I am new to this site and I am trying to find help regarding a muzzle that fits my Shih tzu dogs ( I dont want a piece of scarf or similar to wrap around them and truss them like a straight jacket from the victorian era I want a humane and comfortable muzzle that my dogs will not feel restrained too much or uncomfortable all long nosed breeds have them so why cant my dogs???
please help

It would help if you explain where and when you are wanting to muzzle your dogs, as there are quite a few different muzzles and they are not all suitable for the same things.

I think training all dogs to be used to wearing muzzles is an excellent idea it means that should the need arise stress levels are reduced all round.

The best muzzle for the majority of pet dogs I have found is the Baskervill Ultra Muzzle.

It is a basket design and enables the handler to still treat the dog and the dog to drink and pant.

It is designed to attached to the dog's collar both above and below the head to minimise the opportunity of it being scratched off and is soft and lined with neoprene.

http://www.doggiesolutions.co.uk/baskerville-ultra-muzzle-16682-0.html

If you are going to use one then it is essential to introduce it correctly.

http://www.apbc.org.uk/system/files/private/advice_sheet_7-_muzzles.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FABgZTFvHo&feature=player_embedded

I occasionally the use the Baskerville Ultra on my dog, and agree it's  the best one on the market.

But the OP has a shih tzus, the smallest ultra says for jack russel (i.e. long nose) I don't think they would work for their dogs? If it was just for short periods, like a vet inspection you may have to use a strap type like these.

PAH stock them so OP, the best recommendation would be to go along and try one on your dog.

HTH

Agree the Baskerville Ultra is better than it's forebear the Baskerville.
Although sadly they do not have a 'bull breed' wider muzzle in this type as yet as for the Boxer
I find 6 the size on the packets recommended is too big - comes too close to their eyes and 5 is a better
fit for the eyes but not quite big enough for the Boxer muzzle, whereas 6 is just a tad too bid ala American Football style
a bit on the long side.

Not sure if they will eventually start doing them in the ultra as they did in the original baskerville.
Guess it would cost a lot of money for them to produce? But it would be super to be catered for again.

I have a boy through behavioural issues that needs to be muzzled on occasions and definitely is better &
more comfortable in the ultra than the original. Plus bonus is being able to 'treat' whilst he's still wearing the muzzle
(we had to adapt the old original baskerville to suit this purpose)

Is it for wearing while out or grooming? When I get snappy shih tzus in for grooming I put a plastic cone / e-collar on them, then I can do the whole body without them being able to bite, and I only have to dodge teeth while grooming the head, and you'd have to take the muzzle off for that anyway. I have seen short nosed muzzles in PAH I think, never tried them though so I don't know how well they work.

Hi and thanks to all for your comments I have tried every muzzle available and they are no good as they do not fit snug and comfortably on either of my dogs they push into the corners of their eyes and/ or are loose and do not stay in position, I have asked my groomer when she needs to muzzle my dogs during their wash cut etc and she has said normally all dogs are muzzled when she is clipping nails and cutting and surprisingly she sais that she need not muzzle them ( even if it were possible )when groomin/cutting the hair on and around their face,
I have searched the net for a suitable muzzle and the ones that are advertised for Shih Tzus are a round material cone shape with a vent hole at the front but as you can see the dogs eyes are also covered ! I find this astonishing that any pet owner would find this acceptable when if you imagine that you are blindfolded and go to have a procedure done be it for beauty purposes or health reasons I cannot imagine that anyone would agree to it. thank youaginfor you suggestions.