7 Best Whippet Muzzles + Snug Fit Tricks and Muzzle Use Tips
Contents
- The kinds of muzzles we review in this article
- Sizing your whippet for a comfortable (and safe) muzzle fit
- The potential benefits and drawbacks of muzzling your pet
- Frequently asked questions about whippet muzzles (and muzzles in general)
Hopefully, by the end of this article, we’ll have answered some of the questions you need most to get started.
As a member of the sighthound family, whippets often have a very high prey drive. This can make wearing a muzzle more vital than it would be for another breed of dog, especially at places like the vet. Many different types of muzzles exist today – even muzzles specifically designed for whippets and greyhounds – so there’s a lot to sift through! We’ll help you choose the option that works best for you and your dog.
What is the Best Muzzle for a Whippet?
Different Types of Muzzles
There are so many different types of muzzles out there that sometimes it’s difficult to keep track of them all! Besides your basic, one-size-fits-all cloth muzzles, there are leather muzzles, metal muzzles, muzzles made of combinations of materials, and much more out there. There are even muzzles designed for specific breeds, such as this boxer and bulldog muzzle for short-nosed breeds.
However, a short-nosed muzzle is the wrong choice for your whippet. As a breed with a long, thin nose and a streamlined head, whippets can be incredibly challenging to pick out muzzles for. Additionally, because a whippet’s head is often the same size as its neck, a standard muzzle can slip off easily! Whippets and other sighthounds sometimes need extra support around the neck to keep everything safely in place.
In the sections below, we’ll go over the different types of muzzles you’ll see in this guide.
Tube-Type Muzzle
The tube-type muzzle is a familiar style that you’ve probably seen before. Groomers often use this type of muzzle, as do veterinarians. Because this muzzle allows your dog to breathe through its nose easily, it’s less traumatizing for the animal. Additionally, the tube-type muzzle is gentle, comfortable, easy to put on, and easy to adjust.
The tube-type muzzle is one of the best options for your whippet friend because of his long, tapered nose. A whippet’s nose can sometimes be too long for other types of muzzles, but since this kind of muzzle doesn’t have anything blocking the end, you won’t run into any issues with it being too short.
Tube-type muzzles are great because they allow your dog to drink if necessary, and you can easily sneak your whippet a few treats with the muzzle on, too. However, tube-type muzzles aren’t ideal if you need your dog to be muzzled for long periods of time. This is because tube-type muzzles can restrict your dog from panting, which is an important way for dogs to thermoregulate and even relieve stress.
Tube-type muzzles often come in different types of flexible cloth without any solid boning. This means the muzzle is more comfortable but also more vulnerable to wear and tear or rough behavior.
Basket Muzzle
Basket muzzles aren’t quite as flexible as tube-style muzzles, but they come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and materials. In fact, greyhound muzzles are frequently worn by racing dogs when they’re on the track to prevent things from getting too rough between them! Because a basket muzzle doesn’t come in direct contact with your dog’s nose, a well-fitted basket muzzle can be more comfortable (and less anxiety-inducing) for them, too.
The problem with basket muzzles is that they must be sized very carefully. If your basket muzzle is too short, for example, you may be in a pickle (some basket muzzles can be reshaped, but some cannot). Basket muzzles are designed to sit flush where it touches your dog’s face but float away from its nose and mouth. If your basket muzzle touches your dog’s nose or snout, it could result in pinching or irritation.
The freedom of the basket muzzle is excellent for dogs who need to pant or take a drink, as a dog wearing a basket muzzle can move its mouth very freely. Depending on how large the openings are, you may even be able to sneak your furry friend a treat while they wear the muzzle. Basket muzzles are great for exercise and hot days, too, since your dog is free to pant while they wear it.
Because of this, basket muzzles aren’t ideal as no-barking tools since your whippet can still open its mouth most of the way. Basket muzzles can come in lots of different materials, such as leather, rubber, wire, plastic, and more.
Fabric Muzzle
A non-tube-type fabric muzzle is the final type we look at in this guide. A fabric muzzle is like a combination of the two muzzles we looked at above: it covers the whole snout like a basket muzzle, but it’s made of fabric like a tube muzzle. Fabric muzzles often have mesh areas to allow your whippet to breathe easily.
Fabric muzzles have some limitations that both of the above types do not. Since a fabric muzzle completely covers your whippet’s snout, you cannot give it water or treats through it. Additionally, while your whippet can pant freely, it doesn’t ventilate as well as the tube muzzle or basket muzzle.
Fabric muzzles are also less secure than basket muzzles or tube muzzles. It’s not a good idea to leave your whippet alone while wearing any muzzle, but this is especially true with fabric muzzles, as it could chew through it or otherwise tear it. Fabric muzzles are better for low-energy dogs who wear a muzzle more for the calming effect it gives than for bite prevention.
Safely Muzzling Your Whippet
Whippets are a bit different from most other dogs from a physiological perspective. Because whippets and other sighthounds evolved to chase their prey and track them by sight (hence the term sighthound), they’re incredibly aerodynamic, especially around their heads!
