Mountain Feist Dog Breed

Below are details and specs for the Mountain Feist dog breed.

Mountain Feists are small dogs that reach 10-18 inches at the shoulder and weigh 10-30 pounds.

This breed is generally described as alert, energetic, intelligent and a natural hunter. They make excellent companions for kids and the elderly, and even better for hunters specializing in small game such as squirrels. They are loyal and closely bonded pets that will be adequate watchdogs. Other dogs should coexist well with the Mountain Feist but small, non-canine pets may be problematic.

Members of this breed are low maintenance in regards to grooming and, quite often, training. However, they are active, rugged little dogs that require daily outdoor exercise to expend their abundance of energy.

The Mountain Feist was bred in the southern United States for the purposes of hunting small animals, such as squirrel, and ridding properties of varmint such as raccoons, groundhogs, opossum and rabbits. They are said to be crosses of terriers (presumably European) and hounds (presumably the Native American Dogs) used for hunting and are appreciated for being active, extremely alert little dogs that track soundlessly using sight, scent. Despite appearing in the writings of such notable figures as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and William Faulkner, the Mountain Feist doesn't have a very detailed history and many believe they are simply a "type" of dog unrelated to the aforementioned breeds. However, The UKC states that the term "feist" describes a little, noisy dog. Presently, these dogs are still used often for squirrel hunting/treeing. This breed was recognized by the UKC as recently as 2015 and are also recognized by the ACA and, of course, the ATFA (American Treeing Feist Association).

Mountain Feists are small little dogs that are longer than tall, with long legs; overall, they appear active and intensely alert. This breed has a block shaped head (broad, flat skull) with a long muzzle ending in a typically black nose. The v-shaped ears are erect or semi erect but never pendulous and the eyes are typically some shade of brown, from amber to dark brown. The coat of the Mountain Feist is short and smooth with no restrictions on the color or color combinations. Members of this breed carry their natural tails up and curved when alert and straight out otherwise; the tails are sometimes docked.

Mountain Feists should possess true hunting spirits. They are energetic, active, and remarkably alert. They are also loving companions to their owners who sometimes also describe them as "aggressive and tough". They are naturally adept at hunting and treeing squirrels as well as ridding properties of varmint such as opossum, raccoons, rabbits, groundhogs, etc. They have even been known to excel in working with cattle and hogs, being a die-hard watchdog and, of course, a closely bonded companion.

Feists are adaptable and eager to please. They can live indoors or out provided they receive an ample amount of love and exercise. Members of this breed are also very trainable if the owner is capable of being firm and consistent with their commands and assertion of themselves as the authority.

The Mountain Feist is a sturdy, hardy little breed. As such, major health issues are not well documented and it is typical for them to live 10-15 years. Regular veterinary checkups are a great way to detect and prevent future health issues.