6 Best Muzzles for Cane Corsos

Although some might mistake the Cane Corso for a large pit bull or even a mastiff, these dogs are a breed unto themselves.

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With rippling muscles, big heads, and alert eyes, the Cane Corso is the “bodyguard” of the dog world. Although it’s unlikely that they would ever attack someone without cause, the Cane Corso isn’t afraid to protect their human companions if they need to.

Originally, Corsi were bred from mastiffs, and used for a variety of different jobs. While the Roman Empire relied on them to charge into enemy lines, farmers used them to hunt, guard livestock, and herd sheep. By the mid-20th century, however, Corsi were almost extinct—political and economic instability throughout London almost wiped this breed out.

Fortunately, Italian breeders managed to rescue the Cane Corso from the brink of extinction after the Society of Cane Corso Lovers was formed in 1983. Today, Corsi might not be charging into battle, but they’ll gladly play a game of fetch or go for a walk in the park. Anyone who owns a Corso knows that as affectionate as these dogs can be, they also tend to be wary of strangers—and, in some cases, downright hostile.

What is the Best Cane Corso Muzzle?

It’s for this reason that many Cane Corso owners choose to train their dogs to wear a muzzle in specific situations. Despite the controversy over muzzles and the aversion that some owners might have to them, organizations like the American Kennel Club support muzzles—and even argue that they can keep your dog and those around you safe in certain cases.

Knowing when to use a muzzle on your Cane Corso is only half the battle. The true challenge is often finding one that’s comfortable, durable, and well-fitting. Luckily, you don’t need to try and guess which one might work for your Cane Corso—we’ve already compiled a list of top-rated products for you to pick from (as well as the best Cane Corso muzzle of 2023).

Keep reading for a closer look at our recommendations, when to use a muzzle, and tips to help train your Corso to wear one:

Different Types of Muzzles for Cane Corsos

Not all muzzles are the same, and it’s important to know the differences between them in order to find the right choice for your Cane Corso. Keep in mind that, at a vet’s office, grooming session, or during an emergency, a muzzle can help prevent an unpredictable situation from turning into a dangerous one.

Soft Muzzles

Soft muzzles provide exactly what their name suggests—soft material that’s designed to fit comfortably around your Corso’s snout. Typically, this material is durable nylon or soft padding.

Regardless of the fabric, most soft muzzles prevent your Cane Corso from opening his mouth. This can stop your dog from biting, barking, or eating off the floor, but it also keeps them from panting or drinking water as well.

While a soft muzzle may be appropriate for short periods of time, you generally don’t want to use them for more than twenty minutes at a time.

Plastic Basket Muzzles

Unlike a soft muzzle, the plastic basket muzzle doesn’t stop your Cane Corso from opening his mouth. It encircles your dog’s mouth like a cage, but won’t prevent them from panting, drinking water, or eating any treats you slip through the holes.

Plastic basket muzzles tend to be more lightweight than wire ones, and may even allow you to “mold” them for a more customized fit.

Wire Basket Muzzles

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to mold a wire basket muzzle. These sturdy muzzles use metal instead of plastic to make up the cage that surrounds your dog’s snout. With the basket design, your Cane Corso shouldn’t have any issues opening up, drinking water, or panting.

As a result, a wire basket muzzle may be more durable and withstand more extreme temperatures better. Keep in mind that, since basket muzzles still let your dog open their mouth, this design won’t prevent them from barking.

When and Why Would a Cane Corso Need a Muzzle?

Contrary to popular belief, muzzles aren’t just for “bad” or “aggressive” dogs. These objects can come in handy in a variety of situations—especially for a large breed like the Cane Corso:

Grooming Sessions or Vet Visits

Corsi tend to be protective dogs, and as a result, often wary of strangers. If your dog tends to be hostile towards people they don’t know, a grooming professional or veterinarian may end up on the wrong side of your dog’s teeth.

If you already know your Corso can be unpredictable or has a history of biting, using a muzzle can be a safety precaution. In some offices, your groomer or vet may actually require that you muzzle your Corso during the session.

Legal Requirements

While the Corso may not have the same reputation as a pit bull or rottweiler, some states or areas may require that you muzzle your dog while you’re in the premises (regardless of their temperament). Many cities are overturning these laws, but many of them are still in effect.

Before traveling anywhere with your Corso, it’s a good idea to check your destination’s regulations about walking large breeds in public.

Emergencies or Threatening Situations

When your Corso is injured, their protective instincts are usually on high-alert. It’s not uncommon for a wounded dog to try and lash out at anyone who gets within biting distance. To make treating your Corso’s wounds easier, a muzzle may prevent them from trying to injure their caregiver.

2023 Best Muzzles for a Cane Corso

There might be plenty of muzzles out there that meet your needs, but only a few will exceed your expectations. Check out our favorite Cane Corso muzzle:

Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle

Best Overall

There are plenty of basket muzzles out there, but few of them will work as well for a Cane Corso as the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle does. Not only does it use thermal plastic rubber that you can mold for a more customized fit, but the Baskerville muzzle also has two different points of attachment and an over-the-head strap that’s completely removable.

Even if color might not play a role in how well the muzzle functions, you can always match your Corso’s coat with the black or tan options.

5 More Top-Rated Cane Corso Muzzles

You might already know what the best Cane Corso muzzle is, but there’s no reason to quit with just one. Here are five more options we recommend:

Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle

For a simple muzzle that can offer a secure, comfortable fit while also keeping your Cane Corso from biting or eating off the floor, the Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle might be the right choice.