Because of this, a standard muzzle with only a neck strap can slip off your whippet’s head easily. Believe it or not, some whippet owners even have trouble keeping collars on their dogs! Instead, whippet and other sighthound owners often use martingale collars, which are designed to tighten when your whippet pulls on them. This prevents them from slipping off and over your dog’s head.
Many professional whippet and greyhound muzzles have an extra band on the underside of your dog’s neck that helps prevent them from sliding off. If you have a particularly persistent whippet who’s escaped from muzzles in the past, you may want to search for a muzzle that has this feature.
Sizing Whippet Muzzles
As you probably already know, the proportions of a whippet’s head and nose are very different from the average dog! As such, sizing your new muzzle for your whippet can sometimes be more of an adventure than you’d think. While there’s no fool-proof way to avoid sizing issues, the best way to prevent this is to check and double-check both your dog’s and your muzzle’s measurements before ordering.
Unfortunately, the process is made more difficult because there’s no “standardized” sizing system between dog muzzles. Instead, you’ll have to work off of the instructions provided with each unique muzzle.
You need to consider three things when sizing your whippet for a muzzle: your dog’s muzzle length, muzzle width (or circumference), and head size. Since whippets have small heads and long noses, you may run into some interesting problems with “one size fits all” muzzles.
Tube muzzles are especially suited to whippets because you have a little more wiggle room in determining the correct size; you don’t necessarily have to hit the length perfectly, and your muzzle should still fit. However, with basket and fabric muzzles, you’ll need to nail length, width, and head size for a safe, secure fit.
Overall Best Muzzle for Whippets
| Our 2023 Picks: Best Muzzles for Whippets | |||
| Rank | Muzzle | Price | Rating |
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#1 |
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$ |
A
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#2 |
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$ |
A
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#3 |
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$ |
A
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#4 |
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$ |
A+
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#5 |
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$ |
A+
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#6 |
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$ |
A+
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#7 |
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$ |
A+
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If you need a whippet muzzle pronto and don’t have time to do research, go with this one!
Four Paws Walk-About Quick-Fit Dog Muzzle
This quick-and-easy muzzle from Four Paws, a respected and humane brand in the canine world, works for almost any dog breed – whippets included. While whippets and greyhounds aren’t accounted for on the included sizing chart, it’s relatively detailed, so you should be able to use your pup’s measurements to determine the right size very easily.
The best part about this muzzle is its size availability. Since it comes in so many different sizes, there will always be something that fits your pet, even if they’re a mix, a small whippet, or a large whippet. This is a muzzle that’s designed to break away in an emergency, so a determined whippet will be able to remove it if left unsupervised.
Pros:
- Easy sizing
- Comfortable for your pet
- From a humane, respected brand
- Inexpensive – the most affordable option on this list
Cons:
- Your dog may be able to remove it on its own
6 More Top-Rated Muzzles for Whippets
If you have time to browse through your options a bit, these other six muzzles will definitely be worth considering.
Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle
If you need a muzzle for a whippet that’s determined to get theirs off, then this may be the best choice for you and your pup. This muzzle from Baskerville is widely regarded as one of the safest, and it has extra safety features in place to keep it from coming off – no matter what!
Firstly, this muzzle has an extra head strap that helps hold everything in place, but it also has a collar loop on the bottom that keeps it even more steady. This is an excellent feature for a whippet muzzle, especially for those pups that need an extra layer of security to keep things from slipping off!
Fortunately, the Baskerville Ultra dog muzzle also comes in several sizes, but unlike the tube muzzle we looked at above, this one can be molded to fit the shape of your dog’s face. While this molding still might not make up the difference if your whippet has a very long snout, it affords an extra layer of customizability in the event of a weird fit.
Pros:
- Extra difficult to remove
- Moldable – shape it to your whippet’s face
- Lots of sizes to choose from
Cons:
- Might be too short for some whippets, even with adjustments
- Expensive
CollarDirect Adjustable Nylon Dog Muzzle
This tube muzzle from CollarDirect is similar to the Four Paws muzzle we looked at before, but with slightly more sizing freedom. While this muzzle only comes in three sizes – small, medium, and large – you can also adjust the size somewhat within each size.
The critical aspect of this muzzle is that both the muzzle circumference and the head size are adjustable. While you can’t adjust the length of the fabric portion of the muzzle, meaning it might not reach the end of your whippet’s nose, you can make the snout portion looser or tighter. This makes it great for multi-dog households that need slightly different sizes, and it might be more comfortable for your pooch, too.
Pros:
- Comfortable and easy to put on
- Greater size adjustability
- Great for multi-dog households
Cons:
- Low availability
Coastal Pet Products Best Fit Adjustable Dog Muzzle
This tube-style muzzle from Coastal Pet Products is also similar to the other tube muzzles we’ve seen so far, but with one key difference: this model is constructed with breathable mesh instead of solid nylon. Not only can this make it a bit easier for your pup to breathe, but it’s better for hot weather, too.
