Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Wales
MOST SUITED AS Herding dog and family pet.

SIZE
The ideal shoulder-height is 30.5cm (12in). Cardigan dogs are permitted to weigh 15 - 18kg (33 - 391/21bs); bitches are somewhat lighter.

COAT
The short-haired coat is weather-resistant. Any colour is permitted provided that white areas do not exceed 30 per cent. Widely found colours are brindle, black with white, beige and blue-black.

CARE REQUIRED
The Cardigan will be satisfied with as little grooming as possible. Brush occasionally to remove dead hairs.

CHARACTER
This intelligent dog is eager to learn, hardy and brave, bonds with its handler and family, fairly calm by nature, and has an especially good sense of humour.

TRAINING
Generally this is a problem-free breed to bring up; it will gladly learn from you, and is quick to understand. This makes it successful in sever­al of the sporting activities for dogs. Care is needed during the growing stage, which means no extensive walks before the dogs is fully grown, and do not let it go up and down stairs too often during this time.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
The Cardigan can be rather reckless with other dogs. It is important to socialize them early with cats and other animals, to prevent some problems in the future. Usually they get on well with children.

EXERCISE
This breed likes to be outdoors. Take it regularly for long and varied walks. With such a dog there are a number of sporting activities to involve both of you, for example fly-ball and agility skills trials.
Cardigans have been used as avalanche search and rescue dogs.