Along with being recommended by professional groomers, this simplistic muzzle is also designed to be difficult for dogs to remove. It’s unlikely you’ll pup will be able to slip out of it.

However, you shouldn’t have any issues pulling it off. The Four Paws muzzle is fully adjustable but uses fewer straps and buckles than some other choices. When purchasing, keep in mind that there are seven different sizes to pick from.

Goodboy Gentle Guard Dogs Muzzle

For a muzzle that provides a comfortable fit but still allows your Cane Corso to open his mouth, the Goodboy Gentle Guard Dogs Muzzle may be ideal. In addition to curbing biting or barking, your pup will still be able to eat treats or lap up water.

The soft neoprene padding may be more comfortable than some other choices as well as prevent chafing against your Corso’s snout.

Even if your Cane Corso is an escape artist, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to slip this muzzle off. With a bonus color and quick-release buckles, your dog won’t be able to wiggle out of this one.

Birdwell Enterprises Plastic Coated Nylon Dog Muzzle

Although some plastic basket muzzles may bend or break under the pressure, the Birdwell Enterprises Plastic Coated Nylon Dog Muzzle is made of durable, heavy-duty plastic. Not only can it withstand whatever adventures your Cane Corso goes on, but it won’t melt in extreme temperatures either. The plastic coating makes the product resistant to scratches and odors, but if you do have to clean it, all you need to do is stick it in the washing machine or dishwasher.

Since it is a basket muzzle, your Cane Corso will still be able to pant, lap up water and eat treats with the Birdwell product. In addition to that, the full-basket design will also help prevent your dog from self-chewing or trying to eat food off the floor.

Downtown Pet Supply Quick Fit Dog Muzzle

For a muzzle that you can slip on and off without any trouble, the Downtown Pet Supply Quick Fit Dog Muzzle may be just what you need. This muzzle uses strong nylon fabric to ensure that it won’t tear or break (even after a little rough play). There is only one adjustable strap and quick-release buckle to simplify the process for you.

Since there are several different sizes to pick from, it’s important that you find the right size for your dog. Fortunately, Downtown Pet Supply includes their own instructions to getting the perfect fit, but also encourage anyone to contact them with additional questions about measuring their dog.

CollarDirect Adjustable Nylon Mask Dog Muzzle

Although you’ll want to make sure you purchase the correct size, the CollarDirect Adjustable Nylon Mask Dog Muzzle is a great choice for many breeds—including the Cane Corso. There are two separate pieces to ensure that you get as comfortable of a fit as possible.

When you’re done using the muzzle, taking it off your Cane Corso is as easy as pressing on the quick-release buckles. The durable nylon construction on this muzzle is also designed to guarantee that it holds up over time. Even if color might not affect how well the muzzle works, the CollarDirect muzzle comes in both black and bright red.

Keep in mind that since each size is meant for dogs with certain measurements, it’s crucial that you measure the circumference and length of your Cane Corso’s snout beforehand.

5 Tips to Properly use a Muzzle with a Cane Corso

  1. Let your Cane Corso make the introductions. Instead of trying to wrestle the muzzle onto your Corso’s head, the process will be much easier if you allow your dog to approach the muzzle on their own. All you need to do is place it on the ground beside them, and let them sniff it. If you find your dog is uninterested, try placing a few treats on top or inside the muzzle.
  2. Once your Cane Corso has sniffed the muzzle, put some treats inside and allow your dog to eat them. However, instead of letting your Corso get up and walk away when they’re done, make sure that you’re the one who pulls the muzzle away.
  3. After they’re comfortable with placing their head inside, try keeping your Corso’s nose in the muzzle for short increments of time before pulling the garment away. You can start at 30 seconds but just hold them there. Don’t strap them into the muzzle yet.
  4. Once your Corso will keep their head inside the muzzle for around two minutes, you can try strapping the muzzle on. Be sure to feed your Corso treats throughout the process.
  5. Take your Corso out for a short walk. Not only will walking outside let your dog adjust, but your Corso may even begin to associate the muzzle with one of their favorite past-times: going outside.

Finding the right muzzle is crucial, but it can be pointless if you don’t correctly train your Cane Corso to wear it.

FAQ’s Regarding Muzzles for Cane Corsos

Does my Cane Corso need to wear a muzzle?

If you already know your Cane Corso has aggressive tendencies or may lash out, you’ll definitely want to muzzle them if you plan to go to the vet or take a walk through a crowded area. Regardless of their behavior, some groomers or veterinarians will require that a Cane Corso stay muzzled.  An emergency is another situation that may call for a muzzle.

Will wearing a muzzle make my Cane Corso more aggressive?

Wearing a muzzle will not make your Cane Corso any more aggressive than they already are. However, keep in mind that how you train your Corso to wear the muzzle may play a role in how happy or unhappy they are to wear it.

What is the best Cane Corso muzzle type?

The answer may depend on your dog’s temperament, but the best Cane Corso muzzle tends to be a wire or plastic basket muzzle. Since your Corso can still open his mouth and drink water, he may be more comfortable wearing the muzzle for longer periods of time.

How long should I let my Cane Corso wear a muzzle for?

Even if you do purchase a basket muzzle that lets your Corso pant and drink water, you still shouldn’t let your dog wear it for more than an hour. Soft muzzles that restrict your dog from opening his mouth should be worn for even less time.

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