The 6 Best Dog Muzzles Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024

It was frightening.

Our newly rescued German Shepherd came fully stocked with anxiety, separation fears and violent tendencies. He was a biter. Have you seen a German Shepherd in full rage recently?

Not a pretty sight.

And though we were sceptical about them, our veterinarian recommended a dog muzzle while out walking, just until he was feeling more comfortable in himself. After months of rehabilitation and building his confidence, we eventually trained him to a place where he could be approached by strangers and not bite them out of fear. If anything, he became wholly uninterested in what any human or dog wanted from him. Another year of gentle socialisation and he became a zen master.

If your dog has a biting problem and you are considering getting them a muzzle, you are in the right place. We teamed up with veterinarians and dog behavioural experts and tested a few dozen of the top dog muzzles Australia offers. After months of research and lots of debate, we compiled this handy list.

I am fully aware of the controversy around them, so we’ll address that first. Then we’ll talk about the two main types of muzzles and how to use them, before diving into the very best dog muzzles on the Australian market. 

Your ultimate guide to dog muzzles starts here.

Australia's Best Dog Muzzles Reviewed

I hope I have made a good argument for using a muzzle. So if you need to fit your dog with a muzzle, I hope I have helped you feel less guilty about it. Here is a quick round up of the very best muzzles available to us in Australia as tried and tested by our panel of vets, dog behaviour specialists, and dog parents.

This muzzle from the Company of Animals is a good example of what a good Baskerville muzzle should look like.

Let’s start with the main part - the ‘basket’ of this muzzle is nicely shaped which keeps it secure while also allowing freedom of movement. When this muzzle is fitted right, the dog will be able to drink and even eat treats with the muzzle on. This muzzle does not work great for long snouted breeds however, with our number two choice being best for such dogs.

The right fit is the most important factor that determines whether a muzzle will be comfortable or not. To solve this issue, Company of Animals used thermoplastic rubber for the basket. Therefore, the rubber can be easily shaped to achieve a custom fit for your dog using a simple heat treatment. All you need to do is place it in hot water for a couple of minutes and then mold it according to your dog’s head shape.

Another thing our team of researchers liked about this muzzle is the straps. They are fairly soft on the inside and designed to be comfortable.

There is one feature on this muzzle that we don’t see that often - a head strap. The strap is lightweight and adjustable, and it goes right down the middle of your dog’s head. The head strap adds an additional level of security, as the muzzle becomes virtually impossible to wiggle out from. On the other hand, an additional strap on the head was something else my dog needed to get used to, but he accepted this after some time.

Let’s start with the traditional muzzle. Sometimes, simple is the best and this one by Mayerzon is fit for purpose.

It is a simple muzzle with plenty of ventilation due to its Baskerville structure. Like our number one choice, this also allows for easy panting, breathing, barking, and drinking.

It is constructed of a non-toxic pliable rubber, which is hardy but not harshly so. It is less likely to break than more brittle hard plastics would.

There are 5 sizes to choose from, all labelled by the corresponding breed size it would suit best.

The smallest size would work best for a Westie or similar breed. The medium would work well with Border Collies and similar breeds. The large size would suit a Springer Spaniel or similar breeds. The Extra-large would fit Labradors. Finally, the Extra-extra-large would work well with Great Danes and Mastiffs.

It’s worth noting that short snout breeds like pugs and boxers are not ideal for this model. We recommend our number one option if your dog fits into this category.

Our panel of independent experts quickly realized that sizing is the hardest thing to get right, so Mayerzon have you covered here. They have a 12-month warranty and 60 Days Money Back Guarantee. When you receive your muzzle, you can make sure that it is large enough to allow your dog to pant while still being secure. They are happy to receive your return if that first fitting is not ideal for your pup and switch to a larger or smaller size.

For a muzzle that is a little easier on the eyes but still gives your dog some freedom, the Goodboy Gentle Mouth Guard is a great option.

I like how the soft lined neoprene padding was gentle on my dog’s snout while allowing movement of their jaw for drinking, panting and breathing.

Unlike other options on this list, the lining comes in two colours - blue and pink, to customise to your dog’s style.

High-quality buckles and adjustments make it easy to fit to your dog’s head for the perfect fit.

There are 4 sizes to choose from here: small, medium, large and extra-large, which is not as many as our first two options.

With excellent reviews and a decent price-point, this is a great option for a soft dog muzzle for canines of all sizes!

If you want a super cheap muzzle that will do okay for your purposes, the EZONEDEAL model is not a bad product.

For one, it is extremely inexpensive, but you do get what you pay for to a degree.

Like our third choice, this is a soft muzzle for dogs, made of nylon and polyester. Your dog can still drink, breathe and pant freely but it is worth noting that it doesn’t have the same amount of movement in the jaw as the former options on this list.

Our whole team of testers loved how it comes in five fabulous colours: purple, pink, red, blue and black. All colours come in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large. Most dog breeds will find a good match here.

A huge plus is that this model, unlike our number three option, does fit short-snouted breeds like Chihuahuas and King Charles Cavaliers.

