The Reagle: Your Complete Guide To The Rottweiler Beagle Mix

A Rottweiler and a Beagle together make the Reagle mixed breed dog

The Reagle, Rottweagle, or Rottweiler Beagle mix breed, is a rare designer dog. Full of spunk with a booming bark, this medium-sized designer dog is one of a kind. Typically, this mix is a good family dog, although they often have stronger personalities than the average Beagle and may be more protective.

This is a great mix that is good with kids and other pets when properly socialized. But if you’re looking at adopting one of these rare Beagle Rottweiler crossbreeds it’s best to do your research to know if they will fit your lifestyle.

History of the Rottweiler Beagle Mix: Where do they come from?

The Reagle is not a common designer breed like the Cavapoo or the Labradoodle. So, they are more likely to be the result of accidental mating, and unfortunately, some may be found in shelters.

Avoid supporting backyard breeders and rather look for this interesting cross in rescues. Speaking to breed rescues like R.E.A.L Rottweiler Rescue or BassetAndBeagle can sometimes help you find a good mixed breed.

History of the Rottweiler

Today’s Rottweiler is known to be one of the oldest living breeds, dating back to the Romans. They were first used as war dogs, livestock guardians, and hunters. This early all-purpose ability would become the hallmark of the breed

In Germany, they eventually became known as the “Butcher’s dog” because they were most often used to herd cattle and pull carts of meat to market. In World War 1, they rose to prominence as highly trainable and courageous dogs able to complete a variety of tasks as part of the war effort.

Post-war Rottweilers became established working dogs for the police and the military and more commonly, family guardians. Today, there are fewer working Rottweiler lines, and they have become more well-known as valued but powerful family members.

History of the Beagle

The Beagle is another relatively ancient breed. While the history of hunting hounds dates back to the ancient Greeks, we first pick up the Beagle’s ancestors in the Talbot Hound. These long-eared, medium-sized hunting dogs may have come to England with William the Conquerer and they became the chosen hounds for Earls of Shrewsbury.

The name “Beagle” first appears in Shakespeare and Chaucer. These dogs thrived for centuries as the hunting dogs of the nobility and aristocracy, but they only officially became a breed in 1890.

Today’s Beagle is more often seen as a pet than in the hunting fields. But their instinct to take off after the scent of a squirrel while baying happily is still very much intact.

What are the physical features of the Reagle?

Height

15 to 25 inches (37 to 65 cm)

Weight

25-45 lbs  (12 to 70 kg)

Color

Usually bi-colored black and tan, but may have mahogany or white markings. Occasionally a single solid color like red or black.

Nose

Usually a dark nose, maybe shorter (brachycephalic) than the Beagle. 

Eyes

Dark-rimmed brown to dark brown eyes. 

Coat

Short double-coat, sometimes thicker than average Beagle

The Reagle is usually a medium-sized dog, rarely inheriting the size and bulk of the Rottweiler. When it is larger, it usually has a much narrower frame than what you will see on the Rottie. They typically have large, pendulous ears and the dominant color is black with white or tan markings.

The coat is short and smooth, although sometimes a bit thicker than the average Beagle. This dog is given to shedding, especially seasonally.

 General Care of the Beagle Rottweiler Mix

Hypoallergenic

Not a hypoallergenic breed.

Shedding

Mild to moderate daily shedding, with heavier seasonal shedding.

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Exercise

45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise

 

Temperament

Open, friendly, typically highly social with early socialization. Should be good with kids. Intelligent but independent. May have a high prey drive. May love to bark. Will enjoy a life balanced with cuddling on the couch and long adventures in the dog park.

 Trainability

Moderately trainable Best results are with hand-feeding and positive reinforcement, as this is usually a food motivated dog. However, do not let off leash around small animals as they are likely to forget training when giving chase.

Energy

This is a moderate-energy dog. They do well with two 20-minute walks a day and perhaps a play session of fetch. Games that allow this breed to use their nose to find treats are great, but they should also enjoy a good session with a lure or playing tug. 

The Rottweiler Beagle mix is not an exercise-intensive dog when they settle down as adults, but you need to keep them active because they are prone to obesity and their overall health and well-being will improve with a moderately active lifestyle.

Housing

It is possible to keep the Reagle in small spaces, with adequate care and exercise. But we recommend at least a yard for this dog. While they are not always extremely active, they have bursts of energy are given to roaming. They may also have a big, booming bark. This can bother your neighbours. 

Food & Diet Requirements

The Reagle typically needs a low-calorie diet to avoid weight problems. Even as puppies, it’s best to keep them slim to avoid unnecessary strain on their joints and ligaments. As puppies and old dogs, a high-protein diet (30 to 40% quality protein) is best, so long as their kidneys and liver are fine. You can bring this down to 25% quality protein when they are adults.

The Reagle may have a problem with a sensitive stomach and chronic diarrhea. To combat this, try a diet with high, highly digestible starch (like white rice) and highly digestible meat (focus on white meat like poultry and fish, as red meat is linked to cancer). Try more insoluble fibers like cellulose rather than soluble fibers like pectin (fruit fiber).

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all diet for any dog, so avoid dog diet trends, and seek out the help of a veterinary nutritionist. This means avoiding trends like all-meat diets or grain-free diets. Keep in mind that while a high-protein diet may be excellent for one dog, for another dog that may have congenital liver shunts, it could be deadly in the long term.

