This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, September 2021 issue.
From its origin and purpose, the Cardigan was bold, fearless, and determined to stand ground when working cattle. They were quick-thinking and intelligent, with a willing-to-please attitude. A shy, scared, or spooked dog would not be selected either for work, as a companion, or for further breeding. This was the foundation of our breed. In old Wales, the Cardigan was valuable to the farmer and was brought inside the home as a family companion, watchdog, and guardian. They are naturally reserved with strangers. With keen eye and astute hearing, they held their own against any bovine. The Cardigan’s large ears were sensitive to the “swoosh” of a cow’s kick. They reacted swiftly to sudden noises when working. Survival depended upon this quick, defensive response. This should never be faulted. It is an instinctive part of their temperament and we see this behavior in many ways:
Moving past a door, a Corgi may refuse to go near that strange, dark, rectangular opening. He may curve away, never losing a step, or he may stop, growl, and bark at the door.
At a specialty held in a hotel ballroom, the Cardigan is doing the recall exercise. When called, he moves out purposely, but stops halfway under the ballroom chandelier, looking up at the pretty, shiny lights. Another breed of dog might just stop there and flunk the exercise. This Corgi lowers his head and purposely moves to complete the task at hand; going to his master.
At an indoor show, Cardigans hop over the wide electrical tape securing mats to the floor. On a rug, they might avoid strange paisley patterning in the carpet.
As a class circles the ring, a crate is dropped with a sudden crash while the Cardigans are being shown. One Cardi spins to the ruckus, but then returns to the task of showing.
Producing a Cardigan with both sound temperament and sound conformation should be the critical goal to guarantee a sound companion dog.
In the breed ring, judges have had to excuse more and more poorly-tempered Cardigans. Some Cardis are pulling back, fearful of being examined. Shy temperament is just as faulty as a roached topline, straight front or shoulders; no, it is worse! Producing a Cardigan with both sound temperament and sound conformation should be the critical goal to guarantee a sound companion dog. Our foundation breeders never would have bred a dog of shy or spooked temperament; nor should it be bred today. Socialization and obedience are of utmost importance. As the litter begins to become aware of its surroundings, reputable breeders introduce puppies to the oddities of life.
Early household and community activities are necessary to learn new sounds, smells, and sights. Socialization familiarizes the strange occurrences in life and encourages self-confidence. Eventually, the oddity is no longer the intruder, but an accepted novelty. Cardigans display a sense of humor with their comic, clownish antics. These devoted family members bond in loyal companionship. They are happiest at your feet, in your lap, in your bed—or swimming pool! This is a breed that mixes well with other dogs, making them quite habit-forming. A single Cardigan household is a delight; the multi-Cardi home has a ball!
A version of this article first appeared in the december 1999 AKC Gazette breed column supplied by the CWCCA JEC library of education articles.