It is cheap quality, so this is worth noting, but if you want a colourful budget option, this is the one for you!

So, you want a dog muzzle that is still oddly inviting? We recommend the TANDD model.

It is very much like a Baskerville but with a soft coloured mesh design that is far less intimidating than the traditional basket muzzle. All of our independent experts appreciated the style of this muzzle, which reminded them more of a dog harness than a traditional muzzle. 

It is made of an eco-friendly PVC material that is durable, breathable and lightweight. The fitted edges that sit on your dog’s skin is soft and gentle.

This model comes in 4 greats colours: grey, black, orange and beige - adding to its stylish design.

The mesh material allows your dog to drink, pant and breathe freely.

As for sizing, there are 6 to choose from, making it one of the most representative on this list! From extra-extra small to extra-extra-large, a wide range of breeds should get on with this muzzle. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include a great fit for short-snouted breeds because of design and size of the nose band. (See our number six choice if your dog is a short-snouted baby!)

Best of all, the price point is reasonable and the reviews are generally positive. This is the non-intimidating muzzle you want in your life!

Finally, if you are after the best large dog muzzle, it is incredibly easy to find. Any on this list would work perfectly well for your large or extra-large pup.

As our panel of expert testers noticed quickly, and you surely have by now, too, the under-represented ones here, for once, are the short-snouted small breeds!

Because of their unique physiology, most muzzles don’t fit them correctly. They need a different style altogether.

TANDD create another style, specifically for our short-nosed pups. This muzzle looks more like a complete head mask with eye and mouth holes for easy breathing, drinking, panting and vision.

It has many of the same great features as the previous model we mentioned from TANDD. Eco-friendly material, and a decent size selection of four sizes, but not colour variation this time.

This muzzle with suit French bulldogs, Pugs, Boston hounds, Chihuahuas, Poodles, Pekingese dogs, Shar-Peis, and other short snout dogs.

Why Muzzles Aren’t Bad

The humble dog muzzle has been a part of dog-owning life for centuries. Even Victorians had them. There are records of patents made on dog muzzles from the 1900s, with the intent of allowing dogs to pant, bark, eat and drink freely without having the ability to bite humans.

So those are the origins, but in today’s modern world, we rarely have dogs just walking themselves around. There is always a responsible owner not too far away, so why would your dog need a dog mouthguard? (2)

Here is what our expert panel have to say on the subject:

1. In Stressful Situations

Is your dog so terrified of the V-E-T that you have to refer to it as the V-E-T otherwise they will run and hide under the kitchen table?

The V-E-T only brings poking, prodding, and discomfort for them. And can you blame them?

I bet you have avoided your yearly check-up at the dentist for the very same reasons.

If your dog is likely to lash out violently in these situations, a muzzle is not a bad idea to protect you, the vet, and anyone else who may cross their path during this high-stress situation.

Other examples of stressful situations include:

Playgrounds or areas with a high influx of young children if your dog is wary of children

In large crowds, if your dog is anxious

During grooming sessions

2. During Walks (if necessary)

I didn’t want to muzzle my dog but with his history of violent outbursts even at home, it was a bit irresponsible to take him around town and on free walks without decent protection for any unsuspecting passer-by. Walks are very unpredictable. If another dog were to dart out and cause a fight, it could end really poorly for both canines. When walking a dog with a nervous disposition - and a strong one at that - it is better to be safe than sorry.

Are Muzzles Cruel?

Muzzling can absolutely be cruel if used in a demeaning, destructive or malicious way. (3) As can all tools. The same could be said about dog crates or barking collars. There is a shadow side to all of these things. We asked our experts to share ideas for ensuring your muzzling your dog humanely. Here's their advice:

1. Don’t use the muzzle all of the time

The first thing to note is that a muzzle shouldn’t be worn all of the time. It should be used alongside gentle, encouraging, positive training techniques to end the problematic biting habit that your dog has.

2. A comfortable fit is extremely important

A dog muzzle for biting should fit properly. No muzzle should completely close your dog’s mouth, allowing for no movement at all. As the Pet Historian said, even in Victorian times they were made with the free movement of the dog’s snout in mind. They are simply a guard so they can’t attack anyone.

As for sizing, this is the one product category where I can’t shake my fists in rage at how they discriminate on dogs of different shapes and sizes. Products in the canine industry usually favour small dogs and leave large dogs with fewer options. A decent size range is very easy to find here. There are muzzles for small dogs just as there are for large dogs. No biter is left behind.

If a large dog is fitted with a small dog muzzle, it could lead to chafing and sores caused by the material rubbing around their neck, ears and snout. A good, comfortable fit is paramount to ensuring your dog isn’t unhappy wearing a muzzle.

3. Read your dog’s body language to figure out what is best for them

Lastly, I can only speak from my own experience. My German Shepherd never showed any signs of distress or discomfort when wearing his muzzle. In fact, putting his muzzle on was always a welcomed sign that he was going for a walk, so he associated it with good things.

But you know your dog best.

