How to Measure your Dog for a Muzzle

The best dog muzzles fit perfectly, so please take your time measuring your dog before placing an order.
For an in-person fitting,

[Find a Muzzle Fitter near you].

We want the muzzle to be a positive experience that enhances your dog’s safety and freedom. Before you dive into our beautiful colour combos, be sure to follow our measuring guide to ensure the perfect fit for your dog.

The best dog muzzles fit well!

To ensure we have a muzzle that fits your dog correctly, we'll need a few measurements.

You can use the photos or the video guides below to help you take the measurements needed to find the perfect fit!

In order to know if we have a muzzle size suitable, we need your dogs measurements. 

Once you have your measurements you will need to scroll down to the Sizing quiz or measurement charts at the bottom of this page, but please read how to measure carefully - if you get your measurements wrong, the quiz will recommend the wrong size. 

STEP 1

Measuring LENGTH

Length helps us to make sure that the dogs nose isn't going to be pressing up against the end of the muzzle, or the muzzle is so long that it pushes backwards into the dogs eyes when they sniff the ground.

We have a recommended range for each of our muzzles, as in some cases a slightly longer muzzle (1.5cms longer than the nose) that provides appropriate pant room, is better than a muzzle that is the right length but with no space for the dog to pant. 

WATCH VIDEO

STEP 2

Measuring HEIGHT

Measuring your dogs muzzle height

Height is important to help us establish if a muzzle will provide the dog with enough room below the jaw to pant, being able to pant fully is essential as it is how dogs regulate their body temperature. The most accurate way to measure height, including space needed for a full pant, is to measure your dogs open mouth height when panting fully. 

We understand this is often not possible, as measuring can be uncomfortable for dogs and a behaviour they often do when uncomfortable is close their mouth, even when they were previously panting! 

So this guide is a rough estimate for what we feel is the average amount of space needed below the lowest point of the jaw for each of our sizes to allow a full pant. Each dog is an individual, some have larger pants than others, so this isn't a completely fool proof method, but it is a good place to start!

Please note: We never advise you to measure your dog with a ball or other toy inside their mouth to simulate a pant, this can be extremely aversive for some individuals and can put those measuring at risk.

WATCH VIDEO

STEP 3

Measuring WIDTH

Measuring your dogs muzzle width 

Because our muzzles are designed to sit back onto the cheeks of the dog for a more secure (and therefore safe!) fit, this back width is important. If your dog doesn't fit within the recommended range, even if they fit in every other measurement then the muzzle will not fit.

This is the measurement we find that most people get wrong, so if you are unsure for any reason just reach out to us on social media with a photo including the tape measure held in front of the face like in the image below and we can take a look for you.

WATCH VIDEO

Top tips for measuring your dog for a muzzle

• Introduce a measuring tape before starting - you can use soft cheese or peanut butter on a surface for your dog to lick while you measure (only if your dog has no resource conflict history!). 

• If your dog is struggling, take your measurements over a multiple sessions or give them a break before trying again. It can be helpful to take photos or video so that you can check your measuring tape was straight and measuring in the right places. You can reach out to us if you need help or want to check your measurements. 

• A muzzle slightly too big is preferable to one being slightly too small, as it can be secured with additional straps.
• Reach out if you are struggling. Support@themuzzlemovement.com

 Please remember different muzzle brands might require different measurements, so it's best to use each brands own recommendations.

You're ready to take the Muzzle Measurement Quiz!

We know how confusing it can be finding the right muzzle!

So we have designed a sizing quiz, so that you are able to enter your measurements and easily see if we have a suitable sized muzzle for your dog.

We also have a blog explaining what a well fit muzzle should look like here.

Please remember this quiz will only recommend the right size, if you enter the correct measurements. Please use the measuring guide above to help make sure that your measurements are as accurate as possible. If you are unsure you can reach out directly with photos and we can double check them for you. 

Start The Quiz

We also have our size measurements listed below, if you wanted to cross reference or explore our current sizes further.

We currently only have a small size range, so if it says we don't have a size suitable it might be that your measurements are correct but we just haven't quite got round to releasing your size yet! 

We are designing new sizes all the time, you can sign up to our mailing list to be notified every time a new size is released or check back on our new size information page for more information. 

Recommended Size Range

We have developed a size range, to help you understand what measurements are likely to fit within each muzzle. It is important that your dogs measurements fit within the length, width and height measurement range. If your dog fits within the length and height but the width is to narrow, the muzzle will not fit over your dogs cheeks which is likely to cause discomfort. 

If your dogs measurements fit within the width and height but the length is too short, the muzzle will sit too far in front of your dogs nose which is likely to obstruct vision and cause the muzzle to push back into their face as they sniff the ground. We have already added some additional range in our length measurement because a muzzle slightly too long is better than a muzzle that doesn't allow a dog to pant, or pinches the cheeks. If your dogs nose length is shorter than the lower range then your dogs nose is too short for that size. 

If your dogs measurements fit within the length and width but the height is too small, your dog will not be able to pant fully and the muzzle will only be able to be worn for short periods such as vet checks, although a full pant is always preferable even for vet visits. 

Please note, that the recommended additional cms required for a full pant varies dependant on the size of the dog. The smaller the dog, the smaller the additional cms that need to be added to the height because their face is smaller. If we added the same amount of height to a spaniels face, as we do for a German shepherd then the muzzle would be too deep and provide the spaniel with too much unusable space below the bottom of their pant. 

Shop Muzzles

If you fit one of our muzzle sizes then now is the time to shop. All Customisable Muzzles come as standard with a noseband and an adjustable neck strap with a buckle fastening. Straps are attached with rivets, meaning they cannot be removed or replaced without cutting them off. Shipped within 1-2 weeks.

Please note that while there are optional upgrades available, they are not necessary for the muzzle to function.

Or you may want to check out our Pre-made Ready to Ship Muzzles. Our 'ready to ship' dog muzzles are made in the UK by our team of dog trainers and behaviourists, and unlike our custom muzzles - are ready and waiting and will be shipped within 1 working day.

Muzzle Training Begins

We want our dogs to see their muzzles as a really great thing and to enjoy wearing it. Does your dog get excited when you pick up the lead, or go over to the treat cupboard? This is an example of positive association! 

Check out our Ultimate Training Guide.

What to do if we don't have your size?

If you are struggling with knowing if we have your size, you can reach out, with measurement photos to support@themuzzlemovement.com.

If your dog doesn't fit within any of our current sizes, you can check out the muzzles we have coming soon that are available for pre order here.

Or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of new sizes in the future.