The other day, I was talking to my friend, who happens to be a professional dog trainer, and the conversation turned to dog muzzles.
She was not surprised to know that I, like many other people, think dog muzzles are cruel and unnecessary. She explained that a well-fitted dog muzzle is a useful tool in a trainer’s toolbox; it is not uncomfortable for the dog and makes training easy for the trainer and the canine.
In fact, dog muzzles are especially useful for larger dogs, especially those who are undergoing training for aggressive and hostile behavior.
That’s how I ended up researching the importance of dog muzzles for large dogs in dog training. So, after going through several articles, papers, and expert opinions here, I am with a list of the best dog muzzles that are going to be perfect for your dog.
After reading the article, you will know exactly why you need dog muzzles, and which one is the best fit for your pup. We will discuss each dog muzzle in detail, but first let’s take a look at our top choices:
Best for Short Snout Dogs | Best for Long Snout Dogs | |
Product | CollarDirect Pitbull Leather Dog Muzzle | ZEUS Alpha TPR Muzzle for Dogs |
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Price | Check Price Here | Check Price Here |
Here is the list of the best large breed dog muzzles:
1. Viper Delta Wire Dog Muzzle
Material: Leather & Metal Wire | Snout: Medium to Small | Check Price Here
Wire dog muzzles work like a charm for middle-sized or large-sized dogs.
This Viper Delta variant is made of steel plated with chromium with genuine leather straps. The muzzle is also available in special padded models designed to provide extra safety and comfort to the dogs.
It has padding for the nose that prevents dogs from getting abrasions on their skin. Depending upon the size of the muzzle, it weighs between 130 grams and 350 grams.
The Viper Delta dog muzzle is available in 14+ different sizes, which means you can find the perfect fit for your dog. Although it is a wire muzzle, the basket design of muzzle allows for comfortable panting, barking, and drinking, while keeping its form intact.
The wire cage or basket-like design also prevents dogs from eating unwanted things as well as barking and biting people.
Pros
- Flexible
- Non allergenic material
- High tensile strength
- Protection against rust and humidity
- Available in 30 sizes
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Not suitable if you want a stiff muzzle
Best for?
Best for big dogs who have sensitive skin with small to medium snouts.
2. CollarDirect Pitbull Leather Dog Muzzle
Material: Leather | Snout: Small to Medium | Check Price Here
Leather dog muzzles are our pick for the owners of large dog breeds who would like to keep them safe, comfortable, and stylish. The design is undeniably fantastic and airy.
The CollarDirect muzzle is decorated with silver studs and comes in two colors: brown and black. It is made of genuine leather, which makes it ideal for large-sized dogs as leather is known for its durability and strength.
Like other muzzles, it provides enough room for your dog to pant easily and drink water. However, it is made with very small hollow spaced, which means it doesn’t have enough room for your pup to eat anything or bite at all.
While CollarDirect has many leather dog muzzles for large dogs, this particular design is most suited for Pitbulls and other dogs with a small snout. Dog breeds with a larger snout, like German Shepherds, will feel uncomfortable in it.
There is a nickel-plated buckle for a snug fit. It is available in four different sizes. However, it might only be great for short-snouted dogs.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Great for small snout dogs
- Good ventilation
- Adjustable and durable
Cons
- Not suitable for long snout dogs
Best for?
Best for aggressive dogs with small to medium snouts.
3. ZEUS Alpha TPR Muzzle for Dogs
Material: Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) & Nylon Strap | Snout: Small to Large | Check Price Here
If you are looking for a basket dog muzzle that is humane and safe for your dog, then Zeus Alpha TPR muzzle is going to serve your purpose well. This is made of good quality nylon and is suitable for dogs as big as 200 lbs. even.
Its unique design enables your dog to pant and drink without causing any discomfort.
This muzzle comes with an additional safety feature, a hook that can be fixated with the dog’s collar to make sure the muzzle stays well in place.
It is great for both long-term and short-term use. Be it just a walk around the block or a training session, this muzzle comes in handy.
