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Rex is a Rat Terrier!
The group of dogs that are known as terriers have one thing in common - a strong urge to kill rodents and vermin. Even if they have to dig them up or go down burrows after them. They are divided into two basic groups: those with long legs and those with short legs.
Terriers need a lot of training and exercise. The smallest will adapt to apartment living, but the larger dogs will need a yard for exercise. Those with long hair will need regular grooming; and - perhaps, undercoat stripping to maintain their coat.
The Rat Terrier originally came into America with working class immigrants in the late 1800´s and shares it´s background with other "ratting" terriers. As it became more popular with farming families to control vermin, some dogs were cross-bred with beagles, whippets, bull terriers and other breeds in an effort to enhance its speed, size and scenting ability.
The little Terrier was common on American farms during the depression, but the increased use of rat pesticides and commercial farming led to a decline in its numbers. They were maintained by a small group of breeders and slowly became more popular during the late 1970´s and 1980´s as a companion dog that will also go hunting.
We are pleased to welcome Rex to our practice!
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