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18 Dog Breeds that Begin with R

Rafeiro do Alentejo laying on hard floors

Rafeiro do Alentejo

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a big mastiff dog from Portugal. These canines are excellent watchdogs owing to their vigilant and protective nature. Likewise, they are known for being an excellent herder. The thick coat of this breed comes in black, grey, and fawn colors. Some of these pups can also have white patches on the coat.

Raggle

The Raggle is the result of a cross between Beagles and purebred Rat Terriers. This small but energetic designer dog is NOT recommended for first-time owners because it can be difficult to train. Likewise, they need a lot of exercise and are not suitable for inactive families. Raggles come in black, white, cream, and lemon colored coats.

Rajapalayam

Rajapalayam on a leash being led my handler

This breed gets its name from the location of its origin, a small town of Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu. Rajapalayams have a history of being used in wars. They have amazing eyesight and are natural guard dogs. This loyal breed is extremely protective of its owner and must be socialized early to avoid negative behavior.

Rampur Greyhound

The Rampur Greyhound is a sleek, athletic dog breed that originated in Northern India. It is a mix between Afghan Hounds and English Greyhounds. These dogs are shy towards strangers but are very loyal to their owners. They are very friendly and playful as long as they are trained properly.

Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier out door in grassy field

President Theodore Roosevelt coined the name for this dog after his terrier eradicated all rats around the White House. Rat Terriers are ideal and hardy farm dogs that are built for a long day’s work. They have a smooth coat that comes in a lot of colors. White, black, tan, rust, and chocolate with white markings are a few of them.

Reagle

Reagles are a crossbreed between Rottweilers and Beagles. They are very loyal to their owners and make excellent family members. They get along well with children and love to play with them. However, these pups can be shy in front of strangers.

Redbone Coonhound

Redbone Coonhound sitting in grass in front of woods

The Redbone Coonhound is another dog breed on the list that has American origin. These hounds have a gorgeous red coat and they love to hunt and swim. The owners of Redbone Coonhounds need a lot of patience because these dogs are rather hard to train.

Red-Tiger Bulldog

Red-Tiger Bulldogs are broad, chiseled canines with ripped muscles. They were originally bred in the United States (in 1991) as working dogs. These pooches come in red and reddish-brown colors. They are known for being extremely loyal and trustworthy.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback in nature

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their signature strip of backward growing hair on their back. They were originally bred in Africa and are known for their superb tracking skills. The domestic Rhodesian Ridgeback is an independent and loyal dog that is very affectionate with its owners. However, these dogs must be trained and socialized at an early age to curb negative behavior.

Rat-Cha

The combination of a Chihuahua and a purebred American Rat Terrier results in a small designer dog called Rat-Cha. These small dogs are full to the brim with energy and must be trained and socialized when young. They come in black, white, red, brown, grey, sable, and fawn coats.

Roman Rottweiler

Roman Rottweiler outdoors in grass

The Roman Rottweiler is a re-creation of the original mastiff-like Rottweiler that roamed the Alps. These pups were primarily developed for herding and guarding cattle. However, this breed also has its history in wars where it fought alongside Romans. The modern Roman Rottweiler is a calm and athletic dog that can become a good family member if early socializing is ensured.  

Rotterman

This dog breed was created by crossing the Doberman Pinscher with a Rottweiler. These large and powerful canines need a determined and strong owner to handle them. Although they are very affectionate and loyal, it can be a little hard to train them. Therefore, Rottermans are NOT recommended for novice owners.

Rottweiler

Rottweiler laying in grass

Rottweilers are among the most dutiful dog breeds out there. They have incredible strength and can show a lot of aggression. An abused, untrained, and unsocialized Rottweiler will be a threat to anything it approaches. On the other hand, a well-bred and trained Rottweiler is a calm, courageous, and loyal dog.

Rottle

Rottles, also known as Rottiepoos, is a crossbreed between Rottweilers and Poodles. This designer dog breed can be both miniature and standard in size. Although they are guard dogs by nature, these pups can make lovable family companions. Rottles can have black, grey, white, brown, blue, cream, red and pied colored coats.

Rough Collie

Rough Collie standing on river bank

Rough Collies were originally used as herding dogs in Scotland. They are known for their intelligence and ease of training. These pooches are very devoted to their family and are particularly famous for loving children. This breed has a gorgeous multi-colored coat that is a mix of black, white, brown, and tan.

Russian Spaniel

Russian Spaniel standing in a field of tall grass and weeds

These small and stocky spaniels were originally bred in Russia, a hundred years ago. This breed is a gun dog with a gentle attitude. Russian Spaniels are excellent hunters when it comes to small game, such as birds and rabbits. They can have white and black, white, red and white, and brown-colored coats.

Rat-A-Pap

This designer breed was developed by crossing the American Rat Terrier with the Papillon. Rat-a-Paps are intelligent dogs and have a seemingly keen intuition towards their owner’s mood. Normally, they can have white, black, red, brown, or fawn-colored coats.

Russkiy Toy

Russkiy Toy standing on a forest trail

The Russkiy Toy is a small and lively dog breed with long legs and lean muscles. This toy breed dates back to the Russian aristocracy and has a larger than life personality. Russkiy Toy can lay down in your lap all day or dash around the home chasing anything and everything. There is no in-between!

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