The best muzzle for Shih Tzu is JYHY Short Snout Dog Muzzles.
Shih Tzu doggies are absolutely precious. That is, of course, when they are not barking up a storm or chewing on everything in sight. Getting the best muzzle for Shih Tzu might be an inevitability during training, and the best you can do is make sure you pick the right one. Here are seven awesome options to narrow your search.
#1 JYHY Short Snout Dog Muzzles
Shih Tzu doggies have a unique face shape. This makes most muzzles built for small dogs fit a little more awkwardly than you might like. However, our top pick is ideal for a brachycephalic breed like the Shih Tzu with its full-face coverage design. With this, the pressure is distributed evenly over the edges and doesn’t cause nose-bridge discomfort, as is the case with other designs.
Relax; your Shih Tzu will not be walking around suffocating in an unforgiving face mask. This muzzle for Shih Tzu has a breathable mesh design with panels large enough for unrestricted breathing. Furthermore, your Shih Tzu can also enjoy great visibility through the dog muzzle from the design.
This dog muzzle stands out with its unique design perfectly constructed for the facial features of the Shih Tzu dog breed. It offers fantastic coverage and restraint while still allowing the pooch to see and breathe comfortably. The icing on the cake is the quality build and durable material that ensure your investment is more than worth it.
Pros
- JYHY’s short snout muzzle for Shih Tzus features a breathable mesh construction that provides good ventilation and doesn’t hinder a pooch’s vision.
- The soft edges of this product help protect a dog’s eyes and nose from being rubbed and, subsequently, becoming sore and irritated.
- The widened bottom design of the JYHY muzzle, coupled with an overhead strap, helps to keep the product firmly in place on a pooch’s face and prevent it from falling off.
- Its adjustable and quick-release buckles make it convenient for customers to set up and take off the muzzle from their Shih Tzus.
- This JYHY product is designed in a way that dogs can continue to eat and drink in an unhindered manner while also being effective at preventing dog bites.
Cons
- Several customers have commented that it was relatively easy for their canine buddies to get this muzzle off, despite the inclusion of several features to prevent this from happening.
- This muzzle occasionally covers the flat nose of some short-faced dogs, thus making it difficult for the pooches in question to breathe.
We vote this product to be our number one pick because of its lightweight, breathable mesh face cover, especially comfortable to wear even during prolonged use; plus its unique eye-hole design provides dogs with clear vision outdoors while walking.
#2 Wintchuk Short Snout Dog Muzzle Mesh Mask
This is yet another full-face mask that is designed to fit the Shih Tzu’s unique facial structure. What makes it unique is the maximum breathability design for your pooch’s comfort.
In addition to having all-around mesh panels for ventilation, this dog muzzle for Shit Tzu stands out with the presence of eye and snout holes. The eye openings give your pooch a full visual range, which is fantastic, especially with older Shih Tzus that may be losing their vision. The nose opening, on the other hand, allows them to breathe freely.
If you are shopping on a budget and want something with plenty of perks for both you and your little furry bundle of joy, then this is an alternative worth looking seriously into.
Pros
- The mesh mask that is featured on this canine muzzle product provides airflow and ensures that Shih Tzus don’t encounter breathing difficulties while putting on the muzzle.
- The soft mesh material of this Wintchuk muzzle is gentle on a pooch’s skin and doesn’t leave scratch marks on the dog, even after being worn for a considerable period.
- The eye openings of the Wintchuk muzzle provide a way for Shih Tzus to remain aware of their surroundings while wearing the mask.
- The nylon material used in this product can be maintained and kept clean by regular washing without affecting its durability.
- The quick-release buckle of Wintchuk’s short snout dog muzzle provides a way for customers to swiftly wear or remove the mask from their canine buddies, as needed.
Cons
- Multiple customers have reported that the Wintchuk muzzle didn’t stay in place after it had been worn on a dog and that it was relatively easy for their canine buddies to take off the mesh mask.
- It had also been reported that the muzzles the customers received were too small to fit properly over their dogs’ faces.
