When the British crown enclosed the open lands in Briton and Wales, the farmers had their grazing restricted to the commons, and the job of the Cardigan changed again.  They became responsible for driving their masters cattle to the common grounds, and keeping them together, while driving away the cattle of other farmers, insuring that their own master's cattle got the best grazing possible. 

These jobs required an extremely intelligent dog, with great stamina, athleticism, courage, and the ability to perform independently.  Quite a tall order for any dog, but even more of a challenge, when you consider that the Cardigan averages 12 to 14 inches tall!  Not a nice, neat little herding dog, the Cardigan's aggressive, no-holds-barred herding style is uniquely suited to droving cattle, not keeping sheep in tidy little groups.  In Wales, in fact, the work of the Cardigan is not even called herding, but they are said to "course" the cattle.  The Cardigan is the dog called on to handle the really tough cattle that scare the Border Collies.  Cardigans also have a highly developed protective instinct.  A well socialized Cardigan is a wonderful companion who will be cordial to all welcome guest, but still be watchful and alert and somewhat aloof toward unknown people, and protective around those it perceives as dangerous.  Cardigans have been known to lay down their lives in the protection of home and family.  Because of their protective nature, Cardigans should have obedience training and proper socialization.  Their willingness makes them very successful at agility, herding trials, tracking and other performance endeavors.  They generally learn obedience well, but repetition of routines tends to bore their active minds and lead them to invent ways to "spice up" an obedience routine.                       

The modern Cardigan retains it's historic traits, and makes an excellent family member.  They are tough enough to take as much exercise as anyone can throw at them, laid back enough to be happy snoozing on the couch with their family, happy to play all day with the kids, protective of home and family (which also includes other animals) without being dangerously aggressive.  All this in a sturdy, handy sized package that will fit in any space from a large country home to a city apartment.  In short, about the only people who wouldn't be happy with a Cardigan, are people who don't like dogs.  Dassalhaus is a small kennel, and we breed for quality, not quantity.  We DO NOT breed for the show ring.  We breed for a dog that meets the old British standard, and is a true working farm dog.  We feel that a well bred dog that typifies the breed and can still do the job the breed was originally developed for should also do well in the show ring!  We occasionally have puppies for sale, and sometimes an older dog becomes available to offer it a one-on-one home situation.  We keep a waiting list for those who wish to purchase our puppies, so if interested, contact us for information on upcoming litters and available dogs.

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