Pros
- Allows panting and drinking
- Suitable for extremely big dogs too
- It has a safety hook
- Loops through the collar of the dog
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- Lacks padding
- Too narrow for some dogs
Best for?
Best for small to large dog breeds who have a biting and barking problem.
4. Mayerzon Breathable Basket Muzzles
Material: Non-Toxic Pliable Rubber | Snout: Long | Check Price Here
If you have an energetic dog, then this muzzle would help you a great deal during training. Made of non-toxic pliable rubber, this basket muzzle is affordable, durable, light, soft to touch, and adjustable.
It comes with a nylon neck strap that can help you adjust the strap to fit the muzzle on your dog perfectly. It has a nylon strap that is gentle on your pup’s head.
While most of the good-quality muzzles allow dogs to pant and drink, this one allows them to eat a limited quantity of food too. Although it does not let your dog nibble on unwanted things, it still has large enough holes that you can feed them treats easily.
Best of all, it comes in 6 sizes ranging from Extra Small (XS) to Extra Large (XL) to accommodate a wide variety of dog breeds. You can view the size guidelines available on Amazon and the official Mayerzon website to choose the size that best fits your dog.
The hollow design is sure not to let your dog get overheated. It comes with a sixty-day money-back guarantee. However, if your dog is new to a basket muzzle, it might get its paws or nails stuck in the openings at the start.
Pros
- Tough yet soft
- Breathable hollow-out design
- Adjustable and secure
- Non-toxic material
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs new to basket muzzles
- Not as sturdy as leather muzzles
Best for?
Best for large-sized energetic dogs.
5. BronzeDog Greyhound Muzzle
Material: Metal & Leather Strap | Snout: Long | Check Price Here
It is a task to find a good long snout muzzle that won’t hurt your dog or make it extremely uncomfortable. The BronzeDog muzzle fits the bill; it is a high-quality wire basket muzzle made specifically for long snout dogs.
Although aimed at Greyhounds, this muzzle is a good fit for Salukis, Whippets, and even Collies. It is big enough to fit on dogs who have as much as a 5 inches long snout with a circumference of about 10 inches.
It is made of metal wire with an adjustable leather strap that is gentle and won’t irritate your dog’s skin. Since it is made for racing dogs, there is plenty of space to allow your dog to pant and drink.
I have first-hand experience that this muzzle won’t become uncomfortable for your dog during hot weather. There is not one but four adjustable straps to keep the muzzle in place. You can safely use this for training, daily walks, vet visits, etc.
Pros
- Great for dogs with a large snout
- Good ventilation
- Four leather straps
Cons
- Not suitable for small snouted dogs
- There is just one size available
Best for?
Best for large dogs with a long snout.
6. Canine Friendly Short Snout Dog Muzzle
Material: Mesh & Fabric | Snout: Short | Check Price Here
If you are in search of a good muzzle for your flat-faced dog, all I can say is good luck. It is not an easy task to find a good muzzle for French bulldogs, Pomeranians, Pugs, Maltese, and other flat-faced dogs.
The mesh and fabric dog muzzle for short snout dogs by Canine Friendly is a good option.
While it looks more like a mask than a muzzle, this soft and comfortable piece does the work. It keeps the dog from eating and drinking unwanted stuff and biting other dogs and people while being super comfortable, airy, and breathable.
It is available in black and orange colors and has a nylon and breathable mesh structure. The sliders are adjustable, along with a side release buckle. It also has bumpers that do not let the mesh get into your dog’s eyes.
It comes in four different sizes as small, medium, large and extra-large. Although your dog won’t be able to drink, it can pant without discomfort.

Pros
- Great for small, faced dogs
- Breathable mesh
- Adjustable size
- Breathable mesh for maintaining temperature
Cons
- Does not allow your dog to drink
- Not suitable for long time use
Best for?
Best for big dogs with a short snout.
7. BARKLESS Basket Silicone Muzzles for Dog
Material: Silicone with Nylon Strap | Snout: Medium to Large | Check Price Here
Made of durable silicone, this ergonomically designed muzzle by BARKLESS is a reliable option. It is by far the best dog muzzle for biting in plastic material.
