Raggle

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Yappy and cute, the Raggle is a crossbreed between a Rat Terrier and a Beagle. These dogs are unfortunately prone to several major and minor health issues due to their parent breeds. However, you can better their chances of living long, healthy lives by taking them to the vet for routine check-ups, feeding them a hearty, nutritious diet, and making sure they get plenty of exercise. If you’re curious, some of the health issues that are prevalent in Raggle crossbreeds include:

Intervertebral Disk Disease – This condition occurs when the cushions between the vertebra bones bulge, swell, or burst. These discs then press upwards and downwards on the bones, causing pinched nerves, nerve damage, severe back pain, and in the worse cases, paralysis. Symptoms include problems with simple movements, yelping in pain, lack of appetite and activity, loss of bladder control, and weakness in the rear legs. Surgery is required to correct this disease.

Beagle Dwarfism – A genetic condition that is inherited by the Beagle, this condition occurs during womb development. Dwarfism causes shortened limbs, squashed together internal organs, and spinal problems. This is a natural genetic disorder, so there is no cure. You can ensure your Raggle remains healthy, even with this condition, by getting your vet’s recommendation on how to maintain their overall comfort throughout their life.

Other health problems that could plague your Raggle are cataracts, overbites, hypothyroidism, skin allergies, red mange, and cherry eyes. The average lifespan of a healthy Raggle is 12-15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Despite their short stature and overall small size, the Raggle is a strong, powerful little dog with a rambunctious, excitable nature. He boasts keen hunting instincts and a clever, quick mind — the perfect pet for the outdoorsman, especially hunters. He is highly energetic and playful, but he knows when to be alert, attentive, and protective. Raggle puppies can become overexcited and bouncy, but they grow out of that as they age.

Socialization is important for a Raggle from an early age. Thanks to the Rat Terrier, the Raggle might have a few aggression issues that he takes out on other small dogs and children. He is loyal and affectionate with pets and kids whom he’s grown up around, but strange dogs and children could rile his nerves. Teach him acceptance at a young age to avoid any aggressive accidents.

When properly socialized, the Raggle makes a good family dog. He needs regular exercise, so a fenced-in backyard would be ideal. However, if that’s not an option, take him on long walks at least twice a day. You could also get him used to going to the dog park as a puppy. It would be a great way to get him accustomed to being around other dogs and people. Provide lots of toys to occupy his naturally mischievous manner.

The Raggle is a handful when it comes to training. These dogs are easily distracted, stubborn, and independent and would prefer to do things their way, however this should not deter you from being firm, consistent, and patient. Your tone of voice should display conviction in your commands, so be loud and clear when voicing your instructions. Eventually, with the help of praise, encouragement, treats, and positivity, your Raggle will pick up on your commands. Reward him generously with hearty, meaty, bite-sized morsels when he displays obedience.

Some pet owners believe in corporal punishment for disobedient, or hard-to-train, dogs. If you are one of these people, the Raggle is not the dog for you. Negative actions, such as hitting or yelling, could make him aggressive towards you and your family, resulting in severe disobedience and destructive behavior. Practice kindness and patience over punishment.

Grooming

The Raggle takes after both the Beagle and the Rat Terrier in terms of his grooming needs. He is easy to maintain with short, coarse fur and a sleek, shiny coat. He might shed a bit in warm weather, but daily brushing can help prevent dander and loose hair build-up. Bathe your pup at least once a month, but use a gentle dog shampoo to preserve his natural oils.

Brush your Raggle’s teeth at least 3 times a week, and trim his toenails bi-weekly. You should also swab his ears with cotton and a cleaning solution at least once a week to prevent infections and waxy build-up. Never stick anything into your Raggle’s ear canals. Instead use a swab to clean around the edges and outer rims. Only clean what you can see. Take him to a vet for an ear examination if you are concerned about inner infections or wax chunks.

Diet

Your Raggle will need 2 cups of high-quality dog food, separated into two meals a day. He boasts a healthy appetite, but it could lead to overeating. Establish a feeding schedule so he learns when he can eat and when he should play, sleep, or seek attention instead. This reduces your risk of having a dog with food aggression or a pup with a begging problem.
 

Find A Raggle Breeder

Raggle Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Raggle

Cost

Cost-wise, you should factor in the expenses of vet visits, vaccinations, toys, food, flea treatments, deworming, and possible emergency medical expenses before you decide to bring a Raggle home. If you’re sure you can cover all of that for a long-term period, opt to search out a Raggle at your local animal shelter first. Adoption fees range from $150 to $250, inclusive of vet check-up, health history, and updated vaccinations.

If you go to a Raggle breeder, a weened puppy will cost between $400 to $700. Adults might be cheaper, but it really depends on the requirements and inclusions of a reputable, reliable breeder.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. Due to their issues with aggression, the Raggle is a 3 on the Paws ‘N’ Pups integration scale. If you have children and other pets, it could be more difficult to train the aggressive behavior out of your Raggle. However, if you have time, patience, and determination, take a chance on this happy spirited, independent little dog.

 

Rat Terrier

Beagle

Jack Russell Terrier

Fox Terrier