Rex Ronald Reagan's Dog His Life and Care

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View of Rex Hotel and surrounding cityscape in Ho Chi Minh City with a fountain in the foreground.
Credit: pexels.com, View of Rex Hotel and surrounding cityscape in Ho Chi Minh City with a fountain in the foreground.

Rex was a Bouvier des Flandres, a breed known for its intelligence and loyalty. He was a beloved companion to the Reagan family.

Rex was adopted by the Reagans in 1985, when he was just a puppy. He quickly became a cherished member of the family.

Rex was known for his gentle and calm nature, which made him a great companion for the Reagans. He would often accompany them on walks around the White House grounds.

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Early Life of Rex

Rex was bred by dog breeder Irene Murphy of Greenwich, Connecticut. His registered name was Martlet-Or Worcester.

Rex's early life was marked by a rather unusual circumstance - he was purchased by President Reagan as a Christmas present for his wife Nancy in 1985. This was after the Reagans' previous dog, Lucky, had grown too large and was moved to the Reagan's estate in California.

Rex was named after Rex Scouten, the White House Chief Usher. This is a nice touch, as it shows that the Reagans were thoughtful about naming their pets.

One of Rex's first acts as a White House pet was helping to throw the switch that lit the National Christmas Tree in 1985. I can only imagine how exciting it must have been for Rex to be a part of such a special event.

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Ronald Reagan and Rex

Credit: youtube.com, Photo Opportunity of President Reagan and Nancy Reagan with their dog “Rex” on March 9, 1986

Ronald Reagan gave Nancy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for Christmas on December 6, 1985, which was later named Rex.

Rex had a very important job, helping to throw the switch to light the White House Christmas tree.

Rex took a strong dislike to the Lincoln bedroom and wouldn't enter it, even standing at the doorway and barking.

The Reagans took their pets very seriously, and when an animal died, the president personally would bury them in a little hilltop cemetery created especially for the Reagan pets on their ranch near Santa Barbara.

Ronald Reagan personally carved a headstone for each animal who died so that they always would be remembered.

Rex's Care and Living Arrangements

Rex's living arrangements were quite lavish, with a doghouse designed by Theo Hayes, the great-great-grandson of President Rutherford B. Hayes, featuring framed portraits of the Reagans and red velvet curtains.

The doghouse was a special one, as Rex planned to leave it at the White House at the end of President Reagan's second term, so he was gifted a new doghouse that was a mini replica of the White House.

Rex even got to travel with the Reagans to their California home in 1989, and later, he passed away at the age of 13 and was buried at Rancho del Cielo.

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Doghouses and Living Quarters

amos rex 3
Credit: pexels.com, amos rex 3

Rex had a special doghouse designed by Theo Hayes, which included framed portraits of the Reagans and red velvet curtains.

This doghouse was a lavish gift that showed how much Rex was loved by the Reagans. The doghouse was so impressive that Rex planned to leave it at the White House at the end of President Reagan's second term.

Rex was presented with a new doghouse, a mini replica of the White House, which he could take with him wherever he went. The inside of this doghouse was lined with a piece of familiar carpet from Camp David.

Rex even got to travel with the Reagans to their California home in 1989, where he likely enjoyed the comforts of his new doghouse.

Care and Feeding of Rex

Rex requires regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and lead to health issues.

Rex's diet should consist of high-quality dog food, with a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Facade of the Rex Hotel in Saigon, Vietnam
Credit: pexels.com, Facade of the Rex Hotel in Saigon, Vietnam

Daily walks of at least 30 minutes are essential for Rex's physical and mental well-being.

Rex needs a clean, dry place to sleep, such as a dog bed or crate, to prevent health problems.

Rex's water bowl should be filled fresh every day to ensure access to clean drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What breed of dog did Reagan have?

The Reagan family owned a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Rex. This lovable breed was a beloved companion during a significant period in American history.

Did the Reagans have a dog in the White House?

Yes, the Reagans had several dogs during their time in the White House, including "Lucky" and "Rex" in the White House and "Victory", "Freebo", and "Millie" on their ranch.

Rodney Snyder

Lead Writer

Rodney Snyder has always been passionate about writing. He started his career as a journalist, covering local news and events. His love for storytelling led him to explore different forms of writing, including fiction and poetry.

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