Raggle
The Raggle is a cross between the American Rat Terrier and the Beagle. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Raggle. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
American Rat Terrier
The American Rat Terrier is a sturdy, compact, small-to-medium sized dog that presents an appearance of elegance and athletic fitness, conveying an impression of speed, power, and balance. The breed comes in two distinct size varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club: Miniature, standing at least 10 inches but not exceeding 13 inches at the withers, and Standard, measuring over 13 inches up to and including 18 inches. Weight typically ranges from 10 to 25 pounds, proportionate to height. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a level back, moderately deep chest, and well-sprung ribs that appear oval when viewed from the front. The musculature is smooth and flat, blending seamlessly into the body rather than appearing bulky or overdeveloped. The coat is short, close-lying, smooth, and shiny with dense, firm texture. The breed is always parti-colored, meaning it must display white markings combined with one or more other colors. Acceptable colors include black, chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, and lemon, with or without tan points. The pied patterning requires white to comprise between 10 and 90 percent of the body, with any combination of spots, patches, or splashes being equally acceptable. Solid-colored dogs without white markings are disqualified from the breed standard. Sabling is permitted in the coat, along with shading on the head or penciling on the toes. The head is proportionate to the body with a wedge-shaped appearance when viewed from above. The skull is moderately broad and slightly domed, with strong, well-developed jaws. Ears may be erect, tipped, or button-shaped, always matching in carriage. The eyes are set well apart, small to medium sized, and obliquely set, expressing alertness and intelligence. The tail may be naturally bobbed, docked between the second and third joint, or left naturally long and tapering to the hock. Overall, the American Rat Terrier embodies the look of a versatile, capable working terrier refined through decades of selective breeding for both function and form.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Rat Terriers make excellent watchdogs, alerting their families to visitors or unusual activity without being excessively yappy. They are generally friendly toward strangers once properly introduced but maintain a protective awareness of their territory. With children, they can be wonderful playmates when raised together, though their terrier energy means supervision is recommended with very young children. Their strong prey drive means they may chase small animals, and secure fencing is essential. They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, as they thrive on human companionship and involvement in family activities.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions warrant particular attention in Rat Terriers. Primary lens luxation is a serious inherited condition where the lens becomes displaced within the eye, potentially leading to glaucoma and blindness if untreated. Progressive retinal atrophy gradually deteriorates the retina and can result in vision loss. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these hereditary eye diseases. Additional health concerns include cardiac disease, which studies have identified as a leading cause of death in the breed, hypothyroidism affecting metabolic function, epilepsy causing seizures, and dental problems requiring regular oral care. Von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting disorder, has also been identified in some bloodlines. Health testing of breeding dogs and working with reputable breeders who prioritize health can significantly reduce the risk of these inherited conditions.
Beagle
The Beagle is a compact, solidly built scent hound that presents a balanced appearance of strength and stamina without coarseness. The American Kennel Club recognizes two size varieties: those standing under 13 inches at the shoulder, typically weighing up to 20 pounds, and those measuring between 13 and 15 inches, usually weighing between 20 and 30 pounds. The body is squarely proportioned with a level topline, deep chest providing ample lung capacity for endurance, and well-sprung ribs. The overall impression is of a hardy, athletic dog built for following scent trails over varied terrain with remarkable persistence and determination. The Beagle's coat is a defining characteristic, consisting of a close, hard, medium-length double coat that provides excellent protection against weather and brush. The outer coat is dense and weather-resistant while the undercoat offers insulation. Any true hound color is acceptable according to breed standards, with the most recognized being the classic tricolor pattern of black, white, and tan. Other common variations include red and white, lemon and white, and various combinations of these hues. White-tipped tails are characteristic and serve a practical purpose, remaining visible when the dog is working with its head down following a scent trail through tall grass or underbrush. The head is fairly long without being snipey, with a slightly domed skull and a pronounced stop. The muzzle is straight and square, housing a remarkable olfactory system containing approximately 220 million scent receptors. The ears are long, set low, and hang close to the cheeks with a fine, velvety texture. When drawn forward, they nearly reach the tip of the nose, a design that helps funnel scent particles toward the nose while tracking. The eyes are large, set well apart, and display a gentle, pleading expression in shades of brown or hazel that has endeared the breed to countless admirers. The tail is set moderately high and carried merrily but not curled over the back, typically with a white tip that acts as a flag when the dog is working in heavy cover.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Beagles are social creatures that thrive on human interaction and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. They may express their distress through howling, barking, or destructive behavior. Their vocal nature, including the characteristic bay, serves as both a useful alert system and a potential concern for those with close neighbors. While not aggressive, they make adequate watchdogs due to their tendency to announce visitors and unusual occurrences. Their friendly nature extends to strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep these active hounds content, as bored Beagles may resort to digging, escaping, or other undesirable behaviors to entertain themselves.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations The breed is predisposed to several other conditions requiring vigilance. Hypothyroidism, affecting the thyroid gland's hormone production, can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Epilepsy occurs with notable frequency in Beagles, causing seizures that typically can be managed with medication. Eye conditions including cherry eye, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy may affect vision and eye comfort. Hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease can impact mobility, particularly as the dog ages. Dental disease is prevalent and requires regular professional cleanings and home care. Less common but serious conditions include heart disease and certain cancers. Responsible breeders screen for hereditary conditions and can provide health clearances for breeding stock, giving puppies the best start toward a healthy life.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Raggle may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the American Rat Terrier and Beagle to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.