Measuring Your Dog
MTT has a particular way to measure your dog, which we believe is the best way to get a good fit; At the same time, some places may suggest differently, so when we refer to measuring your dog, the methods listed below are the only ones MTT use as it has been changed and improved by experience over the last two years. This page will cover everything from how to measure, incorrect methods and much more.
Disclaimer: Firstly if your dog is a bite risk to you or doesn't allow hands/things near their face we DO NOT RECOMMEND MEASURING them. Putting your dogs through unnecessary stress when it is possible to use other methods (listed below). On another note please DO NOT use your hands to open your dog's mouth. You should not measure if you have to force any more than a comfortable level.
We often get asked how dogs go with using their muzzle whilst doing different things like eating, swimming, and using training tools, plus much more. You can click through the tabs above to read over the information. The X will bring you back to this first page.
Scroll down further for steps to follow and some FAQ.
Steps To Follow
Step 1: Read over the information first
If you have read over all our measuring info in the blue tabs below, this will ensure you are measuring correctly and safely. There are many methods out there that others may use but we can almost guarantee they will not be the same as our methods. If they worked your probably wouldn't be here needing to follow our instructions, so if you don't like our methods there is many other pages you can find for information on measuring, we just do not believe these are close to accurate (excluding a few but usually they are for custom muzzles). Our methods are for measuring to find a muzzle from ANY brand.
Step 2: Your dogs 'profile'
A great starting point when starting to measure your dog, taking a photo of your dogs head/snout from above and the side whilst closed mouth can help a ton when measuring and sizing your dog, you can find all information on how we use profile pics in the approximating or the profile pics tab below. If you need a list of everything needed to more easily size your dog you can use our PDF here: (coming soon), you can find examples of profile pics' in the Can't Measure tab above, since this is where they are used most.
If you can't measure or you already have a muzzle and want to size based on that instead, head to Which Muzzles Will Fit.
Step 3: Get the closed measurements needed (not panting)
These are length, width, closed height and circumference. We highly recommend you have someone help and record/take photos of the measurements so you can refer to them later or send in to forms on Sizing & Fitting Help. Take your time to get these measurements as they are the most important (explained in the closed measurements tab). If these are a struggle work on getting just length or closed height as you can use these measurements to approximate the other closed measurements (explained in approximating). Make sure you also check out incorrect methods in the tabs below to learn about why measuring against the face is important for the right measurement or if taking pictures, why the angle matters if sending it in to us or referring back to them.
If your dog can be measured but wont sit still, plays with the tape etc you can read over the 'learning to measure' tab for more info and a few extra steps for teaching your dog how to sit still and be measured. This is a skill they should know measuring or not as at the vet they should also be comfortable with being still and calm whilst someone is around their face.
Step 4: Get them panting and pictures
As explained in pant information below, a muzzle should allow for a full or regular pant, depending on what you need the muzzle for. Getting your dog out to exercise and taking a picture of them panting should not be an issue for most. Even if your dog has a very small pant or doesn't pant often, it is still important to try get a photo of the biggest pant they have as the muzzle will have to fit that at some point whilst wearing it. Pictures of them panting (not measured) are important to have to make sure you can work out the correct height needed to correctly fit your dog.
Step 5: Get the open measurements needed
The measurements are open height and open circumference, these can be taken whilst the dog is panting or while the dog is holding a ball (preferably one that accurately replicates the pant height (more info in open measurements tab), If you can measure them fully panting then you don't need to also use the ball as this is only to replicate a pant that they haven't measured. Make sure you also check out incorrect methods in the tabs below since most are under the impression that a yawn should be sized to, or learn about why measuring against the face is important for the right measurement. Again try have someone help and take a video/pictures to refer back to or send in to MTT Programs.
Step 6: Compiling the information
Once at this step you will hopefully have your dog fully measured with the measurements written down, pictures of the measurements, profile and also pant pictures (that are not measured).
Frequently Asked Questions
My Dog Won't Sit Still?
A common issue people have with measuring their dogs, is the dog won't sit still long enough to get a measurement, or the dog tries to play with the tape. The best solution to this is teaching a 'rest' command and working on it for a few days before measuring. Info coming soon.
What Next?
After you have as much info of your dog as you can from this page, head to Sizing A Muzzle and learn how to use your measurements and information to work out which muzzle will work best.
Measuring is not easy, take your time.