Translated by Nick R
Haven’t you wondered if your Pitbull or Staffordshire may need to wear a muzzle? Some owners are just not aware of the traits that make a dog a candidate to wear a muzzle.
But don’t worry, I’ll explain in detail which dog breeds must wear a muzzle and what classification it must have to be considered a potentially dangerous dog.
Table of Contents
What is a muzzle?
The muzzle is a device that covers the snout of some animals to prevent them from biting, eating, licking, or any action that involves using their snout.
The muzzle is mainly used for canines, equines, and cows (to avoid a bite during procedures or when they are interacting with people).
How did the concept of muzzle come about?
Who invented the muzzle and when it was invented is unknown, but it’s known that the purpose of the muzzle was mainly to prevent bites from an animal by limiting the movement of the muzzle.
However, in Switzerland, a man patented a different kind of muzzle to replace the traditional one. In 2005, Swiss Spetim Saciri came up with the idea of a device that would prevent the canine from biting. This all arose due to the death of a 5-year-old boy by two Rottweilers, since the community was horrified by this terrible event, there was pressure from public opinion to make the use of muzzles mandatory for all dogs. Saciri then decided to create a new alternative and do something about it.
Although the muzzle Spetim invented was nothing like the traditional design, it simply consisted of a denture that prevented the dog from biting. It consisted of two pieces of thermoplastic that were placed at the ends of each of the animal’s jaws, preventing it from closing its muzzle tightly and piercing a person’s skin.
Mechanism and functioning of a muzzle
The muzzle consists of two parts. The first is placed in front of the dog’s muzzle and the second behind its head. The front part is a structure that adapts to the shape of the muzzle to trap it and minimize its movements.
The second part is the back part, which consists of a strap, hook or harness to adjust the muzzle to keep it from slipping off the dog’s muzzle. Common materials used in muzzles are leather, plastic, nylon, and wire.
Which dogs must wear a muzzle? Regulations in Latin America and Spain
There are some requirements for some breeds to be considered potentially dangerous dogs.
Colombia
The Secretary of Health of Bogota (Colombia) stipulates that the following dogs must wear a muzzle:
- Dogs that have had episodes of aggression toward people or other dogs.
- Dogs that have been trained for attack and defense.
- Dogs that belong to the following breeds:
- Pitbull
- Pitbull terrier
- Staffordshire terrier
- American Staffordshire terrier
- Bullmastiff
- Doberman
- Dogo Argentino
- Dogo de Bordeaux
- Brazilian Fila
- Rottweiler
- Japanese Tosa
- Japanese Akita
- Canarian Presa
- Mastiffs
Peru
The Ministry of Health of the Peruvian government through a ministerial resolution states that the breeding, training, commercialization, possession and transfer of dogs considered highly dangerous must be regulated in order to protect the integrity of citizens.
The breeds that the article decrees as dangerous are:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Bullmastiff
- Doberman
- Rottweiler
Argentina
The Legislature of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires by means of law creates “The Registry of Owners of Potentially Dangerous Dogs” where the breeds and characteristics of the animal will be recorded in order to grant a permit to own these dogs.
In addition, the owners of these dogs must have a civil liability policy to cover expenses in case the dog causes injuries to third parties. The breeds designated with this characteristic are:
- Pitbull terrier
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- American Staffordshire terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Brazilian Fila
- Tosa Inu
- Akita Inu
- Doberman
- Rottweiler
- Bullmastiff
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Bull terrier
- Large Japanese dog
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Presa Canario
- German Shepherd
- Cane Corso
- Those trained for attack
Ecuador
A metropolitan ordinance issued by the government of Quito will qualify potentially dangerous dogs when:
- There is aggressive behavior of any type without provocation that has been denounced or not.
- On two occasions they do not qualify for the temperament tests, which grant the possession permits.
- Attack one or more people or animals causing serious injury or death with no provocation.
- Are carriers of fatal and incurable zoonoses for people.
Spain
Spain has decreed some characteristics applicable to classify dangerous dogs in two annexes. In the first annex some of the breeds previously listed are mentioned.
ANNEX II
- Strong musculature, powerful appearance, robust, athletic configuration, agility, vigor, and endurance.
- Marked character and great courage.
- Short hair
- Thoracic perimeter between 60 and 80 centimeters, height at withers between 50 and 70 centimeters, and weight over 20 kg.
- Voluminous head, cuboid, robust, with a broad and large skull and muscular and bulging cheeks. Large and strong jaws, robust, wide, and deep mouth.
- Wide, muscular, and short neck.
- Chest solid, broad, large, deep, arched ribs, and short muscular back.
- Parallel, straight and robust forelegs, and very muscular hindquarters, with relatively long legs forming a moderate angle.
Which behaviors are causal for a dog to be muzzled?
It’s common to associate the use of muzzles with dangerous behaviors, but there are more reasons why muzzles may be required.
When there is a risk of biting in a threatening situation
This is clearly the main reason for a dog to wear a muzzle. In specific situations where the canine is stressed and upset, such as going to the veterinarian for a check-up. In such moments it is better to prevent and use the muzzle to avoid possible accidents.
