If there’s one breed that stands out among the others, it’s the French Bulldog. With flat faces and irresistible puppy-dog eyes, these dogs might not win any fights, but they can be affectionate companions.
As tiny as they may be, this breed is full of personality, and they’ll gladly let you know it. French Bulldogs tend to be vocal, and if you let them, they’ll spend all day yapping at you.
Many assume that, just because the French Bulldog is a small dog, they won’t bite—however, when they’re irritated or frightened, French Bulldogs can be just as aggressive as any other dog. When they’re being groomed or examined by the vet, it’s not uncommon for your French Bulldog to go on the defensive. There may also be situations where your French Bulldog isn’t allowed to bark, but they’re being more vocal than ever.
It’s for these reasons that many French Bulldog owners may choose to muzzle their dogs in appropriate situations. Although muzzles remain a controversial tool, organizations like the American Kennel Club have clarified that, while you should never use a muzzle all the time, they can be the best way to keep your French safe in certain situations.
Your biggest issue probably won’t be deciding whether or not to use a muzzle, but finding the right muzzle for your French Bulldog. This is complicated by the fact that French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breed. Not only can their exaggerated features cause several health issues, but it also makes it challenging to find a good muzzle. In addition to making sure your French is comfortable, you’ll also want to ensure your French Bulldog can breathe correctly too.
Fortunately, you don’t need to search by yourself—we’ve already compiled a list of some of our favorite top-rated products for you. Keep reading for a look at the different French Bulldog muzzles, when to use them, and which ones are best:
Whether you’re at a vet visit, a grooming session, or a walk through a crowded area, you’ll never know when you might need to use a muzzle on your French Bulldog. Before picking out which one to purchase, it’s important to understand the different types of muzzles:
Although it might be difficult to find a basket muzzle that fits your French Bulldog, these muzzles are often the most humane. Instead of forcing your pup to keep their mouth closed, the cage-like design only encloses the lower part of their face.
With a basket muzzle, your French Bulldog will still be able to pant, drink water, and even eat any treats you feed them. However, it also won’t stop your French Bulldog from barking either. If your primary reason for using a muzzle is to keep your French from being vocal in specific situations, the basket muzzle may not be an ideal choice.
Mesh muzzles, which often cover your French Bulldog’s entire face, usually leave open areas around your French Bulldog’s nose and eyes so they can still see and breathe. These mesh muzzles are also specifically designed for flat-faced dogs like the French Bulldog to wear.
The biggest difference between a soft muzzle and a mesh muzzle is the material. Mesh muzzles often use nylon mesh which can be more breathable—especially on those scorching summer days.
Although there may be different types of soft muzzles, the most commonly used design for French Bulldogs is soft, black material that covers the lower part of their face. When used correctly, a soft muzzle can stop your French Bulldog from barking or biting while still letting them breathe freely.
However, it can be tricky to find a soft muzzle that also doesn’t cover your French Bulldog’s eyes or obscure their vision. Before purchasing, you’ll want to make sure your measurements are correct.
To some dog owners, using a muzzle on your French can seem cruel. However, there may be specific circumstances when a muzzle can keep both you, your French Bulldog, and those around you safe:
While a French Bulldog is unlikely to bite unless they’re scared or angry, a visit to the vet or the groomer can bring out those rare behaviors. If you already know your French Bulldog has a history of biting other people, muzzling them during a vet examination or grooming session may be a precaution.
In some cases, your vet or groomer may even ask you to muzzle your French Bulldog—regardless of whether or not they’ve acted aggressively in the past.
For French Bulldogs that tend to bite frequently (or lash out at strangers), it may be a good idea to muzzle them on walks through crowded or busy areas. Not only will this protect anyone who reaches down to pet your French, but it may also be able to stop your French Bulldog from getting into a confrontation with someone else’s dog as well.
Depending on where you live, some cities or states may require that most dog breeds be muzzled when they aren’t on private property.
