Chihuahuas are a small but mighty breed that is loyal family pets and great with kids. You can easily recognize Chihuahuas by their short but sturdy legs that make it easy for them to burrow and seek out prey.
Check out our picks for the top 6 best muzzles you’ll want to consider for your Chi, then keep scrolling for our reviews of each, top tips, and more!
While they may be a relatively small breed, Chihuahuas are not one to back down from a challenge and will bravely take on other dogs that are much larger than they are. Sometimes, Chihuahuas may display signs of aggression towards other dogs and unfamiliar people. These dogs can be tough to train, but if you treat them well, they are great family pets and good with kids.
Because Chihuahuas can tend to have aggressive characteristics and are frequent barkers, choosing the right muzzle to keep your dog as well as other pets and humans safe is essential. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new muzzle for your Chi or aren’t sure if you need one, the following guide to the six best Chihuahua muzzles is for you.
Buying the right muzzle for your Chi is not just about protecting others, but keeping your Chi safe as well. If your Chi tends to bite or snap at others, avoid unnecessary incidents and reports to your local animal control by investing in a quality muzzle to curb these tendencies. Even for temporary use, muzzles prevent unexpected events and will keep your dog from chewing up objects, reopening a wound, eating random street food, etc.
With an occlusion muzzle, you should only use this type for temporary use such as a visit to the vet or to visit the groomers. The reason you don’t want to use these types of muzzles for more extended periods is that they keep your Chi’s mouth shut. your Chi may be able to pant and drink water, but they won’t be able to chew or eat.
Occlusion muzzles feature a compact nylon design that is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to avoid irritation. For shorter periods to keep your Chi from nipping, biting, or chewing foreign objects, an occlusion muzzle is a could backup option to have on hand.
Basket muzzles are not only a valuable tool for bite prevention but an excellent choice that your Chi can wear for more extended periods such as walks or training sessions. Basket muzzles have enough space between the muzzle bars that your Chi can pant, drink, and eat as needed, which minimizes their frustration and anxiety as they get used to the device. From plastic muzzles to wire versions, basket muzzles are the most versatile choice for dog owners.
Similar to an occlusion muzzle, you should only use a soft muzzle for short term purposes such as transporting your Chi to the vet or the groomers. Soft muzzles feature nylon, mesh, or leather designs to enhance breathability and comfort. If you go with this option, you need to make sure the product you select provides room for your Chi to pant.
Not all soft muzzles are created equal, and specific models could prevent your Chi from panting as needed, which could be particularly dangerous in warmer temperatures when this is your dog’s only way to distribute heat.
So, you might be thinking to yourself, why does my Chihuahua need a muzzle? Here’s what you need to know.
Naturally, the number one reason that comes to mind when considering why you would need a muzzle for your Chi is to prevent an incident. Even if your dog doesn’t regularly display signs of aggression, unpredictable situations can sometimes lead to unexpected bite and snapping events. For example, if your Chi is injured, and you take them to the vet, their pain and anxiety could make them bite at the technicians.
Even if your Chi bites someone because they are in pain from an injury, in most cases, this will mean a call to your local animal control. When that happens, your beloved pet could be in quarantine for at least ten days. Save yourself a major headache and help keep your Chi calm and restrained from the start by using a muzzle.
If your Chi is on the shy side and takes a while to get comfortable with other dogs and people, consider using a muzzle both to protect others and signal people around you to give your pooch some space. Even if your Chi is friendly and well-trained if they haven’t been around kids much, it is best to use a muzzle before they encounter children.
Back to the scenario of an injury, when your dog has any wound, they may be tempted to bite at it, infecting and reopening the injury. Keep your dog and anyone nearby safe by being proactive with your muzzle use.
If you are at any dog show or sporting event, you will probably be required to muzzle your Chi to avoid any incidents. With so many dogs in one area, even the most well behaved of pets can become hyperactive and antsy. Likewise, if you go to a dog park and your Chi tends to get jittery around other dogs, consider muzzling your dog at least initially to give them a chance to warm up to their potential playmates.
Ready to discover which best Chihuahua muzzle made it to first place? Check it out!