According to the legislation of your country
Some countries like Spain or the United States have certain legislations to monitor the handling of these dangerous breeds. Among the requirements that must be complied with by the owners, dogs must wear a muzzle whenever they are in public places.
Grooming sessions
Not all dogs are prepared for grooming sessions, either because they have some kind of trauma or the owner has not yet conditioned the canine to grooming.
Whenever you notice aggressive behavior towards these procedures, it’s highly recommended to muzzle the dog to prevent the owner or the groomer from getting hurt.
Regulations about mandatory muzzling and control of dangerous dog ownership in the world.
Latin America
In Latin American countries such as Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, and Guatemala, legislations indicate that:
- Potentially dangerous dogs must wear muzzles in public spaces to safeguard people’s safety.
- Depending on the country, the owners of these breeds must register the dog’s breed and characteristics in order to keep track of the number of potentially dangerous dogs in the city or country.
North America
United States
In countries such as the United States, there are states such as Missouri where it is prohibited to have certain breeds such as Pit bulls, as well as their reproduction and commercialization. If they were registered before 2006, they are allowed only in the city limits.
Other states such as Colorado and Iowa allow the possession of these dogs classified as potentially dangerous if they comply with measures such as:
- Outside property and in public spaces the dog must be secured in a transportable container or wear a muzzle while restrained on a short leash.
- Current rabies vaccination, spay/neuter, possession permit, and an identification microchip.
Canada
The province of Ontario stated that potentially dangerous dogs are only allowed if they were registered on August 29, 2005, or born 90 days after this date with the following conditions:
- They must be using a muzzle and have a leash that does not exceed 1.8 meters in length when transiting public places.
- They must be neutered.
Europe
On the other hand, European countries such as Germany, Ireland, Holland, and Italy do not have prohibitions, but they do have legislation that controls the possession of this type of breed such as the use of muzzles in public spaces.
Since there are no such strict measures, the total responsibility falls on the owners of these breeds, who must take care of the dangerous behaviors they may develop.
Types of dog muzzles
To comply with the regulations of your country or city, here are 4 types of muzzles that your dog can wear. The shape and fit of the muzzle may vary depending on the mobility limit required for the dog.
Basket muzzle
As the name suggests, the part going on the dog’s muzzle is basket-shaped. The basket restrains the nose and mouth, leaving a large free space. It is one of the most comfortable muzzles even with its grilled appearance, since it is spacious enough for the dog to eat, drink and pant.
While the back part is an adjustable strap to secure the position of the muzzle. This muzzle is highly recommended to train the dog in certain behaviors and adapt it to a habit.
For example, if the dog barks a lot, the muzzle will limit the dog’s movement so that eventually the dog will stop barking. Another benefit of the use of this muzzle is that it teaches the canine a gentler way to receive food and not to bite the objects in the house.
This type of muzzle is highly recommended for training since it can be used for a long time and the dog won’t feel uncomfortable.
The basket can be made of wire mainly, but also plastic, dog silicone, or biomethane (a softer and more flexible material than leather).
Occlusive muzzle
Also called tube muzzle or soft snout muzzle, it is made of mesh, nylon, and sometimes leather. Its structure is simpler since it consists only of a cloth that is wrapped around the dog’s muzzle, keeping the mouth completely closed. This muzzle is more uncomfortable for dogs to wear.
It also has adjustable straps at the back of the head to ensure it doesn’t come loose. It’s used to better control the animal’s biting and barking, but it is not recommended for the dog to wear it for a long time.
It keeps the dog’s mouth completely closed, preventing it from panting, a mechanism that allows canine sweating, so it is not recommended to use it in hot climates. Likewise, this muzzle prevents the other essential actions of a dog during the day, such as drinking and eating.
Short snout muzzle
This type of muzzle is ideal for short muzzle breeds such as brachycephalic breeds. Some of these breeds are Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. If you want to know more about its main characteristics, read our blog about brachycephalic dog breeds.
The characteristic of this muzzle is that it is made of breathable mesh due to the respiratory problems these dogs have.
Since the dogs have a short snout, the muzzle fits more snugly to their face. There is a well-positioned opening for the canine to breathe and there are even some with eye holes with which they will be able to see well and it will give them a better fit.
Homemade muzzle
These are muzzles for emergency use such as if the dog is injured or is in another situation. These homemade muzzles are usually made with gauze, and cloth or in case you don’t have any, you can use pantyhose.
This muzzle has the same structure as the tube muzzle. To make it, start wrapping the cloth or gauze around the dog’s muzzle without exceeding the number of turns until you make sure that it is well placed.
Then go on to the back of the muzzle, intercalating two more wraps around the muzzle, and finish at the back of the head to secure it well, either with a hook or a well-tied knot.
Now that you know the regulations and the causes for a dog to use a muzzle, is yours one of these breeds or does it have an aggressive behavior? Well, now you know the different muzzles so you can use them comfortably if necessary.
