Rabies: An acute, infectious, often fatal viral disease of most warm-blooded animals, especially wolves, cats, and dogs, that attacks the central nervous system and is transmitted by the bite of infected animals.

Racy: Tall, of comparatively slight build.

Radius: One of the two bones of the forearm.

Ragged: Muscles appear ragged rather than smooth.

Rangy: Tall, long in body, high on leg, light-framed; gangly.

Rat Tail: The root thick and covered with soft curls; at the tip devoid of hair, or having the appearance of being clipped.

Reach of Front: Length of forward stride taken by forelegs.

Rear Pastern: The metatarsus; the region of the hindquarters between the hock and the foot.

Recessive Gene: A gene that is phenotypically expressed in the homozygous state but has its expression masked in the presence of a dominant gene.

Red: A reddish orange color of dog.

Red Sesame: Red with a sparse black overlay (Shiba Inu). Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.

Registration Papers: Documents showing proof of registration, date of birth, parents, breeder and owner issued by a dog association for a particular dog.

Register: The act of enlisting a dog, puppy or litter with a dog association.

Registries: Organizations that keep official records on specific subjects. With respect to dogs, there are registries of purebred dogs for tracking lineage and health registries for rating certain health conditions (e.g., Canine Eye Registry Foundation, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, etc.).

Renal: Of, relating to, or in the region of the kidneys.