Cranberry Creek Kennel

18/08/2024

Bear (formerly known as Tinker) is settling in his new forever home nicely with Takoda.
The new family is naming him Bear for the color and cuddles of a Teddy Bear, and the paws of a Grizzly.

17/08/2024

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?"

11/08/2024

True VERY True!!!@

10/08/2024

We are proud to announce that Tinker has found his new forever home.

Hi! My name is Tinker and I need a new forever home! Due to a family member developing a dog allergy, I was brought back to Cranberry Creek Kennel. I am 3.5 months old, potty trained, crate trained, I know how to sit, and shake, and love to go for walks. Please message me if you want to adopt me!

19/07/2024

For all my friends and family and those of you that don’t know my primary job is here is a short video of my last build

Meet Our Latest Custom Camper Van Creation: Adventure-Ready Ford Transit AWD 350!We recently finished an incredible project: a custom-built Ford Transit AWD ...

07/07/2024

🐾 POEM OF A DOG
I'm the one who's always waiting for you.
Your car has a special sound that I have imprinted on my senses, I can recognize it in a thousand.
Your steps have a magic bell.
Your voice is music to my ears.
If I see your joy, it makes me happy!.
Your scent is the best.

24/06/2024

21/06/2024

We are proud to announce that our temporary named puppy Eddie has found a great family home.
If you are looking for a family dog, hunting dog, or a compassion dog we have your puppy. This guy temporarily named Eddie, is crate trained, getting the hang of potty training, and is really smart. He could be yours. Contact us for details.

15/06/2024

This mellow guy is looking for his forever home. Would be a great hunter or companion dog. Ready now.

09/06/2024

Puppies on parade

05/06/2024

This beautiful black boy is looking to be part of your family. Any takers?

02/06/2024

27/05/2024

M

20/05/2024

Sometimes playing with toys can get loud.

19/05/2024

Still have 4 left looking for their forever homes. These cuties are waiting for you! 3 boys 1 girl.

19/05/2024

Starting to play with toys. Now the fun begins. They begin developing personalities.

16/05/2024

They are getting more active each day. Some are getting vocal and it’s cute because it is just one bark.

15/05/2024

It starts now at 3 weeks with milk replacer and slowly goes to food and water. I think they like it!!

15/05/2024

We would like to congratulate K9 Charlie, her Battle buddy, and trainer from Soldiers 6 who past their test yesterday. You and your trainer did a lot of hard work that was well deserved. Congratulations again!

13/05/2024

Our first day outside, and we loved it!!!!

12/05/2024

Now that their eyes are open, they can walk to mama for food!!

12/05/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to Ellen Cranberry Creek for being a terrific first time Mom.

11/05/2024

2 1/2 weeks eyes open and walking around. Getting cuter each day. Have some still available but going fast.

05/05/2024

This weekend pictures. Boy are they growing. 5 boys and 1 girl left.

05/05/2024

Walking around. Wobbly of course because they don’t have eyes open yet!!

02/05/2024

1 week old and growing big. Can’t wait til their eyes are open.
Still looking for homes for 7 of them.

27/04/2024

Day 2 weigh ins and they all weigh 1 pound or more. Growing like a w**d.

24/04/2024

We would like to announce the arrival of another litter. Nine this time from Ellen and Rusty.

04/02/2024