Did you know there was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who lived in the White House in Washington, D.C.?
Rex was born on December 16, 1984. Unfortunately, his breeder is unknown. As a puppy, he lived with his brother Fred in the home of commentator William F. Buckley, Jr. Mr. Buckley named Rex after Rex Scouten, the White House chief usher in 1985.
Rex was the First Dog from December 1985 until President Ronald Reagan left office in 1989. One of Rex’s first duties while in the White House was to light the National Christmas Tree. Rex was also said to regularly bark outside the Lincoln bedroom, fueling the rumors that the bedroom is haunted.
The Washington Children’s museum built an ornate colonial style dog house for the Cavalier which included portraits of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. The floor was some carpet from Rex’s favorite spot in Camp David.
This blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lived out his days with the Reagans in California. He passed away in August 1998 after living almost 14 years.
