and shown multiple breeds to high level titles in agility, rally, and obedience.  She is currently teaching online training classes and webinars at www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com.  Her newest project is the Cooperative Care Certificate program in partnership with Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.  You can learn more about this at www.cooperativecarecertificate.com.  Visit her website at www.k9infocus.com for her blog and more information.