Cardassia should get a dog program post-Dominion War.
Like, I'm sure there are strict regulations about importing animals to other planets. Domestic cats are probably only just behind tribbles when it comes to bans regarding them. But Cardassia Prime's entire ecosystem is probably in the gutter anyway after the Dominion War, why not give them dogs?
Millions dead, infrastructure gone, dogs would be able to fill a niche that even 24th century tech might not be able to do in that situation.
So, like, the Cardassian vole population is going to absolutely explode in the ruins. You know what would take care of that? Other than cats, because cats will cause every other animal to also go extinct. No, rat terriers! They're heat tolerant and they're incredibly good at killing vermin.
Riding hounds (which I'm assuming is an actual mount, like horse-size, since Garak kept trying to ride one as a kid) would probably become an invaluable utility animal on a world whose roads have been blown to smithereens. And a good animal to help in herding them that is also heat tolerant-- the Australian Cattle Dog! Also, I would absolutely love to see the Cardassian version of "Bluey."
More depressingly, while Star Trek tech is good at detecting life signs, I don't think they have much in the way of detecting the dead, do they? Cadaver dogs would be essential in locating buried corpses. Basenjis aren't exactly known for this kind of work, but they tolerate heat very well and they are good at scent work.
Chihuahuas are also heat tolerant, and while they don't make for a good guard dog per se, they will alert their owner if someone is trying to loot their rubble.
Greyhounds are excellent heat-tolerant therapy dogs, not that Cardassians would accept a therapy dog. But if Starfleet emphasizes their hunting origins and how sleek and elegant they look -- "They've got long necks! Just like you!" -- Cardassians might start liking them.
Plus, dogs make for excellent heat sources. That's where the phrase "three dog night" comes from. When it gets cold and there's big hole in your apartment, get a couple of dogs under the blanket with you.
Mostly I just think it would be funny, because Cardassians would probably get really into breeding and training. "Rat Terrier? Oh, no, this is a Cardassian Vole Digger. It's a superior breed compared to its Terran ancestors. And also a very good boy."
Garak deserves a greyhound, I think. Beautiful, sleek, nothing going on behind those eyes, tongue sticking out of the corner of its mouth, just happy Garak is home.
