6 Best Muzzles for Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are affectionately known as “American Gentlemen” because of their well-mannered disposition. They’re distinctive and sport an adorable tuxedo coloring that makes them popular as lap and companion dogs.

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Bostons aren’t typically known as aggressive, but any dog with poor socialization or trauma has the potential to turn aggressive. They’re typically curious and obedient if a little spunky. They have plenty of energy and are a popular favorite for those who like to bring dogs with them wherever they go.

They’re wonderful additions to your family, but if they show some proclivity for biting, you may have to find alternative options to work with training. Dogs that bite aren’t just dangerous. The consequences of biting the wrong person at the wrong time could be severe.

If you’ve gone through the training and you feel like your dog still has a tendency to bite, a good muzzle could help you enjoy the activities you previously loved. If nothing else, it could buy you a few minutes while you handle those razor sharp nails or your groomer cleans out ears. It’s a great way to calm your dog and protect those around your terrier.

Boston Terriers have a lot of energy like others in the same class, so canceling interactions with walks or other exercise isn’t an option. They can be aggressive towards other smaller animals, as well, so there could be some excellent reasons for switching to a muzzle option.

It can be tough to know which muzzle is the right one. Boston Terriers are especially tricky because their face shape doesn’t fit into the typical muzzle design. Instead, you must look for one that considers the unique shape of your Boston Terrier’s face. We’ve got our favorites that should work wonderfully.

In this list, we’ll give you our recommendations for best Boston Terrier muzzle. Plus, we’ll answer some questions you may have about the process and what to expect. Let’s go through a few things and get to those recommendations!

Different Types of Muzzles for Boston Terrier

There are several different types of muzzles, but because your Boston Terrier is a flat nose breed, you may not have much luck with most of them. Some companies have introduced muzzles specifically designed for your Boston Terrier. Let’s take a look at a few options and why they may not work for your Boston.

Slip

These muzzles are typical for veterinarian offices and groomers tools. They’re simple material – usually nylon or polyester – formed into a tube to go over your dog’s snout. The hole at the end allows the nose to remain uncovered. They aren’t for long term use because your dog can’t pant or drink water. They’re the most restrictive type of muzzle and are designed to fully restrain your dog while the groomer works or the vet examines.

Basket Muzzles

These are great for dogs who need some restraint during walks or for longer periods. They feature a basket detail around your dog’s snout and prevent them from biting by providing a barrier. They’re wide enough your dog can still move its jaws and pant, and many allow your dog to drink water or eat while still wearing the muzzle. They’re typically comfortable but shouldn’t cover the dog’s vision.

Soft Muzzles

Trainers sometimes use softer cloth muzzles to deter poor behavior and prevent chewing. They don’t do much for preventing biting, but they can help you redirect your dog to better outcomes. They can also be used in conjunction with other types of training.

Face Muzzles

Flat nosed breeds can’t fit into most styles of muzzle above. They need a specific type of muzzle that accounts for their face shape. Face muzzles fit over the flat portion of the face, preventing bites and staying in place safely. Some have eye holes, and some are entirely mesh, but make sure your dog isn’t irritated by a full mesh style if that’s what you choose.

When and Why Would a Boston Terrier Need a Muzzle?

Some people may be hesitant to try muzzles, but there are some circumstances where a muzzle makes things easier. Here are a few common ones.

Emergency Care

If your dog needs care right now, you don’t have time to handle aggression. Even the best-behaved dog will lash out if in enough pain and fear, so having a muzzle on hand ensures your companion gets care as quickly as possible. It’s good to keep in a first aid kit in your car and in your house for just those purposes.

Grooming and Other Necessities

Grooming is necessary, but nervous dogs sometimes have trouble allowing those activities to happen. Making sure your dog’s nails get trimmed or cleanings happen is a good reason to use a muzzle. These can be simple ones and should be padded a little for more comfort. Your groomer will need a bit longer to do full cleanings, so make sure the muzzle isn’t going to rub or cause issues.

Training and Building Trust

Anxious Boston Terriers may need some gentle redirecting if they’re prone to anxious biting. Training and introducing new situations could be a lot easier with a good muzzle. These muzzle situations are also great for when there will be smaller animals around (something that triggers the terrier evolutionary behavior) or simply other dogs or people where biting may be an issue. It’s for your Boston Terrier’s own safety, and it should help you make these situations more comfortable.

Overall Best Muzzles for a Boston Terriers

Here are our favorite muzzles. Each one should work well with a short-nosed breed like the Boston Terrier and provide durable bite protection.

Four Paws Walkabout Quick Fit Muzzle

Four Paws has a slip style muzzle designed to keep vision free while temporarily restraining the jaw. If your Boston Terrier has a slightly longer snout, you can choose the option for short-nosed breeds to prevent biting.

It fits around your Boston Terrier’s snout but leaves the eyes free. It buckles in the back and is gently padded to prevent rubbing or causing sore spots. The stitching is ultra-durable, and you can throw the muzzle in the wash to clean it after use. Make sure you don’t use this one long term because it does restrict panting.

5 More Top-Rated Boston Terrier Muzzles

For the rest of our choices, these should be great ideas for certain situations. Take a look because you might need a backup or a muzzle for a specific purpose instead.

ProGuard Short Nosed Muzzle

ProGuard’s muzzle is the short-nosed version of a slip muzzle. It covers your terrier’s face and eyes, prompting calming and preventing bites. It uses a durable yet soft material to help your terrier breathe while providing full coverage against bites. Since it fits so snugly against the face, it shouldn’t be worn for very long. It’s intended to be used for quick operations such as vet checkups or grooming sessions that don’t last long. It’s easy to clean and reinforced for longer life. For short term missions, this is an excellent option because it will fold up easily for storage and goes on really quickly.

JYHY Short Snout Dog Muzzle

JYHY’s option leaves the eyes and snout open to help make things more comfortable. Thick padding around the eye sockets help keep the muzzle in place but be careful that you don’t adjust it too tight. The nose is entirely free, and it’s designed to be worn for longer periods, such as when you’re exercising. It’s a soft, durable mesh design with multiple adjustment points for a better fit. It also comes in a few different sizes and is designed with your short-nosed breed in mind.

Aucanus Short Snout Muzzle

This is another option with open eyes and nose. It uses targeted padding to help prevent hot spots and rubbing. Two adjustment points give you a customized fit while several different sizes are also available. Plus, it has a durable, complete mesh all the way around so that your Boston Terrier has better temperature regulation. It’s comfortable and easy to clean, but the design keeps it out of your dog’s mouth, so there’s no tearing risk. For dogs that hate having something over their eyes, even if they’re seeing through a mesh, it offers unobstructed vision.

ProGuard Mesh Muzzle

This muzzle is designed explicitly for the flat nose of your Boston Terrier. It’s intended for short term use for veterinary visits, emergency care, or grooming. It’s good to keep around for those kinds of emergencies when you need to restrain your dog quickly and don’t have time for a lot of different adjustment points. A soft chin strap helps keep things in place and prevent it from irritating your Boston Terrier’s delicate skin around the jawline.

Champion for L&J Pets Leather Short Snout Muzzle

Our last muzzle is fancy for those of you who prefer a leather option. It’s a leather basket style muzzle explicitly designed for short-nosed breeds. It fits over the nose and mouth but allows for some movement and some panting. Leather is sometimes more comfortable for dogs with sensitive skin, and it’s certainly durable. The design is adjustable for a great fit and helps prevent unwanted bites and chewing. It comes in two sizes and two colors with hardware accents.

5 Tips to Properly use a Muzzle with a Boston Terrier

Getting started with a muzzle doesn’t have to be complicated. Even if this is the first time your dog has ever worn a muzzle, you can still ease into it without causing too much stress. Keep these things in mind.

  1. Make sure your dog actually needs a muzzle. Training can go a long way to alleviate some of the issues associated with biting and chewing. A muzzle is typically a last resort for dogs that can’t seem to get over the habit. A muzzle isn’t a replacement for proper training and socialization skills.
  2. Choose the right muzzle. The wrong muzzle could make your dog more aggressive because of discomfort. Consider how and when you’ll use your muzzle and choose a style that fits that circumstance. If necessary, having two different types of muzzles could also make things easier.
  3. Start slowly and work your way up. Your dog may need to get used to having the muzzle around so give your dog time to explore and play. Although your dog shouldn’t be allowed to chew the muzzle, supervised play time where you explore putting it on could go a long way to making things easier.
  4. Reward your Boston Terrier anytime it allows you to get the muzzle near it. Slowly move to putting it over the face without fastening, always praising and rewarding positive interactions your terrier has with the muzzle. It’s essential that you focus on creating good feelings for the muzzle so that your dog will eventually wear it.
  5. Make sure you never focus on negative behavior. Although some dogs may take a while to warm up, that’s normal. If you punish your dog for not wanting to be around the muzzle at first, that could cause your dog to associate bad feelings with the muzzle itself. Stay away from the negative and only focus on the behavior you’d like to see.

FAQ’s Regarding Muzzles for Boston Terrier

Is it cruel to use a muzzle with a Boston Terrier?

A muzzle is cruel if your dog is uncomfortable, but a well fitting muzzle can keep your terrier safe. Muzzles are last resorts, but they do allow certain dogs a measure of freedom they might not get without the muzzle. If your terrier could bite someone, there may be huge consequences, so it’s best to make sure that doesn’t happen. A well fitting, comfortable muzzle is a great idea.

Does my Boston Terrier need a muzzle?

Make sure you go through training first before immediately resorting to a muzzle. Enlisting professional help could also be a good option. Training can sort out those negative behaviors without resorting to a muzzle, but if your dog is a serious bite risk, a muzzle could be your only option. It’s better than getting your dog into trouble with a poorly timed big of aggression.

You should never use your muzzle as a chewing deterrent in the house because muzzles aren’t supposed to be worn longer periods.

Can a muzzle make my Boston Terrier more aggressive?

If your dog is in pain or discomfort because of a poorly fitting muzzle, then yes, it may become more aggressive. However, taking the time to train your dog and make sure it feels safe and secure with the muzzle will prevent overt displays of aggression directly caused by the muzzle itself. There’s no reason to think that a muzzle will make your dog more aggressive just as a rule. It will depend a lot on the individual circumstances and how long you spend acclimating your terrier to the muzzle.

Should I muzzle my Boston Terrier puppy?

We don’t like to see muzzles on puppies because puppies haven’t had much time to train for other behaviors. If a puppy is really aggressive it could be necessary, but we’d go the training route first. Soft muzzles could help redirect behavior and help keep your puppy from engaging in certain behaviors, but overall, it’s probably best to wait.

Make sure your puppy has access to plenty of other dogs for socialization, goes lots of places to help develop a healthy curiosity of the unknown, and has training, so it knows what is good and bad behavior.

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