Muzzle types

We have three muzzles for Abby, two of which live in our doggy first aid kit. The two in there are a mesh muzzle from Petsmart and a nylon muzzle from Petco. The third is a leather basket muzzle that we mostly got for re-enactment since you have a hard time finding a historic picture of a dog handler and dog without a muzzle hanging somewhere from the handler's equipment if the dog's not wearing it.

The two muzzles in our first aid kit are designed to be emergency muzzles for short-term wear. The mesh one is a bit larger, which allows Abby to pant and drink. Of course, if she really wanted to bite someone (which is highly unlikely), it would also allow her to get a hold of someone with her front teeth. Better than a full bite, but I would imagine, still very painful. The nylon muzzle is a little smaller and, like safety muzzles generally are, designed to keep her mouth shut. Definitely not something I would recommend for extended wear.

The leather basket muzzle is a pretty cheap one (it was $25) that we got at our local tack store, but it's well-made and is adjustable in four different places - the strap that goes up between the eyes and both of the side straps, and the strap that goes around her neck behind the ears. All the areas where straps overlap are riveted. It's a nice muzzle for $25.