If they seem depressed or agitated because of the muzzle, you should look into other techniques and tools to help solve your dog’s biting habit. (4)

How To Use A Dog Muzzle Effectively

So, we have established that muzzles generally aren’t cruel if used correctly. Now let’s discuss how to effectively use them. (5)

Step 1: Let them get used to the muzzle

It’s a terrible idea to approach your dog and stick a muzzle on them straight away. After all, the reason you are likely fitting them a muzzle in the first place is for a biting habit right? Which assumes a nervous disposition. Going straight in with a muzzle to an unsuspecting snout is a recipe for disaster.

Allow your dog to sniff and inspect the muzzle in their own time. Be encouraging with your voice as your dog investigates this new tool.

Step 2: Use treats to bribe them

This works best with basket muzzles. You can slather on some peanut butter at the snout end of the muzzle to entice your dog to stick their nose in on their own. Don’t coax them in and strap up the muzzle at this stage. Just allow them to lick the bottom of the muzzle and naturally feel the sensation of having their snout in the muzzle.

Step 3: Try holding the straps in place

Once you have done this bribery trick a few times without fastening the straps, try holding the straps in place behind your dog’s ears. How are they reacting? Are they scared or distressed? Do they feel a little confused but generally okay? If your dog is feeling okay, give them lots of praise and you can move onto the next step.

Step 4: Leave the muzzle on for a short period of time

Once your dog is relatively calm with the muzzle being held in place, try fasting the straps and leaving the muzzle on for a short period of time. And by short, I mean short. 30 seconds for the first go. Then build up to 1 min, 2 mins, 5 mins, 10 mins and so on. It’s best to do this around the house for the first instance and engage your dog in fun activities while they acclimatise to the sensation.

Step 5: Lengthen the time the muzzle is on until your dog is completely comfortable

When you get them to a place where they can have their muzzle on for the length of your average walk, you are ready to use it as intended. Our independent experts note that these former acclimatisation steps are crucial to your dog’s success with a mouth guard.

Basket vs Soft Dog Muzzles

Baskerville muzzles, also known as “basket muzzles”, are the traditional cage-like structures often used in muzzle design. These look scary but they are actually quite freeing because they allow plenty of airflow and free movement of your dog’s jaw. Dogs find it easy to breathe, eat, drink and pant with a basket muzzle on.

The con here is, unfortunately, the look.

Let’s go back to my German Shepherd for a second. It was quite a few years ago so the only muzzle we could find to fit him was a terracotta-coloured basket muzzle. And while we knew that he was in training and improving every day, the muzzle sent an instant shot of panic on sight to passers-by. It is a deeply ingrained connotation that a muzzled dog must be dangerous. Which… in a way, yes, but not in an uncontrollable way that people should be afraid of.

Therefore, soft muzzles were invented as the gentler-looking counterpart to the traditional Baskerville models. You can get some really cool dog muzzles in the soft style because the fabric has the option to be coloured and/or patterned.

That said, soft muzzles aren’t perfect either. Because of the way they are constructed, they do have less free movement of the jaw. The recommendations we have made below all have movement of the jaw, but it is worth noting that it will always be a little less than the basket option.

My Final Thoughts On The Best Dog Muzzle In Australia

Overall, for most breeds, our team of independent experts believe that the Mayerzon muzzle will work wonderfully. It is durable, has a good size range and does everything you need a muzzle to do. If you want a design that is less “cagey,” then we think the Goodboy model is quite a nice one. The soft inner lining is comfortable for your pup while still doing the duties of a muzzle.

Of course, for short-snout dogs, you have to be a bit more purposeful with your shopping. We highly recommend the TANDD model for them.

References:

1. Grier, K. August 20, 2015. “Dog Muzzles and City Dogs, 1900”. The Pet Historian. Retrieved March 25, 2023. https://thepethistorian.com/2015/08/20/dog-muzzles-and-city-dogs-1900/
2. Gibeault, S. September 1, 2021. “Dog Muzzles: When, Why, and How to Correctly Use Them”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved March 25, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-muzzles-when-why-how-to-use/
3. Levine, E. September 6, 2017. “To Muzzle or Not to Muzzle: That Is the Question”. Psychology Today.  Retrieved March 25, 2023. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decoding-your-pet/201709/muzzle-or-not-muzzle-is-the-question
4. Stregowski, J. October 27, 2022. “How to Stop Your Dog From Biting”. The Spruce Pets. Retrieved March 25, 2023. https://www.thesprucepets.com/dog-bite-prevention-1117453
5. “How to muzzle train your dog”. PDSA UK. Retrieved March 25, 2023. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/muzzle-training
6.  “Destructive Behavior in Dogs”. June 19, 2009. PetMD. Retrieved March 25, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_destructive_behavior
7. Madson, C. June 6, 2020. “Dog Trainer Tips: Puppy Nipping and Biting”. Preventative Vet. Retrieved March 25, 2023. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/puppy-nipping-and-biting
8. Horwitz, D. “Dog Behavior Problems - Aggression to Family Members - Introduction and Safety”. VCA Hospitals. Retrieved March 25, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-problems-aggression-to-family-members-introduction-and-safety