Finding the right muzzle for your dog will make you feel completely lost. Like when I first went muzzle shopping, there were endless numbers, sizes, types and none of it seemed to make sense. I just stood in the pet store aisle wondering which one would be the perfect fit.
Choosing the right dog muzzle size is about safety, comfort, and functionality. Whether you’re training, visiting the vet, or just want to be cautious in new environments, getting the fit right matters. That’s why I put together this simple, no-fuss dog muzzle size guide with everything I wish I knew the first time around.
We’ll cover how to measure, what different muzzle sizes for dogs mean, and how to choose the right size by breed.
Table of Contents
How to Measure Dog Muzzle for Basket
To find the correct dog muzzle size in inches, start with two basic measurements: the length and the circumference of your dog’s snout.
- Length: Measure from the tip of the nose to the spot just below the eyes.
- Circumference: Wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of your dog’s snout while their mouth is slightly open.
Once you have these, compare them to a dog muzzle size guide specific to basket muzzles. Basket muzzles need enough room for your dog to pant, drink, and even take treats, so always choose one with a bit of extra space (usually about ½ inch larger than their snout measurements).
Dog Muzzle Size By Breed
Different breeds often fall into general sizing categories, which makes choosing a muzzle a bit easier. Still, individual dogs can vary, so always measure to be sure.
- Small breeds have muzzle size 3 or 4.
- Medium breeds usually fit into muzzle size 5 or 6.
- Large breeds may need muzzle size 7 or 8.
- Extra-large breeds might require muzzle size 9 or 10.
If you’re unsure, look up a dog muzzle size by breed chart as a starting point, but always double-check with actual measurements.
| Dog Breed | Weight Range | Muzzle Size | Muzzle Circumference | Muzzle Length |
| Chihuahua | Under 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | XS / S | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| Pomeranian | 3 – 7 lbs (1.4 – 3.2 kg) | XS / S | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 – 7 lbs (1.8 – 3.2 kg) | S | 8″ (20 cm) | 3.5″ (9 cm) |
| Maltese | 4 – 7 lbs (1.8 – 3.2 kg) | S | 8″ (20 cm) | 3.5″ (9 cm) |
| Beagle | 20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg) | M | 10″ (25 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
| Cocker Spaniel | 20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg) | M | 10″ (25 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
| French Bulldog | 16 – 28 lbs (7 – 13 kg) | M | 10″ (25 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 – 20 lbs (5 – 9 kg) | M | 9.5″ (24 cm) | 4.5″ (11 cm) |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 – 80 lbs (25 – 36 kg) | L | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
| Golden Retriever | 55 – 75 lbs (25 – 34 kg) | L | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
| German Shepherd | 60 – 90 lbs (27 – 41 kg) | L | 12.5″ (32 cm) | 7″ (18 cm) |
| Boxer | 55 – 70 lbs (25 – 32 kg) | L | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
| Mastiff | 100+ lbs (45+ kg) | XL | 14″ (35 cm) | 8″ (20 cm) |
| Rottweiler | 85 – 135 lbs (39 – 61 kg) | XL | 14″ (35 cm) | 8″ (20 cm) |
| Great Dane | 110+ lbs (50+ kg) | XL | 15″ (38 cm) | 9″ (23 cm) |
Muzzle Size 3
As the size tells, it is generally designed for toy breeds and very small dogs. Think Yorkies, Pomeranians, or tiny mixed breeds. The snout circumference for muzzle size 3 generally falls between 4-5 inches.
Muzzle Size 4
Slightly roomier than size 3, this fits small dogs like Dachshunds or small Terriers. Circumference usually ranges from 5-6 inches.
Muzzle Size 5
Muzzle size 5 is a good fit for medium-small breeds like Shih Tzus or French Bulldogs. Their snout circumference might be around 6-7 inches.
Muzzle Size 6
Great for true medium-sized dogs such as Beagles or Miniature Schnauzers. This size typically works for dogs with a snout circumference around 7-8 inches.
Muzzle Size 7
Muzzle size 7 is ideal for slightly larger midsize dogs like Border Collies or Standard Poodles. Snout circumference is usually around 8-9 inches
Muzzle Size 8
This size is suited to large breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers. Their snout circumference often measures between 9-10 inches.
Muzzle Size 9
Muzzle size 9 fits dogs with broad snouts like Rottweilers or German Shepherds. The snout circumference is usually around 10-11 inches.
Muzzle Size 10
This size is specifically made for giant breeds like Great Danes or Mastiffs. Their snouts are typically over 11 inches in circumference and need a more proper fit
Baskerville Dog Muzzle Size Chart
It is known for its durable design and comfort. It comes in sizes 1 through 6, catering to a wide range of breeds. To determine the correct size, measure your dog’s snout length and circumference.
| Dog Breed | Weight Range | Available Sizes | Muzzle Circumference | Muzzle Length |
| Chihuahua | Under 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | Size 0 | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| Pomeranian | 3 – 7 lbs (1.4 – 3.2 kg) | Size 1 | 8″ (20 cm) | 3.5″ (9 cm) |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 – 7 lbs (1.8 – 3.2 kg) | Size 2 | 8.5″ (22 cm) | 4″ (10 cm) |
| Beagle | 20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg) | Size 3 | 10″ (25 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
| German Shepherd | 60 – 90 lbs (27 – 41 kg) | Size 5 | 12″ (30 cm) | 7″ (18 cm) |
| Mastiff | 100+ lbs (45+ kg) | Size 6 | 14″ (35 cm) | 8″ (20 cm) |
Heele Dog Muzzle Size Chart
HEELE offers soft nylon muzzles in sizes XS to 2XL. For example, size M fits snout circumferences of 5.5-7.8 inches and a snout length of 1.8 inches.