#3 Canine Friendly Short Snout Dog Muzzle
We have yet another full-face coverage mask on our hands. What makes this one different from others like it is the presence of a padded bumper. This is definitely worth celebrating as it serves as a protective barrier between the fabric and the face at one of the most exposed and vulnerable points.
As a result, you do not end up with issues like pressure discomfort or even bruising from friction. The soft edges of the rest of the mask also achieve the same around the face and chin for maximum comfort when your pooch is trapped in.
This is a fantastic alternative for feisty dogs that may hurt themselves trying to fight the mask. This way, no matter how much they struggle or wiggle, your pooch’s face will stay safe.
Pros
- The high-quality nylon construction of Canine Friendly muzzle for dogs with shortened snouts provides durability and ensures that the product can continue to be used for a significant period.
- The soft padded bumper on this Canine Friendly product prevents the muzzle from rubbing on and irritating or injuring a Shih Tzu’s eyes and face.
- The adjustable slider on the straps of this Canine Friendly muzzle can be used to either tighten or loosen the muzzle to provide a comfortable fit for Shih Tzus.
- The easy-release side buckle featured on this short snout muzzle provides a way for customers to quickly remove the muzzle from their pooches in emergency situations.
- The wide mesh panel of this short snout muzzle is designed to make a Shih Tzu breathe easier and also provide good visibility while the pooch is wearing the muzzle.
Cons
- It may be difficult for a Shih Tzu with floppy ears to hold the straps of the Canine Friendly muzzle in place and prevent the product from slipping off while it is being worn.
- The muzzle’s mesh is occasionally tight on a pooch’s face and prevents the dog from breathing properly.
#4 Real Pet Short Snout Dog Muzzle
This is one of the best-constructed muzzles for Shih Tzus. Everything from the double stitching on the straps to the finishing on the edges makes this muzzle for Shih Tzu one that is truly built to last.
In addition to the construction, durability here is also pretty much guaranteed through the materials used. The mesh panel, in particular, stands out as it is strong enough to resist your pooch’s scratching. That way, you are sure it will not give in to their claw-driven protests.
The Real Pet muzzle is worth considering if you want full value for your money with good construction and high-quality materials.
Pros
- The lightweight construction of Real Pet’s short snout muzzle makes the product suitable for small dog breeds, like Shih Tzus, to wear without being inconvenienced by the extra weight.
- The eyehole design of the Real Pet muzzle provides maximum visibility and ensures that a pooch can stay in tune with happenings in its surroundings.
- The ABS material buckle of this short snout muzzle delivers an easy insert and release for the seamless installation and removal of the muzzle.
- The soft, padded edge of this product protects a Shih Tzu’s eyes and nose from being rubbed and, subsequently, becoming irritated.
- The Real Pet muzzle is specially designed to be used for short-nosed dogs like Shih Tzus, and customers can also utilize the product’s adjustable neck design to provide a convenient fit for their canine buddies.
Cons
- Some Shih Tzus have reportedly been able to slip off this short snout muzzle by pulling it over their heads.
#5 BEXU Short Snout Dog Muzzle
The materials, cutting, and stitching on this alternative muzzle have landed it a spot on our list for ensuring snug but flexible fitting. It stands out as one of the best options if you want something whose sizing charts are actually accurate. No one wants to go through the trouble of measuring their pooch only to end up with a size that runs too big or too small.
As if this wasn’t awesome enough, you get to further customize the fit if you wish to with the adjustable nylon straps. These allow you to adjust at two different points, so you have something that is secure and hangs comfortably on your Shih Tzu’s flat face.
Getting the fit right means a lot, and this is one of the most celebrated options when it comes to ergonomic design for perfect size matching.
Pros
- The padded edges of BEXU’s short snout muzzle are gentle on a Shih Tzu’s face and prevent the pooch from developing skin irritation due to the muzzle edges rubbing on the dog’s face and eyes.
- The BEXU short snout muzzle features a full mesh construction designed to make pooches enjoy unrestricted airflow while putting on the mask.
- The adjustable nylon strap of this muzzle is effective for making adjustments to the fit of the product to ensure that pooches remain comfortable while wearing the muzzle.
- Its overhead strap is designed to hold the product on a pooch’s head well enough to prevent it from slipping and falling off.
- The BEXU short snout muzzle is an ideal product for customers looking to prevent their Shih Tzus from picking and eating dirt off the ground, as well as to curb unwarranted barking at random strangers.
Cons
- Some customers have claimed that the small-sized variant of the BEXU muzzle didn’t fit properly on their short-nosed Shih Tzus.
#6 GUXL Short Snout Dog Muzzles
Masks tend to run hot and stuffy, especially if your Shih Tzu is a playful one. You do not want them getting all sweaty and uncomfortable when all you wanted to do was train them. You also do not want to have to deal with consequences like heat rash from the same.
That is what makes the full mesh construction on this option something worth celebrating. The design facilitates free airflow keeping your pooch’s face cool and dry.
If you are shopping for something simple yet useful for bite training, then this would be a wonderful pick.
Pros
- The full breathable mesh build of GUXL’s short snout muzzles for dogs provides an unrestricted airflow and ensures that Shih Tzus can comfortably breathe while wearing the product.
- The edges of the GUXL muzzle are specially designed to prevent skin irritation and injuries that may develop from the muzzle rubbing on a pooch’s face.
- The adjustable neck and head nylon straps of the GUXL dog muzzle enables customers to make modifications to provide a convenient and comfortable fit for their canine buddies.
- The mesh material of the GUXL muzzle can be easily washed with water for a convenient way to keep the product clean and healthy for pooches to wear.
- The larger eye hole design of the GUXL muzzle provides an unrestricted vision for a Shih Tzu wearing the mask.
Cons
- There are several reports of the GUXL dog muzzle constantly slipping off a pooch’s face, even after making adjustments with the straps.
- Some customers have also claimed that this short snout muzzle was ineffective at preventing their pooches from biting.
#7 Aucanus Dog Muzzles For Short Snout
What makes this alternative unique is the fact that it features padding. What does this mean for your pooch? It means that they get to enjoy additional comfort. While it may not be as airy as full mesh options, the mesh layer over the padding ensures breathability so that your Shih Tzu is nice and cool even with full coverage.
This is a really good alternative if you want something with some padding for younger and more accident-prone Shih Tzus.
Pros
- The adjustable straps of the Aucanus muzzle for dogs with shortened snouts provide a way for customers to make modifications to ensure a comfortable fit for their Shih Tzus.
- The Aucanus canine muzzle is easy to clean and can be wiped down with a damp cloth to conveniently get rid of dirt and stains.
- The XS size variant of the Aucanus canine muzzle is specifically designed to fit on the heads of small-sized dog breeds such as Shih Tzus.
- The inclusion of a small mouth hole on the Aucanus dog muzzle provides a way for Shih Tzus to eat and drink while wearing the product, and the eye holes provide an unrestricted vision.
- This Aucanus muzzle is durable and can last for a considerable period with proper use and maintenance.
Cons
- This muzzle occasionally restricts a dog’s ability to pant and regulate its body temperature, thus making it unsuitable for use during extended periods of exercise or play.
- Some customers have reported that this muzzle rubs and causes irritation on their dogs’ snouts.
Muzzle For Shih Tzu Buyer’s Guide
Shih Tzus are among the cutest dogs in existence. Also known as the Chinese lion, these furry, little energy balls need proper oral training to keep them safe and to get them disciplined. The last thing you want is your little one getting into trouble for waking up the neighbors with their barking or chewing your guests’ shoes into oblivion.
Muzzles are, therefore, a necessity you may not be able to avoid when training them. However, choosing a good piece is not always easy given the dog’s facial structures and their restlessness which makes them more likely to resist. To make your life easier, here are the special considerations you need to make in order to get the best muzzle for Shih Tzus.
Account For The Short Snout
Shih Tzus have what is referred to as a brachycephalic facial structure. This means that their snout is shorter and almost flat against the face. This makes shopping for muzzles a little tricky as not all options built for small dog breeds will fit them comfortably and get the job done right.
In fact, your best option is a muzzle with a full-face coverage cut. This is the best way to leverage their unique face structure for adequate jaw restriction as well as support to keep the dog muzzle securely on the face. That way, you will not have any awkward gaps or uncomfortably sitting masks that make your Shih Tzu’s life a living nightmare.
Why Are You Getting The Dog Muzzle In The First Place?
With Shih Tzu dogs, there are four main reasons why you would want to buy a muzzle. The specific reason will determine a lot including the design, the level of flexibility allowed, and the strength of materials.
If you are buying the dog muzzle to train your Shih Tzu to stop eating weird stuff off the ground, you want as limited mouth access as possible. This means that full-coverage masks with no front holes are the best. To prevent chewing and biting, on the other hand, you can get away with a muzzle that comes with a nose opening. This is because the design restricts their jaw movement to the point where though they may be able to pick stuff up, they will not be able to open wide enough for biting or gnawing.
Another reason you would be in need of a muzzle is to get that relentless barking under control. Young Shih Tzus in particular can get really loud and annoying, so this would come in handy. Here you want a muzzle that offers strong jaw restraint. That way, there is no room for the pooch to open its mouth and bark you into all kinds of hell with your neighbors.
Get Something That Fits
This is a dog training accessory that is designed to be restrictive. As a result, you want to make sure that you get something that actually fits the pooch. Otherwise, you will end up with a completely uncomfortable dog that is struggling to function properly with the ill-fitted mask.
The best way around this challenge is to ensure that you actually measure your Shih Tzu before you make the purchase. You should find a guide on how to make the measurements and their corresponding sizes. That way, you will find the best match for your pooch. And when it fits right, your pooch will be more likely to play ball whenever you have to put it on.
When considering fitting, adjustability should also be very high on your priority list. This comes in the form of straps that allow you to customize the fit. That way, even with the right size you can modify the fit to be just perfect for your furry bestie.
Factor The Mane Into Your Measurements
Shih Tzus tend to have very hairy faces. I mean, they didn’t land the nickname ‘Chinese lion’ by accident. While this hair definitely contributes to the overall cuteness factor that the dog has, it also makes getting an accurate fit based on measurements a little difficult.
The problem is that not many brands out there account for the extra fur padding when it comes to measurement directions. So you have two options.
The first is actually giving your beloved pooch a trim. The hair, though beautiful, can also be a little annoying for the little one. So you would actually be doing them a huge favor by freeing them from the responsibility of having to carry those locks around. With the extra fur out of the way, you should now be able to make a more accurate estimation of size.
Maybe you actually really like the furry mane. Maybe you are shopping for a show dog and their facial hair is their signature look. It is ok. You do not have to run for the scissors just yet. Instead, take your measurements as directed by the seller. Just make sure to apply a little pressure to realistically flatten the fair. This should mimic the lie and pressure of the mask on the face, so you actually end up getting something that fits just right.
Consider The Extent Of Coverage
Holes or no holes? That is the question.
Eye and nose holes on a dog muzzle with full face coverage have their fair share of pros and cons. They offer more avenues for airflow, which makes the mask significantly more breathable. The eye holes are also great for improved visibility, which is particularly useful for Shih Tzus that develop cataracts in old age. The nose hole comes in to give a sense of peace and comfort as the dog does not feel too restrained. However, this design makes the mask less sturdy as there are several interruptions in what should be a solid and sturdy unit.
No holes, on the other hand, mean a stronger and more cohesive mask which is particularly useful if you are dealing with a very aggressive or hyperexcited Shih Tzu. The mask keeps the jaw closed from both below and above for better restriction. However, in order to get the most out of this design, it is best to go for a piece with wide meshing. This makes up for the lack of holes by allowing breathability and visibility for your Shih Tzu.
Final Thoughts
Shih Tzus are naturally very active, social, and curious creatures. And though this may make them endearing, it may also land them in a lot of trouble. Getting a good muzzle is, therefore, crucial for effective training.
With all the alternatives discussed and the information on what really matters, you have all you need to make the right decision. Our top pick would be the ideal place to start your search. This muzzle for Shih Tzu has it all, from comfort and safety features to ease of operation. And with the quality construction, you can rest assured that your investment will be worth it.
