Have you ever wondered what size soft muzzle will fit your favorite cat or dog? Do the sizes seem baffling? Is your pet a mixed breed which defies labeling as typically found on the muzzle packages? 

I experienced these issues when I decided I needed to find a muzzle for my dog.  The first one I purchased was TOOOO small, the second was TOOOO big! Afraid to strike out a third time, and tired of wasting a lot of money trying to guess the right size for my pup, I decided to order the WHOLE SET of muzzles to find the right one...yes Goldilocks, I did find the one that was JUST RIGHT!! 

OK, so then I had 11 muzzles I didn't need.  No problem, I simply listed the others on eBay and they sold well.  So, I decided they were a nice staple to add to my store. 

I get lots of questions from potential buyers asking how to select the right size, and, having had my own frustrating experience, I understand their frustration.

So, I have decided to put together a measuring guide to help you select the right muzzle.  I carry only the Guardian Gear Soft Muzzles, which I have been very pleased with, so the sizing is specific to this brand.

Please note this sizing is ONLY for the older style 'Comfort Control Muzzles'.  Please see my other guide for sizing of the new style, 'Lined Nylon Muzzles' by Guardian Gear. Lined Nylon Muzzles

DOGS

Steps to determining the size of your dog's snout:

1. Measure the circumferance just above the nose to get the snout measurement. (If you don't have a tape measure, just use a piece of string. cut the string to the exact measurement and then lay it along a standard ruler to get the circumference.)
2. Measure the distance from the first measured point to just below the eye.  This gives your the snout length.

That's all you need...now, here are all the measurements for each of the muzzles for dogs (see cats later).

SIZE           MUZZLE OPENING                  LENGTH     SIZE TO FIT SNOUT CIRCUMFERENCE

0                            4 3/4"                                           1"                               4 1/2"

1                            5 1/2"                                           1"                                 5"

2                              6"                                               2"                              5 1/2"

3                           7 1/2"                                            2"                                6"

3X                           9"                                               2"                             10 1/2"

4                         11 1/2"                                            1"                                8"

4X                      11 3/4"                                         2 1/2"                          10 3/4"

5                            10"                                           2  1/2                            8 1/4"

5X                     11 1/2"                                            2"                              10 1/4"

You will notice that the recommended snout size does not always match the actual muzzle opening measurement.  This is because the measurement is taken at the same place for all dogs, but the muzzle is designed to fit differently for different dogs.  Muzzles for shorted snouted dogs extend beyond the end of the snout, while muzzles for longer snouted dogs fit behind the nose. Look at the photos of the various muzzles for sale to see the difference.

CATS

Cat muzzle sizing is based on cat weight.  Simply weigh your cat and select the recommended muzzle size.

MUZZLE SIZE                       MUZZLE DIAMETER                   RECOMMENDED WEIGHT                     

          S                                                                    5-7"                                             UNDER 6 LBS

          M                                                                   7-8"                                              6-12  LBS

          L                                                                    8-9"                                             OVER 12 LBS

Cat muzzles cover the eyes, calming the cat for grooming and carrying to the vet.

MUZZLE USAGE

1. Use only with direct supervision.
2. Designed for temporary, short-term use.
3. Prolonged use of a muzzle inhibits your pet's natural cooling system, which can result in a life-threstening situation for your pet.

I hope you have found this information helpful in selecting the right soft muzzle for your pet.