| Dog Breed | Weight Range | Available Sizes | Muzzle Circumference | Muzzle Length |
| Chihuahua | Under 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | Small | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| Pomeranian | 3 – 7 lbs (1.4 – 3.2 kg) | Small | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| French Bulldog | 16 – 28 lbs (7 – 13 kg) | Medium | 10″ (25 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
| Boxer | 55 – 70 lbs (25 – 32 kg) | Large | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
| Rottweiler | 85 – 135 lbs (39 – 61 kg) | Large | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
Kmart Dog Muzzle Size Chart
Kmart provides various muzzles suitable for different breeds. For short-snouted breeds like Bulldogs, they offer adjustable breathable mesh muzzles. For example, a size S muzzle fits snouts measuring approximately 15.3 to 16.1 inches.
| Dog Breed | Weight Range | Available Sizes | Muzzle Circumference | Muzzle Length |
| Chihuahua | Under 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | Small | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| Beagle | 20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg) | Medium | 9″ (23 cm) | 4.5″ (11 cm) |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 – 80 lbs (25 – 36 kg) | Large | 11″ (28 cm) | 5.5″ (14 cm) |
| Great Dane | 110+ lbs (50+ kg) | Extra Large | 13″ (33 cm) | 7″ (18 cm) |
XL Bully Dog Muzzle Size Chart
For XL Bully breeds, selecting the right muzzle size is important due to their broad snouts. For these dogs I would recommend brand like Baskerville as it specifically accommodates larger breeds.
| Dog Breed | Weight Range | Available Sizes | Muzzle Circumference | Muzzle Length |
| Bulldog | 50 – 70 lbs (23 – 32 kg) | Size M | 10″ (25 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
| Rottweiler | 85 – 135 lbs (39 – 61 kg) | Size L | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
| Pitbull | 30 – 60 lbs (14 – 27 kg) | Size M | 10″ (25 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
| Mastiff | 100+ lbs (45+ kg) | Size XL | 14″ (35 cm) | 8″ (20 cm) |
Ancol Dog Muzzle Size Chart
Ancol provides a range of muzzles catering to various breeds. Their muzzles come in sizes 1 through 6. For example, size 3 is suitable for medium breeds, while size 6 fits larger breeds.
| Dog Breed | Weight Range | Available Sizes | Muzzle Circumference | Muzzle Length |
| Chihuahua | Under 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | Size 0 | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| Pomeranian | 3 – 7 lbs (1.4 – 3.2 kg) | Size 1 | 8″ (20 cm) | 3.5″ (9 cm) |
| Boxer | 55 – 70 lbs (25 – 32 kg) | Size 3 | 11″ (28 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
| Golden Retriever | 55 – 75 lbs (25 – 34 kg) | Size 4 | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
Nylon Dog Muzzle Size Chart
It is one of the most lightweight and adjustable dog muzzles and this makes them suitable for many breeds. Brands like HEELE offer sizes from XS to 2XL. For instance, size L fits snout circumferences of 7-9.4 inches.
| Dog Breed | Weight Range | Available Sizes | Muzzle Circumference | Muzzle Length |
| Chihuahua | Under 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | Small | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 – 7 lbs (1.8 – 3.2 kg) | Small | 8″ (20 cm) | 4″ (10 cm) |
| Beagle | 20 – 30 lbs (9 – 14 kg) | Medium | 9″ (23 cm) | 4.5″ (11 cm) |
| Bulldog | 50 – 70 lbs (23 – 32 kg) | Large | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
Mayerzon Dog Muzzle Size Chart
Mayerzon offers soft mesh muzzles in sizes XXS to XL. For example, size L fits snout circumferences of 11-12.3 inches and snout lengths of 3-3.8 inches.
| Dog Breed | Weight Range | Available Sizes | Muzzle Circumference | Muzzle Length |
| Chihuahua | Under 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | Size 1 | 7″ (18 cm) | 3″ (7.6 cm) |
| Shih Tzu | 9 – 16 lbs (4 – 7.2 kg) | Size 2 | 9″ (23 cm) | 4″ (10 cm) |
| Rottweiler | 85 – 135 lbs (39 – 61 kg) | Size 4 | 12″ (30 cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
| German Shepherd | 60 – 90 lbs (27 – 41 kg) | Size 3 | 10″ (25 cm) | 5″ (13 cm) |
Also read: Dog Cone Size Guide
FAQs
How do I measure my dog for a muzzle?
To measure your dog for a muzzle, use a soft measuring tape to determine the circumference of the widest part of your dog’s snout, just below the eyes. Then, measure the length from the tip of the nose to the point just below the eyes.
Can I use the same muzzle size across different brands?
Different brands may have varying sizing standards. It’s important to refer to each brand’s specific dog muzzle size guide and measure your dog’s snout accordingly to ensure a proper fit.
Is it safe for my dog to wear a muzzle for extended periods?
Muzzles are designed for short-term use, such as during walks or vet visits. They should be avoided for extended periods. Make sure the muzzle fits properly and allows your dog to pant and drink water.
How tight should a muzzle be on my dog?
A muzzle should be snug enough to stay in place but not so tight that it causes difficulty with breathing or panting. You should be able to fit one finger between the muzzle and your dog’s snout.
Are there specific muzzles for short-snouted breeds?
Yes, certain brands offer muzzles designed specifically for brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds. These muzzles accommodate the unique facial structure of breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs.