Mountain Breeze Labradors

09/02/2024

These 3 gorgeous taters are somehow still available… 2 males (sitting) 1 female. 13 weeks old, lots of training and love💙🐾💕

09/01/2024

Congratulations to Dave and Jan! Sweet Sage is going to have a wonderful home and be a fantastic hunting partner… we will love you forever Sage!💕🐾

08/31/2024

Congratulations to Jaime on her new little purple girl! 💜🐾 Purple will be joining her new big sister Ellie in California soon! We will love you forever sweet girl!

08/29/2024

12 weeks old, still have 2 males and 2 females available

08/27/2024

Happy Dog Day to this crew! Love doesn’t even begin to describe this…💕🐾💙

08/25/2024

Look at Gunner(Muireann x Beach Boy) getting ready for duck season!💛🐾

08/22/2024

08/18/2024

Still have a few taters available…both parents are health tested, clear on hips, elbows and eyes. Dam and Sire on site.Message for info

08/17/2024

Puppies available, 10 weeks, crate trained, up to date on vaccines…

08/15/2024

Dewclaws! They are IMPORTANT! Many dog breeders routinely, and without much thought, amputate puppies' front dewclaws when the pups are 3-5 days of age. Why? The thought is to prevent potential injuries, such as tears of the digit, later in life. BUT do you realize that the dewclaw is a FUNCTIONAL, IMPORTANT digit? I am thankful that my own dog's breeder did not amputate Dunkin's front dewclaws. Do you also know that with appropriate exercises, the muscles of the dewclaw can be strengthened to help promote and maintain appropriate function and close apposition of the dewclaw to the side of the paw? Below is an article by a friend and colleague, Dr. Chris Zink, that explains the importance, anatomy, and function of the front dewclaw.

"Do the Dew(claws)?
by Chris Zink, DVM PhD DACVSMR

As a veterinary sports medicine specialist, I work extensively with canine athletes, developing rehabilitation programs for injured dogs or dogs that required surgery due to performance-related injuries. I have seen many dogs, especially field trial/hunt test and agility dogs, that have chronic carpal arthritis, frequently so severe that they must be retired or at least carefully managed for the rest of their careers. I noticed that very few of those dogs had dewclaws and began to wonder whether these appendages might, in fact, protect a dog from injuries. What I learned might surprise you.

The Anatomy of Dewclaws
Miller's Guide to the Anatomy of the Dog, a veterinary anatomy text, has an excellent figure depicting the muscular anatomy of the distal forelimb. There are 2 functional muscles, the extensor pollicis longus et indicis proprius and flexor digitorum profundus, which are attached to the front dewclaw by 4 tendons (references in blog). Each of those muscle/tendon units has a different function in movement. That means that if you cut off the dew claws, you are preventing the muscles that were attached to the dewclaws from functioning.

In contrast, rear limb dewclaws do not have muscle/tendon attachments, so their removal might be appropriate, except in the breeds such as Briards and Beauceron in which they should be retained.

Dewclaws Do Have Functions
If there are muscles and tendons attached to the dewclaws, then they most likely have a function. Broadly speaking, dewclaws have at least two different functions:
1. Grasp the ground when the dog is turning to prevent torque on the forelimb. Each time the front foot lands on the ground, particularly when the dog is cantering or galloping (see Figure 2), the dewclaw is in touch with the ground. If the dog then needs to turn, the dewclaw actively digs into the ground to stabilize the lower leg and prevent torque. In Figure 3 you can clearly see the dewclaw of a Corgi herding a sheep extended, ready to grip the ground. And in the image at the top of this article, you can see the dewclaws of a dog extended, ready to grip the water!

Do the Dew(claws)?

If a dog doesn't have dewclaws, the leg will twist on its axis, creating increased pressure on the carpal bones, as well as the elbow, shoulder and toes. A lifetime of this kind of torque and the result can be carpal arthritis or injuries to and subsequent arthritis in other joints of the forelimb, such as the elbow, shoulder, and toes. Remember, the dog is participating in the activity regardless, so there will be concussive pressures on the leg, and if the dewclaw does not help to stabilize the leg, those pressures will be transmitted to other areas of the leg, especially the joints.

2. Grip objects. We have all seen dogs using their dewclaws to grip an object such as a ball or bone (Figure 4). I've even seen many photos of agility dogs gripping the teeter for stability (Figure 5). But did you know that the dewclaws' gripping ability can, in fact, save your dog's life? Check out the video "Dewclaws Do Have a Purpose" for "gripping" views of dogs attempting to get out of water onto ice without the help of those ice picks on the inside of their legs. The video also shows dogs using their dewclaws to grip the ice and escape from a potentially fatal situation. I have known several dogs that drowned after falling through ice in the winter. None of them had dewclaws. If they had, perhaps they would have survived and spared their owners the incredible heartache of watching their dogs die unnecessarily.