The breathable, see-through mesh might be less stressful on your dog, as well. However, we’ve found that this model’s sizing guide can be misleading, as larger sizes tend to run very big. If you decide to purchase this model, make sure to double-check the fit and exchange it right away if necessary.
Pros:
- Constructed from breathable mesh
- Can also help curb barking or chewing in addition to biting
Cons:
- Can be challenging to find the correct size
Coastal Pet Products Best Fit Adjustable Comfort Dog Muzzle
As the name of this muzzle suggests, this model is designed to be extra comfortable for your dog. Made by the same creators as the muzzle above, this comfort muzzle is stretchy in addition to being made of breathable mesh. All in all, this makes it one of the best options for anxious dogs that have muzzle-related trauma but still need to wear one for safety reasons.
Similarly to the other muzzle we’ve looked at by Coastal Pet Products, the sizing on this one can be a bit off – in this case, it can run a bit small. Additionally, it’s only available in three sizes, so if your pup ends up between sizes, you may be out of luck.
Pros:
- Comfortable and stretchy
- Great for anxious dogs
Cons:
- Can run a bit small
- Only three sizes to choose from
PetSafe Dog Muzzle
PetSafe is a brand that you’ve probably seen in stock at your local pet store before. Even though it’s a familiar brand, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best one available. While this muzzle is excellent in theory, it’s plagued by very inconsistent sizing issues that might turn you off the product.
If you can try this muzzle on in-store before making a purchase, it’s definitely a worthy buy! This muzzle is double-adjustable – you can change the size of both the head strap and the snout – and it’s constructed with comfortable, breathable mesh. However, if you order a muzzle that doesn’t end up fitting your pup, it won’t do you much good!
Pros:
- Made with comfortable and breathable materials
- Both the head and muzzle are adjustable
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Sizing is very inconsistent – try it in person before purchasing
Guardian Gear Fabric Mesh Dog Muzzle
This muzzle from Guardian Gear is the only fabric muzzle on our list, and while it’s also constructed from nylon and mesh, it’s a bit different than the others we’ve looked at so far. Because this fabric muzzle completely encircles your dog’s nose and mouth, it’s more secure than a tube muzzle, especially for long-nosed whippets.
However, keep in mind that this muzzle is not as sturdy as a basket muzzle, despite looking like one, and it’s also not as breathable. While it does have a mesh area, it’s not as well-ventilated as either the tube style or the basket style muzzles. Additionally, the easy-access strap that allows your dog to eat and drink is very easy for them to remove. However, it’s still an excellent option for specific dogs, such as those that lick excessively or have itchy skin.
Pros:
- Great for dogs that lick or nibble excessively
- Constructed with breathable mesh with an eating and drinking hole
Cons:
- Not as breathable as other options
- Doesn’t comply with Fear Free protocols
Whippet Muzzle Fit Tips
The way a muzzle fits is utterly dependent on the physical features of the dog wearing it. It should be snug enough that the dog can’t shift or remove it on its own, but not tight enough to cause sores or discomfort. Additionally, while tube muzzles are designed to fit tight around your dog’s snout, most other types should only sit flush with your dog’s head, leaving the nose untouched.
Keep in mind that a whippet’s head and snout dimensions can be significantly different than your run-of-the-mill labrador. Even whippets themselves tend to differ in muzzle lengths! Despite your best efforts, you may need to make adjustments to the muzzle you purchase to make it fit your whippet properly. However, this doesn’t mean you should go attaching (or cutting) extra straps!
If you truly feel lost, have your vet measure your whippet for you during your next visit. They may be able to order a custom muzzle for you and your dog or at least point you in the right direction for one. You can also show them your current muzzle, if you have one, for a second opinion about its quality, fit, and safety.
FAQs About Muzzles
Do I need a muzzle? Muzzles can be an excellent tool for you and your pet, but they’re not intended to punish your pet or cure it of problematic behaviors. If you’ve been looking at muzzles for one of these reasons, you might consider looking into dog training or obedience classes instead. Muzzles are only appropriate for when your dog is a danger to himself, other people, or other dogs. While they can temporarily curb destructive behaviors, they cannot “fix” them.
Are muzzles inhumane? Muzzles tend to be a bit controversial today, as many people consider them to be “inhumane.” However, as with any training tool, as long as you take things slowly and never use a muzzle to punish your dog, they can be beneficial.
How do I get my dog to accept my muzzle? Believe it or not, most dogs will not be happy when you first start muzzle training! The keys to getting your dog to accept the muzzle are to work slowly, to make sure your dog is always comfortable, and to give plenty of treats! You want your dog to associate the muzzle with good things, not bad ones. Never use the muzzle as a punishment for bad behavior, or your dog may start to fear it and resist wearing it.
Conclusion
While not all dogs need muzzles, there are some dogs out there who really do need them to be safe around others. For these dogs (and their owners), regardless of whether they’re whippets or not, a muzzle can be a life-saving tool. We sincerely hope that the information included in this guide has armed you with everything you need to keep both you and your favorite four-legged friend safe and happy!
