From Safety to Stigma: The Rise and Fall of the Muzzle’s Reputation
Here at Honest Hounds, March is Muzzle Month, and as you’d expect, we’ve been thinking a lot about muzzles—their uses, their reputation, and the massive amount of work still needed to change public perception.
It all started on a long walk along the Great Glen Way. In true Honest Hounds fashion, Jess and I went down an absolute rabbit hole of research, trying to uncover the history of muzzles. We wanted to understand how such a brilliant, practical tool was so deeply stigmatised.
And let me tell you—what we found was fascinating.
There’s an extensive, rich history behind muzzles, spanning centuries and cultures. We lost count of how often we looked at each other and said, “Wow, that’s so interesting!” as we scrolled through old texts, articles, and archives. So, naturally, I had to share some of it with you.
A Tool With Ancient Roots
The concept of muzzling dogs goes way back. Ancient Egyptian artwork shows dogs wearing muzzles, and references to muzzles pop up in medieval manuscripts. Historically, muzzles weren’t just about safety—they were also used to protect working dogs, prevent scavenging, and even influence how certain breeds were viewed by society.
However, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, muzzles took on an even greater role—particularly in response to rabies outbreaks. Rabies was a terrifying disease with no cure and almost always fatal once symptoms appeared. It spread rapidly through dog populations, leading to devastating consequences for both animals and humans. In response, many countries introduced strict muzzle laws, making it compulsory for dogs to wear them in public spaces to prevent bites and reduce transmission.
For example, in 19th-century Britain and France, muzzling laws were enforced in an attempt to control rabies outbreaks, with severe penalties for owners who failed to comply. In some cases, dog populations were culled due to fears of spreading rabies, and New York is probably most famous for the extreme measures it took. In 1867, they introduced a law where police had shoot-to-kill orders for unmuzzled dogs, and it was illegal to have your dog on the street unmuzzled - something that is unimaginable for most of us today. Muzzles became synonymous with disease prevention and were considered an essential public health measure… so what went wrong?
The Shift in Perception
Fast-forward to the modern era, and rabies has been largely eradicated in many developed countries due to widespread vaccination programs. As the immediate threat of rabies diminished, so too did the widespread use of muzzles. But instead of remaining a normal part of responsible dog ownership, muzzles became associated with aggression, danger, and poor training.
Multiple factors likely influenced this shift. The rise of breed-specific legislation in the late 20th century played a role, as certain breeds were labelled as 'dangerous', and muzzles became a visual marker of risk rather than a responsible precaution. Sensationalised media coverage of dog attacks further cemented the idea that a muzzled dog was one to be feared. This is something we have seen continue even to this day, with the recent XL Bully Ban across England and Scotland leaving owners more confused and ostracised than supported. Instead of being seen as a precautionary or management tool, muzzles became a last resort—something used only for ‘problem dogs.’
Ironically, despite the fact that dog ownership has skyrocketed and dog bites are on the rise, the use of muzzles remains stigmatised. In the UK alone, dog ownership has increased dramatically over the past decade, with millions of new owners taking on dogs—many without prior experience. At the same time, reports of dog bites have risen, with hospital admissions for bite-related injuries steadily climbing. Yet, despite this, muzzles are rarely promoted as a routine safety measure. Instead of viewing them as a way to prevent incidents, many still see them as a sign of failure and all you have to do is dive into the comment section of a muzzled dog on social media to see how far we still have to go.
The Work We Still Have to Do
Despite all the progress made in recent years, the stigma still lingers. We still hear people gasp when they see a muzzled dog, whispered assumptions, and owners hesitating to introduce a muzzle—not because they don’t believe in it but because they’re worried about what other people will think. It’s even affecting veterinary professionals, who sometimes feel uncomfortable requesting that owners muzzle their dogs for examinations out of fear of causing offence.
How have we strayed so far from a tool designed for protection and welfare to one that is now viewed with suspicion and negativity? The very thing that could safeguard dogs, owners, and the public is often rejected—not because it doesn’t work, but because of perception. I know firsthand how muzzles can save lives, the use of the muzzle is the reason my dog, Atlas, is still alive today, and it has allowed us to safely rehabilitate him. Without it, euthanasia would have been his only option.
So, during this Muzzle Month, we want to challenge that stigma. Let’s normalise muzzles for what they are: a tool—just like a lead, harness, or crate. Let’s have the conversations that break down misconceptions. Let’s make muzzles something people see and think, “Oh, that’s a responsible owner.”
And maybe, just maybe, next time someone sees a muzzled dog, they won’t jump to the wrong conclusions. Instead, they’ll think, “Wow, that’s so interesting.”
Need Help Getting Started?
At Honest Hounds, we’re all about supporting responsible dog owners who want to do right by their dogs. That’s why we’ve created a full, free muzzle guide as part of our Emergency Toolkit—a must-have resource for anyone looking to make muzzle training a stress-free and positive experience.
We also have an incredible community of dog lovers who understand the importance of responsible ownership. Whether you need practical tips, encouragement, or just a place where muzzles are celebrated rather than judged, you’ll find it all inside Honest Hounds.
👉 Download our free muzzle guide here: Emergency Toolkit
👉 Join our community and connect with like-minded owners: Choose Your Membership
👉 Need a muzzle? Both Baskerville and The Muzzle Shop are great places to start!
Let’s change the conversation around muzzles—together. 💛
