Although the Pitbull does not deserve its fearsome reputation, there can be no doubt that they are a rowdy breed. When you combine that rowdiness with a powerful set of jaws, you have an animal that requires a little bit more caution and diligence on your part. So, let’s attempt to find the best muzzle for Pitbull dogs.
Quick Picks: The 5 Top-Rated Pitbull Muzzles
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Before we look at some of these muzzles, we would like to give you a little bit of background information on this breed and its nature. We will also discuss how you can evaluate the potential effectiveness of these products.
Why Might A Pitbull Need A Muzzle?
As with any breed of dog, the personality of a Pitbull can be understood by looking at their origins. Although your Pit might be very friendly and loveable, you should remember that your dog’s ancestors were developed to kill other animals for human amusement.
All owners must acknowledge this ugly fact because Pitbulls tend to be more aggressive toward other dogs. Like any dog, they will chase cats. However, a Pitbull is more likely to catch and kill a cat. The good news is that Pitbulls are not normally aggressive to humans. When this kind of dog develops human-directed aggression, it is almost always the result of human abuse.
Regardless of any of that, you have a responsibility to other dog owners to muzzle your Pitbull if you choose to bring them out in public. When they lock down with those powerful jaws, it can be very hard to get them loose, and they can kill a cat or a small dog with a speed that is (quite honestly) scary.
Is The Pitbull A Dangerous Dog?
The Pitbull is not an inherently dangerous breed, at least not to humans. However, Pitbulls are inherently dangerous to other animals. You cannot blame the breed for this fact, because we humans are the ones who taught them to kill other animals. As such, any fault with the breed could only be a fault in ourselves.
Since most of us no longer enjoy the kinds of animal bloodsports that were popular in the past, today’s Pitbulls are mostly good pets and even better guard dogs. However, they will always carry a certain amount of those ancient tendencies. You especially have to watch two adult males anytime they are in close proximity.
There is a flip side to the rowdy nature of the Pitbull, and it is often ignored by the media, and others who enjoy demonizing this fine breed. The fact is, a Pitbull is more likely to save your life than they are to take your life.
In any given year, the total number of humans killed by dogs is very small. Fifty deaths per year would be considered a very high number for this particular cause of death. Your chances of being killed by any dog are about 1 in 112,400. By contrast, we can find case after case after case of Pitbulls saving human life in various ways. Just understand the fact that you are dealing with a territorial creature, and you should have no worries.
What Should I Look For in a Muzzle for Pitbulls?
There are several important qualities that a Pitbull muzzle must have. Whatever you do, don’t go with one of those weak little light-duty muzzles. These things will not hold up to the resistance of a strong and determined dog. This is a piece of equipment that can cause a lot of problems if it fails, so durability is the number one factor.
Look for a muzzle that is secured in place by thick straps, and make sure that the straps are fully adjustable. If they aren’t, you can poke a few holes in the straps to get them a little tighter. You also need to make sure that the business end of the muzzle is composed of a rigid material. Steel is best, but thick leather is also an option.
From your dog’s perspective, you need to think about comfort and breathing. You don’t want to make them any more uncomfortable than necessary. When your dog is wearing the muzzle, listen closely to their breathing, and make sure that they are getting enough air.
You also need to make sure that there aren’t any pieces of rough steel rubbing against their skin or teeth. On that same subject, you want a muzzle that presents no possibility of the dog grabbing metal wire with their teeth. Although they are unlikely to break steel, they could easily break their teeth.
Finally, you need to make sure that your muzzle encloses the jaws of the dog in a secure fashion while also allowing them to drink. Usually, it doesn’t take a large gap for the dog to put their tongue through and lap up some water. However, you need to keep your dog hydrated on long walks, and you don’t need a muzzle getting in your way.
Product Reviews of the Best Muzzle for Pitbull
CollarDirect Pitbull Dog Muzzle
This looks to be the toughest and most heavily reinforced muzzle on our list. That’s good because it’s also one of the cheapest. There are a few good things to be said about this design, so let’s start with the durability factor.
On toughness alone, this muzzle gets high marks. The entire thing is made so that, even if one of the straps were to break, there would be another strap to serve as a backup. However, there is a price to pay for this extra security. The muzzle is heavier and bulkier, and a little more awkward for both you and the dog.
I like the thickness on these straps, as they inspire confidence. The nose is completely open to the air, so breathing shouldn’t be an issue. However, this muzzle does not give your dog any realistic way to drink water.
