what would you do? is a muzzle bad?

Question

I am moving to France next year, and there are passing a series of laws against the so-called "dangerous" dogs (sigh)
one of my dogs is a mutt (lab/boxer/pointer) but could have pitbull in her as well (1/4)
based on this law, she will be required to wear a muzzle each time I take her out in public (walks) (mix breeds as well)

I cannot imagine putting this on my dog because she is the best behaved dog I ever had, and it seems so unfair. + she loves to sniff around, and is very sweet (just looks scary to some people: lab face but the body of a pointer/boxer)

My best friend volunteered to adopt her from me so my dog won't have to deal with those stupid French laws. I don't know.
IS wearing a muzzle that bad? will my dog be miserable on walks ? (1-2 hours a day - one hour morning - one hour night + small walks in between)
Is that enough a reason to let her stay here?
She is my favorite dog (i love my border collie too) but my mutt is my favorite of the favorites.

Also if you have suggestions on muzzle, they will be appreciated.

Well we are moving.... I know this law is stupid... but there are other great things about France that makes us move there.

Well my idea is to make sure the American vet does not put "boxer" or "pit bull" in her certificate...
but she already has lab/boxer on most vet bills and sometimes lab/pointer

I read on "BARK" that the DNA testing is not yet super efficient...but I might try that and if the results show no link to pitbulls (which i doubt) I might use that as proof.

Answer 1

The muzzle referred to in the French Law is, I believe, a wire basket design - one that prevents the dog from biting etc., but does not restrict sniffing/exploration nor normal "panting" that the dog uses to cool himself.

It is not inhumane but will take getting used to.

Contact the French consulate in your area for more specific information.

As much as I detest legislation like this, I would rather have a muzzle law than to have to destroy or re-home my dog.

Answer 2

A muzzle is not going to hurt your dog or traumatize it. The dog will still be able to sniff things, drink water..... It just will be unable to bite any other dog or human. That is what the law is for. Consider your self lucky, where you are going only requires the dog be leashed and muzzled. Here in the states there are some cities that have already managed to get a breed ban law in effect so certain breed or mixes of those breeds are outlawed totally. They cannot even live in these cities. So, deal with the muzzle laws, it won't hurt you or your dog.

Answer 3

I would see about adopted my dog out if I had to move to France at all cost. In a few years they will probably pass a law causing you to get rid of your dog.
It's terrible, those french people and their laws!!!
I dont see a problem with muzzling an agressive dog or muzzling a dog in certain situations (ie vet work...)

my rescue had a dog wash here recently and we did not have to muzzle one dog!!
we washed 30, and we had muzzles for agressive dogs, but none were used,. (we had pitt bulls, bull dogs, boxers, great danes, lots of mutts...)

The vet that was out there (in casesomething happened) said that they ONLY muzzle aggressive dogs, or large dogs when they do procedures and only do it for a short period of time.
Most dogs find it annoying.
But if you have to take him with you, muzzle him when you take him out in public!
Follow the law, this would be best.
(I just wish peole were not so stupid!)

Answer 4

Well, first of all, you have a lot of time to try to get your dog accustomed to wearing a muzzle. If you can slowly work on getting your dog used to it and work on getting her to do things to distract from the idea that she is wearing one, it might help. You have a fail safe in case your dog doesn't take well to the idea of a muzzle, but you have a lot of time to train your dog to accept one as well. At least the breed and mixes of are not entirely banned. This is some kind of an option for those who wish to at least keep the breeds as pets.

As for the type of muzzle... I have had to look into these myself recently for herding training with my Border Collie. She's a bit over the top with the sheep and so using a muzzle will prevent her from biting and injuring the sheep while she is still young and learning the ropes. The best suggestion I got was a cage style muzzle, like the kind Greyhounds wear for racing. It permits the mouth to open and gives them plenty of room to properly pant on hot days as needed, but creates that barrier to prevent a bite. I have one on order and will try it out in a few weeks when it arrives. Since my dog will be running with the sheep, she'll need to pant so this was the best option for us.