This dog muzzle is designed specially to control barking, biting, and chewing is made up of high-quality silica gel with nylon straps to hold it in place and give protection.
Although it will allow them to pant and drink easily, it won’t allow them to lick the wound or bite. It is very soft on your dog’s skin and light in weight, so it won’t make your canine friend uncomfortable.
A soft basket muzzle works great for aggressive dogs. The best thing about this muzzle is available in six different sizes, making it a good fit for small as well as large breed dogs.
It is quite easy to use and even easier to clean. We would recommend you clean it with warm water and soap.
Pros
- Allows drinking and panting
- Controls biting
- Lightweight and soft
- Multiple sizes
Cons
- Some people find it a little too bulky for their dogs
Best for?
Best for big dogs with a biting problem.
Things to Consider While Buying a Muzzle
Despite the popular perception, it is not cruel to muzzle your dog. On the contrary, dog muzzles are extremely useful in certain situations like training, and grooming can help your dog stay calm.
Most importantly, muzzles can keep your dog from eating hazardous substances. I knew a Doberman who was fond of eating grass and ended up with diarrhea every week.
Similarly, some dogs love to eat plastic, mud, cement, and whatnot! According to experts, a well-fitted dog muzzle is the best way to ensure that your canine friend remains safe while being able to breathe and drink comfortably.
However, not every dog muzzle is appropriate for your dog. There is a number of things you should consider before buying a muzzle for your dog.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind while buying a muzzle:
· Goal
First, be clear about the purpose of the muzzle; why do you want to muzzle your dog? You may want your dog to stop eating harmful things, keep them from biting people, barking incessantly, or assist them during aggression/agitation training.
Whatever your reason, do not forget that muzzles are not a long-term solution, and they definitely are not a replacement for training.
· Size & Fit
Choosing the right size and shape is extremely important for your dog’s comfort.
Measure the circumference and length of their snout to find a good fitting muzzle. Review a muzzle’s measurement guide and tally it with your dog’s snout measurement to make an informed purchase.
A well-fitted muzzle will help your dog acclimate to the muzzle quickly. In addition, it will also make sure that your dog is comfortable and safe.
· Style and Material
There are plenty of muzzle styles available, and depending upon your preference and use, you can choose from basket-style muzzles, slip-on muzzles, mesh muzzles, and police dog-style muzzles. Muzzles are also available in different materials like silicone, leather, nylon, plastic, metal, and fabric.
Vinyl and Biothane are the newest materials being used to create dog muzzles, and they can be customized to fit your dog’s specifications and style.
What Should You Look for in a Good Muzzle?
Although there is no definite answer to this question as the choice of muzzle varies as per the size of the dog and the purpose you are using a muzzle for.
However, there are certain things you should keep in mind while getting a muzzle for large-sized dogs. Here is a list of the things that should be there is a good muzzle
- It should be comfortable for your dog.
- It should provide good ventilation, so the dog does not get overheated.
- It should allow panting and drinking.
- It should be light in weight.
- It should be comfortable and durable.
- In the case of metal or wire muzzles, there should be some padding to avoid bruising and irritation.
Muzzle Alternatives
If you think a muzzle is not a suitable fit for your dog, then here are some muzzle alternatives you can try to control your dog’s biting and barking.
- Collars
- Vet Approved Medication
- Obedience Training
- Behavior Modification Exercises
Muzzles Can be Great for Dogs
As a pet owner, you are always on a quest to find the best available products for your pet. While muzzles might not be something that tops the list, they are still needed in many situations like vet visits, walks, grooming, and training.
However, accurately measuring the snout of your dog, choosing the right material, and are a few things that are going to help you choose the perfect muzzle for your dog.
We have tried to include a variety of muzzles in different styles, materials, and sizes for a large dog. Whether you are looking for the leather dog muzzle for biting or the best large breed dog muzzle, we have included it all.
We hope this guide is going to help you choose the right muzzle for your dog to control chewing, barking, and biting.
Did you find this article helpful? Let us know in the comments below.