10 Best Muzzles for Pitbulls in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are a lot of reasons you might need a muzzle for your Pitbull. Some pick up everything they see, from wildlife poo to tennis balls. Others get anxious and might snap at vets or approaching dogs. A muzzle gives you confidence when heading out of the house, making it easier and less stressful to walk your pup. Pitbulls have strong jaws and strong bites, which means that you do need to ensure a strong, secure muzzle. And while some muzzles are sized according to ideal breeds, you should measure your dog’s snout and ensure that you buy a muzzle that fits properly so that it does its job while also being comfortable for your dog.

Below, we have included reviews of 10 of the best muzzles for Pitbulls, as well as a guide to buying the ideal muzzle for your dog.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

The 10 Best Muzzles for Pitbulls

Pitbulls are renowned for their strong jaws and mouths, which means that any muzzle needs to be tough and strong. Leather is a good choice of material for a Pitbull muzzle because it is naturally strong.

The CollarDirect Leather Dog Muzzle for Staffordshire & Terrier dogs is designed for the unique shape and size of Pitbull muzzles while also being highly durable. Despite this, it has a breathable cage design so your dog will be comfortable wearing it and won’t feel restricted while sniffing and moving. The muzzle is reasonably priced and as well as leather, it uses metal rivets to help maintain its rigidity.

While this is the best overall muzzle for Pitbulls, thanks to its strength and the use of durable materials, its design means that determined Pitbulls will be able to pull the muzzle off using their paws.

The Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle isn’t specifically designed for Pitbulls and similar breeds, but it does come in a good variety of sizes, including the size 4 which is likely ideal for smaller Pitbulls and the size 5 for larger dogs. It has a rubber basket at the front and tough nylon straps to keep it in place. It is very reasonably priced, hence it is our choice as the best muzzle for Pitbulls for the money.

Unfortunately, this is a basket muzzle design and the Baskerville suffers the same fate that many of these types of muzzle also suffer—it can be easily removed by your dog if it tries using its paws and claws to pull at the basket. But, because it is a basket muzzle, it does allow your dog the freedom to breathe easily and even enables you to feed treats, which can be especially beneficial if you’re at the vet.

It is important, when sizing up for a muzzle, that you measure your dog, rather than rely solely on sizing guides that are based on breed. Measure the length of your dog’s snout and the circumference and look for muzzles that match. This CollarDirect Leather Basket Dog Muzzle for Pitbulls may not be ideal for every individual dog, with a slightly longer but less girthy measurement than is typical for dogs of this breed. But if yours is a Pitbull-type breed, a cross, or it simply doesn’t have the typical snout measurements for a Pitbull, it could be ideal.

The muzzle is on the expensive side, but it is made from leather and uses metal rivets to help ensure rigidity and stability. Overall, this is a good muzzle and is a good choice for those dogs that might not fit other muzzle types designed specifically for the breed.

Wearing a muzzle can be an alien prospect to some dogs and the feeling of having something around their snout, restricting the movement of their snout, can be enough to send dogs into a tailspin—literally. Getting them used to wearing a muzzle when still a puppy can help desensitize the dog to wearing a muzzle, but it is unlikely that you will need a large leather or rubber basket design at this age.

A nylon muzzle makes a good option for puppies and young dogs. It allows them to get used to the sensation of wearing a muzzle without the discomfort of a hard basket. The muzzle is less uncomfortable, and it still provides a barrier between your dog’s mouth and items it might try to pick up or bite. The Coastal Pet Products Best Fit Adjustable Comfort Dog Muzzle comes in a range of sizes, suitable for Pitbulls of most ages.

The muzzle is well-priced, but it does use quite a lot of Velcro to fasten the straps, which can make it uncomfortable, especially if your Pitbull is still carrying its fluffy puppy hair. And the nylon won’t last long if your puppy likes to chew.

The Pacify Dog Muzzles Reflective Basket Muzzle is a silicone basket muzzle that is more flexible than harder materials like rubber and leather but still offers protection and ensures your dog’s snout stays where it’s supposed to. The basket design ensures that your dog can breathe comfortably and can drink water while walking. As well as being durable, the nylon straps also have a reflective strip so your dog is visible in all weather and lighting conditions, while out walking, and this reflective pattern is continued on the webbing around the chest and back too.

The muzzle is very reasonably priced, but the basket is still difficult for dogs to drink from, and the measurements mean that the Pacify may not be suitable for all Pitbulls because of their snout shape compared to other breeds.

Basket muzzles can look unsightly and are restrictive, but they do tend to offer the best prevention for dogs that tend to bite. The dog can’t bite through the basket and because it sits a little way from the teeth, it also prevents the dog from being able to chew the basket itself off. The Dog Muzzle Basket Muzzle for Biting is a silicone basket with nylon straps. It comes in a variety of sizes, including the large size that should fit Pitbulls’ heads.

It is reasonably priced, although not the cheapest, and because the muzzle doesn’t connect to a collar it can be removed by a wily dog that backs away and uses its claws to push the muzzle away from the snout.

The average Pitbull’s snout measures 13 x 3.5 inches. Although you do need to measure your dog’s snout to ensure that it will fit snugly and comfortably in any muzzle you buy, this Pitbull Dog Muzzle has been designed specifically for use with the breed. It is made of tough leather so it will withstand the Pitbull’s strong bite and jaw strength, and it is designed to fit around a Pitbull’s snout shape. It is expensive compared to most, as a result of its leather and metal rivet design.

Despite being tough and difficult to destroy, the leather is flexible so it is more comfortable than some of the harder material muzzles, but it can be removed with a well-placed paw and enough pressure.