You might want to do a little research to determine if there are regulations on the type of muzzles permitted as well, just to make sure if you get one, it will meet any possible standards they have set for them.

Answer 5

Muzzles stink. Dogs hate them.

My cousins in California have a dog. Last time I was there, he was a teething puppy. He's a golden retriever, but since their mom just bought them a dog since they wanted one (they're eight and 5 or something) the dog sits outside most of the day. When they play with him, he has to wear a muzzle.

I loved that dog, he's a sweetie! His name is Denver. He absolutely HATED the muzzle, if I tried to put it on him, he would grab it and invite me to play chase. Whenever he could, he would take a break, drop the muzzle, and pant for a bit. Then, when I'd come for the muzzle, he'd pick it up and run away.

When he did have the muzzle on him, he would sit there, paw at it, and roll around.

I hope you can find a solution with your problem.

Answer 6

I feel your pain on the "dangerous dog" bullsh*t. I have a rottweiler that wouldn't hurt a fly, but because of his breed, he's dangerous? Whatever.

Back to the point at hand. You can buy basket muzzles, which aren't as bad as nylon muzzles. The dog would still be able to open his mouth, pant and drink water while muzzled. I still think that muzzling dogs suck, and I don't advocate it, but what are you going to do? Personally, I don't feel like I would live somewhere that my dog would be ostracized just because of his genetics.

Have you thought about doing a DNA profile on your dog? Determining exactly what is in your dog (you may be surprised!) might give you the answer.

Answer 7

Personally I would scratch moving to France and stay here w/ my dog...that's a ridiculous law!! I think muzzles are ok in certain situations such as if the vet is doing work on your dog but be honest, would you enjoy your walk at all if you had to wear a muzzle the whole time??

Answer 8

I feel your pain. We here have breed list of dogs that the law inherently lists as "vicious or dangerous" and are required to follow the restrictions set upon any dog listed as such no matter what behavior traits the dog shows. Our local automatically considered "vicious" list includes :
* American Staffordshire Terrier
* Staffordshire Bull Terrier
* Bull Terrier
* American Bulldog
* American Pit Bull Terrier
* Cane Corso
* Dogo Argentino
* Boxer mixes
* Mastiff mixes
* Any medium-to-large mixed breed with a blocky head, short coat, and muscular body.


Since I have a Husky/Beagle (medium dog with short coat and muscular body and a Lab mix ( medium dog with a blocky head and short coat). I now have 2 dogs that are automatically considered vicious even though my cats beats up my two dogs all the time... therefore I am required to keep 100,000 dollars per dog in insurance each year and keep them in a totally enclosed cage with a top on it when outside. If walking off my property they must be on a metal chain that will support the weight of towing a car and can not be more than 4 feet in length. They are also required to wear a cage muzzle.

I guess it comes down to... if you really love your dog you'll put up anything for him/her... and you'll know when for his/her own sake that if it truly better to relinquish ownership to another responsible owner even though it may break your heart to leave your beloved behind you know that in the end the pup will be better off happier and healthier.

Answer 9

I do think its unfair...but if its the law you might as well. I would not leave my dog behind. A muzzle is not that bad...they should still be able to eat and drink while the wear a muzzle. he will not be miserable on walks just a little confused. Start putting it on now and get him used to it.
I am moving to germany sometime soon...but i have a golden retriever...i hope they have no issues with that.
Good luck in France and i am sure your dog will be just fine.

Answer 10

I use a muzzle on one of my Yorkies when I groom him so that he won't bite me! He's a 14 pounder.
Muzzles are not bad, they can save you from having to have your dog put down. I use a mesh muzzle for my dogs. They fit well and hook behind their head. Once your dog gets used to wearing her muzzle everything will be fine. I would suggest putting the muzzle on her for a few minutes each day so that she can get used to wearing it. Put it on her before your walk and give her a good girl treat when you take it off of her, this way she will associate the muzzle with good things.
Good Luck and have a safe trip.