Pros:
- Highly reinforced
- Straps are nice and thick
- Fully adjustable on top and bottom
- Inexpensive
- Open nose design doesn’t compromise breathing
Cons:
- Kind of heavy and bulky
- Metal studs rub against the dogs’ skin
- Makes it very hard for the dog to drink
Collardirect Leather Basket Muzzle
This is a basket-type muzzle, meaning that it encloses the entire snout. This can be a good thing, as it makes the whole thing more difficult to remove. In spite of enclosing the whole snout, this muzzle shouldn’t restrict the ability to breathe or drink. It has openings on both top and bottom.
The leather is nice and thick, and it seems to be of high quality. However, I am concerned about the lack of reinforcement. This muzzle would fail to do its job if any of its parts were to fail. There are no backup straps or extra studs, and this presents a safety issue.
An all-leather model like this could also stretch over time and cause problems. That being said, this is a simple, effective, and comfortable design. It is available in multiple sizes and is quite inexpensive to boot.
Pros:
- Construction is simple and solid
- Allow for easy drinking
- Inexpensive
- Completely encloses the snout
- Doesn’t make breathing difficult
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons:
- Straps are not wide enough
- No reinforcement
- Leather may stretch over time
Bronzedog Wire Basket Muzzle
Now we are getting into the steel-wire muzzles, which have traditionally been used for serious cases. This one is definitely made of strong material, but the leather straps could stand to be a little thicker. They aren’t bad, but I would want them just a little beefier for safety’s sake.
The padded nosepiece gives this model some serious points in the comfort department, but these points are lost when we examine the wire frame. There is a spot in which a small piece of wire sticks out from the basket, and it’s pointing straight at the dog’s neck. This is a serious problem, but it can be corrected by grinding down that nub with a file or grinding wheel. Make sure you finish with sandpaper to get it nice and smooth.
Pros:
- Double-walled wire is very secure
- Very effective at preventing bites
- Padded nosepiece makes it a little more comfortable
- Allows for panting and drinking
- Adjustable on top and bottom
Cons:
- Wire frame pokes into the dog’s neck
- Leather straps might not be thick enough
- Does not allow eating
- Makes drinking somewhat harder
DML Leather Basket Muzzle
This is another example of an all-leather muzzle, but they seem to have corrected the stretching problem. This product is advertised as being made of leather that will not stretch over time. This is a little hard to believe, considering that all leather tends to stretch, but we will take these claims at face value. This muzzle also refrains from restricting drinking, eating, or breathing in any way.
However, we do have some concerns about the durability of this product. The straps that hold it together are too thin. Pitbulls are just too strong for these little straps. With no extra studs or straps for reinforcement, the cost of this product seems to be a little excessive. Still, it might be ideal for a young Pitbull.
Pros:
- Adjustable on top and bottom
- Easy to put on and take off
- Well-ventilated
- Non-stretch leather
- Doesn’t restrict drinking or panting
Cons:
- Leather is too soft and flexible
- Somewhat expensive
- Straps are definitely too thin
- No extra straps or studs to reinforce the product
Dean and Tyler DT Freedom Muzzle
This might be the most hardcore muzzle on this list, as square-basket muzzles are usually reserved for the most aggressive dogs. It is also the most expensive muzzle on the list by a significant margin.
Unlike the other wire-cage muzzle on this list, this one is made of smooth steel and is free of irritating burrs and protrusions. Ventilation is obviously a non-issue with this kind of muzzle.
However, we do have a couple of concerns with this. First, there is no muzzle top strap. The entire apparatus is held in place with only one strap. This problem is made greater by the awkward weight of the muzzle, which tends to drag the dog’s head down. Also, that one strap that holds it all together is too thin and has no reinforcement studs or extra straps. Overall, this is an excellent muzzle, but for the amount of money that it costs, they really should have included a top strap and a reinforced bottom strap.
Pros:
- Very secure-prevents all opportunity to bite
- Ventilation is not a problem at all
- Steel is smooth and free of burrs
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons:
- No top strap
- Unbalanced (too heavy in the front)
- Straps need reinforcing
Final Thoughts
Taking your Pitbull out for a walk does not have to be a nerve-wracking experience. In spite of the rowdiness for which the breed is known, they will respond to consistent direction and clear instructions. A muzzle can be a great way of letting them know that it is time to calm down and behave, though you should never use it as a punishment. We wish you the best of luck, and we hope that both you and your favorite bully enjoy a long and happy friendship.