It’s no secret that French Bulldogs like to bark—a lot. There may be some situations, like walking through a store or appointment, where you need to keep your French Bulldog from barking for a short period of time. Muzzles can be highly-effective at helping your French Bulldog stay quiet.
It’s important to remember that muzzles aren’t a training tool. While your French Bulldog might not be able to bark while they’re wearing one, a muzzle won’t curb barking when it’s off. If you’re trying to teach your French Bulldog not to bark, a muzzle won’t be much help.
There may be plenty of good muzzles out there, but only one can be the best French Bulldog muzzle. Here’s the product we recommend:
Four Paws has a slip style muzzle designed to keep vision free while temporarily restraining the jaw. If your French Bulldog has a slightly longer snout, you can choose the option for short-nosed breeds to prevent biting. It fits around your French Bulldog’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.
There’s no reason to name just one muzzle—here are five more that may be perfect for your French Bulldog:
Upon first glance, the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle might not look like it would fit your flat-faced French Bulldog’s snout correctly. However, the Baskerville muzzle uses thermal plastic rubber which can be molded and reformed when you heat it up. The major advantage of this design is, not only can you get a custom fit, but your French Bulldog will also be able to pant or drink water without any issues.
Once you’ve gotten the Baskerville muzzle into the perfect shape, you can take advantage of the safety straps, and the over-the-head strap. With two different points of adjustment, it’s unlikely that your French Bulldog will be able to slip out of it anytime soon.
With a breathable mesh and durable nylon, the JYHY Short Snout Dog Muzzle can withstand whatever adventures you and your French Bulldog embark on. Not only does it contain an opening around the nose so your French Bulldog can breathe without restriction, but there are also eye-holes to ensure their vision won’t be obstructed either.
The adjustable nylon strap can help you get the right fit while the quick-release buckle will also make sure that taking the muzzle on and off is painless. Since it comes in multiple sizes, be sure to measure your French Bulldog’s head beforehand to get the perfect fit.
Finding a muzzle that fits the wide, flat face of a French Bulldog can be a challenge, but the Real Pet Short Snout Dog Muzzle may be an ideal choice. Unlike some muzzles, the Real Pet muzzle is unlikely to fall off—and can’t be pulled off by your French Bulldog either.
The eye and nose-hole design allow your pup to breathe and see freely without mesh chafing against sensitive areas of their face. Although French Bulldogs may be difficult to fit, the Real Pet muzzle uses adjustable straps and a quick-release buckle to make the process effortless and less time-consuming.
For a simple muzzle that does just what you need it to, the Pro Guard Mesh Dog Muzzle may be your best option. Recommended by professional groomers, the Pro Guard muzzle is designed to be a flexible, one-size-fits-all option.
It uses comfortable mesh that won’t restrict your pup’s breathing and fits snugly around their face. There’s even a cushioned chin strap to ensure it won’t rub against your French Bulldog’s jaw while they wear it. Besides being an anti-bite implement, many owners also find the Pro Guard muzzle is a good tool to keep their pup from eating things they shouldn’t.
Related: Best Dog Toys For French Bulldogs
Identifying the best French Bulldog muzzle is crucial, but knowing how to correctly train your French Bulldog to wear it can be just as important.
While some dog owners might have an aversion to muzzles, it’s not cruel to make your French Bulldog wear one. However, you’ll want to make sure they can still breathe easily—and you never should make your French Bulldog wear a muzzle for more than an hour or so. If your French Bulldog has breathing problems, you may only want them to wear it for less than twenty minutes.
If your French Bulldog has a history of biting or trying to eat things off the floor, a muzzle may be the best way to protect your French and those around him. Keep in mind that a muzzle won’t train your French to stop biting or barking—it will only prevent them from doing so while they’re wearing the muzzle.
Contrary to what some dog owners might think, a muzzle will not make your French Bulldog any more aggressive than they already are.
While it may depend on your specific French Bulldog’s needs, a short snout mesh muzzle with eye and nose-holes may be the best French Bulldog muzzle for your French. Not only will this prevent the material from rubbing against your French Bulldog’s eyes, but it will also allow them to breathe openly out of their noses.