In this guide, we look at some of the top rated muzzles that might suit German Shepherds.
We look at the top brands and products.
There’s also a few different styles of muzzles to choose from.
Let’s take a look!
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
Best Muzzle For A German Shepherd
A few of the most popular muzzles at the moment might include:
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- Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle (on Chewy)
- Baskerville 5-Inch Rubber Ultra Muzzle (on Amazon)
- Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle (on Chewy)
- Coastal Best Fit Mesh Muzzle (on Amazon)
Best Muzzle For German Shepherd: Reviews
Coastal Best Fit Mesh Muzzle
What’s Good About It?
A temporary muzzle
Easy to adjust
Comfortable
Range of sizes for different dog snout sizes (you can search Amazon for ‘coastal best fit mesh muzzle’ and the different sizes come up)
Coastal recommends a size 7 for German Shepherd sized snouts – size 7 is for 9 1/2 inch snouts/nose circumference measured from the tip of the mouth/nose
Padded around the nose area
Made of nylon which feels strong and well made
Open mesh design to allow airflow between the muzzle
Open end of the muzzle to allow your dog to breathe
What Could Be Improved?
This is definitely not a muzzle for big, strong, aggressive dogs – if they struggle hard enough, they can probably dislodge the muzzle and chew it up. Get a caged muzzle if this is a concern for you
What Else Might You Get With This Muzzle?
Nothing
Where To Check It Out
Baskerville 5-Inch Rubber Ultra Muzzle
What’s Good About It?
Very affordable for a decent quality basket muzzle
Comes in black or tan colours
Full cage/basket muzzle that covers the snout
Rubber is more comfortable than the metal muzzles
Dog can still drink, pant, breathe and eat treats in this muzzle
Plenty of ventilation
Straps are easy to adjust and decent quality/durable
Range of sizes available – the size recommended for GSD’s is a size 5 which has an inside circumference of 14 inches – make sure you pay attention to the sizing chart though
What Could Be Improved?
Takes a little bit of practice to get the muzzle to sit right on the snout
If your dog is constantly banging the muzzle against other objects with decent force, the inside of the muzzle might graze their nose because there isn’t a tonne of padding on the inside – but not an issue for most dogs
If you want to sacrifice some comfort, but you absolutely need the extra protection for the most powerful and aggressive dogs, a full head metal basket muzzle might be a better option
What Else Might You Get With This Muzzle?
Nothing
Where To Check It Out
Best Muzzle For German Shepherd: Buyer’s Guide
What Is A Muzzle
A muzzle is usually a nylon, leather or metal device that fasten’s over a dog’s muzzle/nose/mouth.
It can be either a temporary or permanently used device.
Types of Muzzles
Materials can be divided by the type of the muzzle, and also the material:
Nylon/Soft Fabric
Plastic
Vinyl
Leather
Metal
Shapes Of Muzzles
Basket Muzzle (mouth is fully enclosed by the muzzle)
Tube Muzzle (the end of the muzzle is open, and the main body of the muzzle constricts the mouth)
What Are Muzzles Used For?
Muzzles are mainly used by owners to prevent aggressive behavior like biting, nipping and any use of the mouth to harm other animals and humans.
They might also be used in working applications like in the police force for example when the dog is patrolling and not required to seize suspects.
They do this by constricting the dog’s mouth from opening wide enough to bite or attack.
When Might You Use A Muzzle?
In some places it is law for some types of dogs to wear muzzles in certain areas – so check the laws in your area.
Before you consider using a muzzle as a permanent solution, you want to make sure you have approached a professional trainer and asked them how to best socialise and train your dog.
Dogs are are animals, so once they have shown a tendency to either nip, bite or be aggressive, even the best training won’t guarantee they don’t do it again.
But, that’s not an excuse to just get a muzzle without making an attempt to minimise the aggressive behavior.
Aggressive behavior is usually not because the dog is naturally nasty, but rather that they have either had a negative experience in the past, or they get scared or stressed and bite as a way of defending themselves and making themselves feel safe.
You might choose to use a muzzle on your dog in one or several of the following circumstances:
If you have visited an animal professional in the past and asked for their advice
If you have attempted training and socialisation for your dog
If your dog has shown aggressive traits in the past to humans and other animals
If your dog has nipped at friends and family members in the past
If your dog shows signs or territorial or intimidating behavior
If you know that your dog has trigger situations which make them feel stressed, threatened or scared – and you think there is a possibility they could get aggressive in those situations in the future e.g. visiting the vet,
You need at least a temporary solution to your dog’s aggressive behavior because either the dog or other animals or humans are at immediate risk
If your dog hasn’t shown signs of aggressive behavior, but you want to make others are safe in a particular situation as a preventative measure
When the law requires you to use a muzzle
Specific examples a dog might be muzzled might be when bringing home a new baby, when children or strangers visit the house, when your dog visits the vet or is being operated on, when your dog goes into public areas, when your dog goes to the dog park, and so on.
The decision is ultimately yours, as you are liable for your dog’s actions.
If you are seriously concerned about your dog’s behavior, think very seriously about taking them to the vet for a referral to an animal behavioural specialist.
Safety When Wearing A Muzzle
Once again, ask your animal expert what the safest muzzle is for your GSD, but some guidelines you can take into consideration are:
Soft materials like nylon and rubber can be more comfortable than metal and leather (although metal might be required for particularly strong or aggressive dogs)
Make sure your GSD has enough room and airflow in the muzzle to breathe, drink water and eat
Try not to leave the muzzle on permanently – 20 minute periods is generally a good and safe time period
If it’s hot – be very cautious about using a muzzle
If you see your dog is visibly distressed – take them to a safe isolated place, and remove the muzzle
What Size Of Muzzle To Get For A German Shepherd?
Different manufacturers have different dimensions for different sizes of their muzzles.
The best way to figure out the best muzzle size for your GSD is to measure your GSD’s snout in both length and width/diameter.
Match those dimensions up to the dimensions recommended by the manufacturer for each size.
A German Shepherd usually takes either a Large or Extra Large size – but check the dimensions.
Should You Get A Basket Muzzle For A German Shepherd or A Tube Muzzle?
It depends what you’re looking for.
Basket muzzles are fully enclosed, whilst tube muzzles are more open at the end.
Get professional advice if you are unsure.
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