Arguments for Removing Dewclaws
1. The dewclaws will get injured. This is the most common reason I hear for removing dewclaws. A friend of mine had such a severe dewclaw injury in one of her dogs that she swore she would remove them on all the dogs she bred subsequently.

But the data indicate that dewclaws are not injured very often. A study published in 2018 showed that the dewclaw was the LEAST likely toe to be injured in agility dogs, in which landing and turning from jumps and other obstacles put the toes at risk for injuries. Thus, it makes no sense to remove the dewclaws because of risk of injury. And, of course, no one would consider removing the 5th digits in the front feet, which are by far the most commonly injured toe.

2. Owners forget to trim the dewclaws. Surely this is a matter of education. Do we really want to remove a functioning digit in all dogs, just because some owners need to be reminded that they must remember to trim the dewclaws?

3. Dewclaws make the forelimb look less straight when viewed from the front in conformation. The AKC states: "The breed standard describes the characteristics of the ideal
dog to perform the function for which it was bred." While we could have long discussions about the veracity of this statement, it is interesting to note that there are VERY few breed standards that require dewclaw removal. I know of only one - the Vizsla breed standard.

A Plea
So, here's a plea to retain dogs' dewclaws. They are a functioning digit. They are the toe least likely to be injured. Isn't this enough to convince us not to do the dewclaws?"

08/15/2024

The dog days of summer!💕🐾💙

08/13/2024

Congratulations Karen! Orange collar is going to be very loved and a future hunting partner!! We love you forever orange girl🧡🐾

08/12/2024

Taters are enjoying the cool morning sunshine!

08/09/2024

Congratulations to Sophia! Whiskey is going to be a very loved boy!! We will love you always sweet boy!💚🐾

08/07/2024

What is the cost of your puppies? This is by far the most common question.. As the economy suffers we all experience price increases. Our goal really, is to be as reasonably priced as possible due to the increased expenses that go hand in hand with maintaining the quality of our dogs and raising puppies (trust me, they are living better than me! lol)

Remember that the impact of bringing a well-bred purebred puppy into your life goes beyond the initial cost. A responsible and ethical breeder invests significant resources in raising a potential show or breeding dog, with the future in mind. These breeders dedicate thousands of dollars to ensure that the female or male dog meets all necessary health clearances before being considered for their breeding program. This meticulous process not only safeguards the health and quality of the future generations but also contributes to the betterment of the breed as a whole.

Furthermore, the journey towards producing a healthy litter involves a series of essential steps, each playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the breed. From pre-breeding exams conducted by specialized reproduction veterinarians to hormone testing and securing stud fees, every aspect demands attention to detail and expertise. Additionally, considerations such as shipping costs for obtaining semen, breeding expenses, and ultrasound procedures all contribute to the comprehensive approach required for responsible breeding practices.

In essence, the true cost of a well-bred purebred puppy extends far beyond the financial aspect, reflecting the commitment of ethical breeders to the future well-being and sustainability of their beloved breeds. By understanding and appreciating the dedication and investment involved in this process, one can truly grasp the value and impact of responsible breeding practices on the future of canine companionship.

Dune: Yeah.... what she said!

08/07/2024

Introducing our keeper… Mountain Breeze Marvelous Miss Maisie!💕
(Muireann x Beach Boy)

08/07/2024

Happy Birthday to our Muireann! She is everything we ever wanted and more!! We love you soooo much Rinny girl!💕🦴🎂🎁

08/06/2024

Sweet Togo living and loving his best life! ❤️🐾

08/06/2024

We still have a few puppies available(9weeks old)

08/03/2024

Look at handsome Gunner living his best Labrador life! Nothing better than playing in the water!!💛🐾

08/01/2024

Miss Red collar is still available ❤️🐾 (8 weeks old)

07/31/2024

Stunning Libby(Sidney) out of Flirt and Bromley… enjoying some summer fun!💜🐾

07/31/2024

Congratulations to Hunter and Kimmie, Gunner is such a lucky boy to have such an amazing family! 💛🐾

07/31/2024

Congratulations to Sandy and sweet Miss Nellie! We will look forward to watching you grow with your wonderful new family 🩶🐾

07/31/2024

Congratulations to Mike, Togos new best friend! We are excited for all of your new adventures together 🖤🐾 We will love you forever sweet boy!

07/25/2024

Muireann x Beach Boy litter of 11 @7 weeks!

07/17/2024

Taters had their 6 week vet appointment and all are doing amazing! 💕🐾💙

07/11/2024

Rudy(Muireann x Goose) in his favorite place! This handsome boy is happiest when he’s in the river, especially if it involves retrieving ducks!