If you want a muzzle for your Chi that you can use for everything from training to exercise to vet visits, you can’t go wrong with the Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle. Available in a range of sizes, we chose this muzzle because the design is not only extremely comfortable for your pup, but features small openings so your Chi can pant, eat, and drink as needed.
The muzzle is an ideal choice to protect both your Chi and others in unexpected situations and prevent incidents right out of the gate. With ergonomic safety straps and adjustments, you won’t have to worry about the muzzle slipping off when your pooch starts playing around. From behavioral training to keeping your pup safe after an injury, this padded muzzle does it all.
Still unsure which muzzle you want for your pooch? Here are 5 more top-rated Chihuahua muzzles you won’t want to miss.
We love the Four-Paws Muzzle for quick walks and temporary usage like a trip to the vet’s office. The muzzle is not only budget-friendly, but can help you stop your dog from chewing, screaming, and biting. The nylon design is sturdy and comfortable, and you can easily adjust the muzzle as you need to. You won’t have to worry about your Chi pulling the muzzle off, as it is incredibly durable and stays on for a snug but comfortable fit.
Another fantastic best Chihuahua muzzle choice for temporary use is the CollarDirect Adjustable Dog Muzzle Set. We love this set of two nylon muzzles that will not only stand the test of time but be comfortable and safe for your Chi to wear. Whether you need to make a brief trip to a public place with an environment your pooch might not be used to or have to trim your Chis nails but don’t want to get nipped at, these muzzles are lightweight and secure.
If you like the nylon design but want to give your Chi more breathing room to pant and drink water, the HEELE Dog Muzzle could be for you. The muzzle is excellent for reactive pets and short term use like for vet visits. With reinforced nylon stitching, you won’t have to worry about this muzzle wearing out if your Chi has a heyday at the dog park.
The ergonomic straps are comfortable and easy to use, while the muzzle will prevent your pup from overeating or chewing at random objects. We love that this muzzle is secure enough to moderate your Chi’s bite, but provides enough space to yawn and pant freely.
Next on our list of the top 5 best Chihuahua muzzle is an excellent basket muzzle that you can use for everything from trips to the dog show to visits to friends to prevent wound reinjury. The silica gel basket muzzle is very comfortable to keep your Chi from biting, chewing, or screaming, with an adjustable nylon strap that you can quick-release as you need to.
The JWPC muzzle is a great choice to protect people and other dogs alike and keep your Chi from eating icky street leftovers. You can easily feed your Chi their favorite treat through the muzzle too if you need to keep it on for more extended periods.
Our final choice for the best Chihuahua muzzle is actually a 7-piece set with a variety of different sizes suited to almost any breed type. If you have more than one dog in your household of different breeds, make the most of your Chi muzzle investment with this versatile set. Featuring anti-bite muzzles sporting breathable oxford cloth, these devices are lightweight and comfortable, yet extremely durable.
You can use these muzzles for everything from keeping your Chi from eating random street food to preventing bites to keeping your Chi from driving the neighbors nuts with excessive barking.
Related: Best Dog Stroller for a Chihuahua
Don’t forget to offer your pup treats at each stage of training when helping them become comfortable with their new muzzle — as soon as the muzzle comes off, you should have a treat waiting.
No, it is not cruel to use a muzzle for your dog. It could be cruel both to your dog and others around them to not use a muzzle in certain situations. With any of the best Chihuahua muzzles mentioned on our list, you can rest assured that you are picking a comfortable, breathable option that will restrain your dog sufficiently without causing them pain.
There are a variety of reasons why using a muzzle for your pooch could be the best decision in any given scenario. Perhaps your Chi hates getting shots or getting their nails trimmed or has a tendency to react erratically in new environments. Save yourself the stress and protect your beloved pet and other people and pets by using a practical, sturdy muzzle that will prevent injury and secure your Chi while they get used to the situation.
If you slowly but surely help your Chi become comfortable with the muzzle and make strong associations with putting it on, the device should not make your dog more aggressive. Habits such as taking the muzzle on and off frequently or not correctly warming your Chi up to wearing it could increase aggression, which is why you must train your dog to wear it.