The Bronzedog Pitbull Dog Muzzle Breathable Metal Basket consists of leather straps and a metal basket. The basket provides a solid cage covering around the snout while still allowing the dog room to move and to lick its nose. Made from stainless steel, the basket is tough, safe if your dog licks it, and it shouldn’t degrade even if it gets wet. The shape also allows your dog to lap at the water but provides a secure barrier for visiting the vet or if your dog is reactive while on the leash.

As well as the soft nylon straps, the Bronzedog Pitbull Dog Muzzle Breathable Metal Basket also has neoprene padding to provide a padded barrier between the muzzle and the dog’s face. It is restrictive (it’s designed to be) but the Bronzedog is one of the most expensive muzzles on the list.

Mesh muzzles aren’t recommended for dogs that are considered a bite risk, because the mesh doesn’t provide enough protection or prevention. However, they can be useful to stop your dog from picking up everything it passes and can also be useful for friendly dogs that are required to wear a muzzle in certain situations.

This Soft Mesh Covered Muzzle uses a soft mesh, which means that the sides will fold in and the muzzle won’t provide a barrier to prevent bites. It is soft and comfortable, though, and as well as being useful for dogs that aren’t a bite risk, it is also a good training muzzle that will get your dog accustomed to having to wear one before putting on a bigger, heavier design. And, because it is a mesh design, it is cheaper than the hard leather and metal cage muzzles.

The Dog Muzzle Breathable Basket Muzzle is a hard rubber basket muzzle. The rubber is non-toxic so is safe for your dog to wear. It is durable but can be widened or narrowed according to the size of your dog’s snout. The basket does allow some freedom to lap at drinks and take small treats, although your dog won’t be able to eat food through the muzzle. The adjustable nylon neck strap means the muzzle can be adjusted to fit your dog’s neck and the basket fits comfortably around your dog’s face.

However, the harness does not attach to a collar which makes it easier for your dog to remove by pulling back against the harness with its paws.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Muzzle for Pitbulls

Most dogs dislike them when they first have to wear them, and a lot of owners are resistant to their use, but muzzles serve some very useful purposes. They are important if you have an aggressive dog that reacts to other dogs or people, but they can also be useful to stop your dog from eating everything it walks past and can help control a dog that snaps when it is stressed or worried about a particular situation. But you must get a muzzle that is suitable for your dog, including its measurements.

Why Do Pitbulls Need Muzzles?

Pitbulls do have a reputation for being fearsome and potentially aggressive dogs, although the majority are loving, loyal, and perfectly calm dogs. Their history as bull-baiters and fighting dogs means that some states and cities prohibit the ownership of these dogs, while some countries around the world have banned the Pitbull. With that said, there is no reason that a Pitbull that is well socialized from a young age, undergoes regular training, and enjoys the care and love of its family cannot grow up to be a calm, soft dog.

As such, some Pitbulls do not require muzzles at all. Others might be reactive when walking and they meet other dogs, which means that they lunge and potentially attack other dogs. They may be reactive when visiting the vet or partaking in any other visit that the dog doesn’t like. And some people have their dogs wear muzzles when walking to prevent them from picking up litter and other objects.

Uses for a Muzzle

How To Train Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle

Some dogs might take to wearing a muzzle instantly, but the majority find the muzzle to be alien when they first wear them. It can take time and some training to ensure your dog is happy wearing one.

Muzzle Fit

When buying a muzzle, it does need to be a good fit. Most muzzles offer measurements for the length and circumference, or girth, or the muzzle that you can match to the measurements of your dog’s snout. Even those manufacturers that size their muzzles as medium or large will usually give a fitting guide. Avoid using the breed guide when choosing size because every dog is different and while some Pitbulls might have a longer snout than others, yours might have a shorter and girthier snout.

Use a tape measure, measure the girth around the nose approximately one inch above the tip of the nose, and measure from the tip of the nose to the top, just below the middle of the eyes.

Muzzle Material

There are different styles of muzzle, as well as a range of different materials. Basket muzzles tend to offer the greatest protection and are usually made from metal or leather. Leather is flexible but metal offers the most secure bondage and is better suited to dogs that are prone to biting and lunging.

When Should a Dog Be Muzzled?

A dog should be muzzled whenever it is likely to pose any kind of threat to people or dogs. Whether your dog is leash reactive or aggressively attacks people that approach, you need to ensure that it is muzzled, for the good of people and your pup. If you are visiting the vet, it is also a good idea to put a muzzle on because some dogs don’t react well to being prodded and probed.

And, if public transport or any other venue or location requests that you put a muzzle on your dog before allowing you entry, it will be necessary then, too.

How Long Should a Dog Wear a Muzzle?

Dogs shouldn’t wear muzzles all day, especially the tight mesh muzzles that can restrict breathing somewhat. In all cases, a muzzle stops the dog from being able to comfortably and easily drink water or eat food. Put the muzzle on when out walking or visiting the vet and remove it when you get home and as long as there is no longer a threat. Ideally, a fabric muzzle should be left on for no longer than 30 minutes. A basket muzzle can be worn a little longer because it is less likely to restrict breathing and movement.

Conclusion

Muzzles need to be worn by any dog that poses a bite risk to other dogs, people, or other animals. They can also be beneficial if you have a dog that likes to pick up and eat everything. Whatever the reason for one, getting a comfortable and effective muzzle for your Pitbull is important.

Above, we have included reviews of 10 of the best muzzles for Pitbulls. CollarDirect Leather Dog Muzzle for Staffordshire & Terrier is the best overall because the leather is flexible, durable, and protective. For a muzzle on a budget, the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle is affordable while also being durable and high quality.

Featured Image Credit: Chitorok, Shutterstock