There is nothing wrong with feeding your dog a raw diet, so long as the diet is correctly balanced and hygienic. Things to watch out for include:

  • Excess or deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus in the incorrect ratio, 
  • too little zinc, 
  • Excess copper,
  • excesses, or deficiencies of vitamins A and D, 
  • too little vitamin E, 
  • or omega fatty acids (especially omega-3 fatty acids.

Grooming

A Beagle Rottweiler mix has minimal grooming requirements, but they do need a brush once a week to get rid of dead hair and distribute the oils in their coat evenly. Make sure to keep their nails trimmed short since they are vulnerable to cruciate ligament injuries and long nails push their toes into unnatural angles. This puts pressure on their whole leg.

Further, never neglect to wipe their eyes and clean their ears, as they may be prone to infections. Finally, toothbrushing is essential for this breed as it not keeps their teeth clean, but promotes their overall health and longevity.

Health of the Rottweiler Beagle Mix

While many mixed breeds have something called “hybrid vigor” and may be healthier than purebred dogs, a crossbreed can still inherit diseases from either parent.

Here are some possible concerns to look out for in the Reagle.

 

Hip and elbow dysplasia

Both the Beagle and the Rottweiler may have this issue an pass it on to the Reagle. It is a progressive disease that leads to severe osteoarthrits as the dog gets older

 

Eye issues

The Reagle may inherit Cherry eye, entropion, or ectropion as congenital defects from either parent. These may need surgery to fix. They may also develop:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Cataracts

Epilepsy

Epilepsy does occur in Beagle mixed breeds. Seizures may start between 2 and 5 years of age.

Invertebral Disc Disease

This mixed breed may have spine issues that cause their vertebrae to bulge or rupture into their spinal column. 

Hypothyroidism

It’s a good idea to keep kelp and other iodine-rich foods like seafood in the Reagles’ diet as they may be prone to hypothyroidism as they age. Keep the iodine levels in their diet reasonable though, as excess iodine in dog food can cause this issue too.

Allergies (with special emphasis on ear infections)

Allergies may be a prevalent issue in the Reagle. Itchy skin and related reactions may lead to problems like recurring ear infections, infections between the toes, and hot spots.

Cancer

Unfortunately, the Rottweiler can pass on a strong disposition to cancer. Take your Reagle for regular health check-ups to catch any issues early.

Other conditions that the Reagle is prone to include:

  • Sub-aortic stenosis ( a heart condition)
  • Osteochondrosis (ankles, shoulder, & spine)
  • Cruciate Ligament Ruptures

What is the Reagle’s life expectancy?

The Reagle or Beagle Rottweiler mix usually becomes a senior around 8 years of age and generally lives until about 12 or 13 years. Some healthy individuals may live up to 15 or 16 years.

The trainability of a Reagle: Temperament and Intelligence

The Reagle is an intelligent dog but only moderately trainable. They tend to love their people, and can be highly motivated by food. However, they can be easily distracted by something more interesting, like a squirrel. This means training a Reagle should start early, in short sessions. It’s vital to socialize them thoroughly and take their training to areas with many distractions to shape a dog that is obedient in any situation. They can be independent and they do tend to become avoidant with harsh treatment, often learning to ignore their owners. So if you feel the need to punish your Reagle for being “naughty”, seek the help of a skilled professional. 

A highly skilled dog trainer will know how to get the best out of your dog with effective positive reinforcement techniques. 

Are Reagles good with other pets?

The Rottweiler Beagle mix is usually good with other animals. If they take after the Beagle, they should do great with other dogs, and can definitely learn to get on with cats. But you cannot neglect good socialization and clear rules and boundaries with this dog, as they may have a high prey drive and some may be a bit dominant. 

Suitable Home: Are Reagles good pets?

Reagles are great family pets. They should get on well with children and make a great addition to a lively household. They are not overly demanding or high-maintenance dogs. They have minimal grooming needs and need moderate daily exercise. Consistent, positive training works best on these dogs.


They are relatively trainable but do need socialization as they may have a high prey drive and a defensive instinct. They are not suitable for homes with people with allergies and they do need some space to roam around.

How much does a Reagles cost?

Reagles are a rare cross and usually are not bred on purpose. So a word of caution here. You may find a Rottweiler Beagle mix puppy for sale on places like Facebook or Craigslist for around $300. But beware of supporting backyard breeders. It is better to find this mix in a shelter and provide a much-needed home. Conclusion

With this dog, you’re going to have a fun-loving option that stays moderately sized but definitely loves to be around their family. If you’re looking for a dog that needs a little less activity than some of the other Rottweiler mixes we’ve talked about before then this might be a good way to go. They do tend to need some exercise and a little more than some other types of dogs, but not as much as a full Rottweiler, for example.

Also, this is a great dog if you’re looking for someone that will enjoy spending time with you wherever you are and will also look beautiful at the same time. You’re going to love the uniqueness of this mixed-breed dog and maybe their independence as well.

About Tamsin de la Harpe 17 Articles
Tamsin has worked extensively in dog behavior problems and is passionate about canine nutrition. She has worked with trainers who specialize in Shutzhund and protection training, and worked with many Rottweilers. Her passion for dogs shows in her writing and she loves sharing her knowledge with Rottie lovers!