Raggle (Beagle & Rat Terrier Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures & Care

Most people are familiar with the charming Beagle, but few know the offspring of this breed mixed with the Rat Terrier. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the energetic Raggle! This jovial and alert little dog will seduce you with its boundless energy and endearing personality.

Breed Overview

This designer dog has retained its parents’ strong hunting instincts, which doesn’t make it a much-loved companion for your other small pets! The Raggle also needs firm and consistent training; otherwise, you may end up with a little bully in the house.

Discover all the other traits of this cross, as well as the care it requires to be happy and healthy.

Raggle Characteristics

Raggle Puppies

Depending on your location and the breeder, you may be able to find a Raggle dog easily. However, do not make the mistake of buying a Raggle pup from a breeder without having first visited the kennel and obtained all the necessary information on the parents. A responsible breeder will have no problem answering your questions, showing you the parents’ pedigree, and will have the puppy’s vaccination record up to date.

Remember to ask the necessary questions to your breeder so you know all of the right information about your puppy.

Given that the Raggle is a mixed-breed dog, these dogs will display a wider variety of traits in their health, shedding, coloring, temperament, and behaviors. Each puppy will be a combination of characteristics found in the parent breeds.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Raggle 🧠

Since his parents, the Beagle and Rat Terrier, are of average intelligence, you probably won’t get a puppy with an IQ equal to that of the Border Collie, but neither will you have a dummy. However, the Raggle stands out for its high energy, which will be a major drawback if you don’t have an active lifestyle. But, adopting such a dog could be a great incentive to do more exercise, which will be beneficial for both.

In addition, the Raggle loves to explore its environment and will not hesitate to dig holes in your yard to escape because its curiosity is insatiable! Do not take it personally, though; this little dog is very attached to its family. It’s only that they need a good dose of daily physical and mental stimulation, otherwise, they can develop destructive behaviors.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

In short, yes! A well-socialized Raggle will be affectionate and gentle with the children in the family. However, your puppy is not the only one who needs to be educated; toddlers must also learn not to pull the dog’s ears and respect the times when it wants to be quiet. This is the best way to prevent the dog from losing patience and accidentally snapping at a child’s fingers (which can happen in all breeds, by the way).

Moreover, the Raggle will also like to snuggle up to their owner, but only after a period of play or another vigorous exercise.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

You guessed it, with such a parental lineage, there is little chance that your Raggle will become your cat or rabbit’s best friend! Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but the lure of the hunt is so ingrained in the Raggle’s mind that it will be challenging to get them to cohabit with other small pets.

Regarding other dogs, the Raggle can be dominant, even aggressive, especially if it has not been sufficiently socialized at a young age. However, with patience and good training, it is possible to make your Raggle more social and friendly to other dogs.

Things to Know When Owning a Raggle:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Raggle can be a fussy eater and gain weight easily. Besides that, it is a dog that needs a diet adapted to its small size without neglecting its high energy needs. Don’t overdo the treats to keep your pooch at a healthy weight; indeed, being overweight is particularly harmful in this dog, given their genetic predisposition to have hip dysplasia.

Exercise 🐕

There’s no getting around this: the Raggle will need a lot of exercises to burn off excess energy, so be prepared to run, walk, jog and play with your pup a lot! We recommend at least 60 minutes a day. In addition, obedience sessions and dog park trips will help keep your Raggle in good physical and mental health.

Training 🦮

This is where an experienced dog owner comes in handy: although intelligent and eager to please his owner, the Raggle is easily distracted by all the smells and objects around them. Training can therefore be tricky and time-consuming. You will need to use the techniques of positive reinforcement, rewards, treats, praise, love, and a lot of patience.

However, by dint of consistency, you will end up with a balanced dog who is delighted to please you. However, their stubborn little side will never be far away!

Grooming ✂️

Another advantage of the Raggle is that it does not require a weekly appointment with the local groomer. This hybrid dog is indeed considered low maintenance because it loses very little hair. A good weekly brushing will be more than enough to get rid of dead hair and maintain their shiny coat.

Add an occasional bath, regular tooth brushing, and weekly nail trimming to this routine, and you will have a stylish and healthy dog!

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Raggle has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years, which is average for dogs. However, they can be predisposed to the same health problems as their parents, which is why it is essential to check with the breeder if the following tests have been done: hip, thyroid, and eye tests. This will make it easier to follow up with your veterinarian and manage certain major health conditions on time.

Male vs Female

There is no noticeable difference between the male and female Raggle, other than the possibility that the male is slightly larger and heavier. Ultimately, your puppy’s personality will be determined by the dominant traits of their parents, as well as the training they receive and the environment in which they evolve.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Raggle

1. Their Ancestor Was a Pocket Beagle

The first Beagles were known under the name of “Pocket Beagles” because they were so tiny that they fit in the pocket of the hunter! They were then bred to be bigger; the modern Beagle would descend from the Talbot Hound, North Country Beagle, and Southern Hound. Farmers in England, Ireland, and Wales used them for hunting rabbits.

2. No Rat Can Escape the Rat Terrier

In the years 1910–1920, the majority of American farmers owned at least one Rat Terrier to rid infested fields of rodents, whether in the middle of crops or underground and to keep the farm rodent-free. Around this time, in the Midwest, the Rat Terrier was crossed with the Whippet and Italian Greyhounds to obtain more versatile and faster dogs, better able to hunt hares in the fields.

At the same time, in the Center and the South, it was crossed with the Beagle to increase its flair, hunting skills, and pack instinct.

3. They Make an Excellent Watchdog

The Raggle may be small, but it is vigilant, which makes it a good guardian. Plus, if you’re into hunting, it will make a great companion, warning you with a short bark of prey proximity. However, their yapping can become a nuisance in the home, especially if you live in an apartment.

Final Thoughts

The Raggle is not a dog for everyone, but it will suit the experienced, active owner who wants to add a companion to their hunting trips. This crossbreed can also adapt to apartment life, but this is not ideal given its high energy requirements. So, if you live in a house with a fenced yard, have dog-friendly children, and don’t own other small pets, the Raggle might be a perfect dog for you!

We have more Beagle Mixes and Rat Terrier Mixes for you to explore!

• See also: 10 Best Dog Foods for Rat Terriers – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Jennifer Tepp, Shutterstock