Yes, Feist dogs are good pets and have been beloved and helpful companions to families in the rural South for centuries. They are well-loved for their intelligence, spirited nature, and high energy levels, which make them great companions for active households who enjoy outdoor activities.

They thrive in environments where they can participate regularly in activities like hiking, running, or playing fetch, and they enjoy mental challenges like puzzle toys and interactive games.

Families that can provide a structured routine, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and affectionate companionship will find Feist dogs to be loyal, loving, and energetic additions to their home.

No, Feists aren’t good with cats as a baseline, as they have a high chase and prey drive. They’re bred to chase and then bark at treed animals, so they may be prone to chasing your cat up a tree or onto a perch indoors and then barking at them, which, of course, would likely be very stressful for the kitty. 

With early socialization and positive reinforcement training, Feist dogs can be good with cats, but consistent training, lots of supervision, and providing safe outlets for your pup to get out their desire to chase (such as with fetch and flirt poles), are key to increasing the chances of a peaceful relationship. 

If you plan on adopting an adult Feist without a known history of being calm with cats, it’s best to introduce your kitty and the potential adoptee first to assess the pup’s reaction before committing to adoption.

Yes, Feists can be good with other dogs and are often trained to hunt together in small groups. This breed history can predispose them to be comfortable around other pups, especially if they were socialized with a range of dogs from puppyhood.

Properly introducing them to dogs of different sizes, ages, personalities, and play styles from a young age helps them learn appropriate social cues and behaviors. Early socialization and plenty of positive experiences can help build their social confidence and reduce the likelihood of aggression, resource guarding, or fear-based reactions towards unfamiliar dogs.

Yes, Feists can be good with kids, and most are bred to be both hunting dogs and loving family companions. Their energetic and playful nature can make them wonderful buddies for active kids.

Of course, your pup’s individual personality and life experiences will greatly influence their comfort around children. Some small-breed dogs can feel nervous or overwhelmed by rambunctious kids, so it’s important for pet parents and parents of children to always supervise interactions to make sure everyone feels safe and to teach children how to respectfully interact with dogs.

A Feist dog is fully grown at around 12 to 18 months of age. Depending on their breeding, they will typically reach their full height between eight and 12 months and their full weight between ten and 18 months old. This range is wide because there are currently no uniform breed standards for the varying types of Feists produced, which contributes to a larger spectrum of sizes.

Feist dogs are bred primarily for hunting and treeing small game, particularly squirrels. These dogs are agile, speedy, and have a keen sense of smell, making them excellent at tracking, treeing, and flushing out small animals from their hiding places. 

Their high energy levels, intelligence, and tenacity also contribute to their effectiveness as hunting companions. 

Additionally, Feist dogs are often valued for their friendly and loyal nature, making them good pets as well as working dogs.

The Feist dog originated in the southern United States and Appalachian region. The breed has a long history in rural areas, where it was developed primarily by early German and Irish settlers who needed small, versatile hunting dogs. These dogs were bred from various small terrier and hound breeds to create an agile, energetic, fast, and effective hunter of small game.

Feist dogs are often long-lived, with an average lifespan of 13 to 18 years. This lifespan is comparable to or longer than similar breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and the American Hairless Terrier. The longevity of an individual dog varies and can depend on a variety of factors.

Bi-annual veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and a balanced diet are essential for extending their lifespan. Adequate exercise and mental stimulation are also important, as they help maintain your pup’s physical and mental well-being. Providing a nutritious diet tailored to their age and activity level and a safe and low-stress environment further supports their longevity.

The question of how many types of Feists there are is a bit complicated and depends on who you ask or what organization you consult. The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently does not recognize any Feist breeds. The Continental Kennel Club (CKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognize the Treeing Feist and the Mountain Feist as separate and legitimate breeds. 

While the Treeing Feist and the Mountain Feist are the only two Feist breeds recognized by any major kennel clubs, there are many more unregistered types described and developed by enthusiasts of the breed, including the Denmark Feist, Mullins Feist, Charlie Feist, Buckley Mountain Feist, Kemmer Feist, and Barger Stock Feist. These various types come from distinct lineages but don’t yet meet the requirements to be considered separate breeds by any major kennel clubs.

No, Feist dogs are not rare, and they are especially common in the southeastern U.S., where these dogs have historically been sought-after for their small game hunting abilities. However, they might be less well-known or harder to find in other regions or countries where their specific hunting skills and characteristics are not as widely recognized or needed. Their popularity is primarily regional, tied closely to the hunting traditions and environments where they excel.

No, a Feist is not a Rat Terrier according to the AKC, which recognizes Rat Terriers as a distinct breed, but not Feists, and according to the UKC and CKC, which accepts the Rat Terrier, Mountain Feist, and Treeing Feist as unique and distinct breeds. 

Despite some recognition of two breeds of Feist dogs, largely, the word “Feist” is a catch-all term for small mixed-breed terrier dogs who were bred to hunt and tree small game around farms and in the woods of the southern and Appalachian regions of the U.S. Often, these crosses involve Rat Terriers, but most don’t consider a purebred Rat Terrier to be a Feist.

A Mountain Feist is one of two recognized Feist breeds by the UKC and CKC, whereas the term “Feist” can refer to both registered Feist breeds and a category of small, mixed-breed terriers bred to hunt and tree small game in the southern U.S.

Mountain Feist dogs are small, active, and agile and were bred to hunt and tree squirrels in the Appalachian Mountains. According to the UKC breed standards, their body should be slightly longer than tall, and their legs should support quick movement and agility over mountainous terrain. The breed standard describes the Mountain Feist’s head as proportionate to the body and “blocky, with a broad skull, a moderate stop, and a strong muzzle.” Their ears are v-shaped and should stand upright by their first birthday.

Yes, Feist dogs can bark a lot, especially when they are excited or alerting their pet parents to a strange or sudden sound. When tracking game, Feists are bred to be silent, but once they have chased their prey up the tree, they bark at the base of the tree to alert their human hunting partner of their quarry. As such, they are fairly vocal dogs and were bred to use their voice to communicate with their family. 

Positive reinforcement, mental enrichment, exercise, and restorative sleep are all key to ensuring your Feist pup doesn’t become excessively barky. Thoroughly socializing them from a young age also helps these alert and excitable dogs become comfortable around a range of environments and less reactive to new stimuli, which can further reduce barking.

Yes, Feists can be easy to train because they love to engage with their people and are highly motivated to learn. However, these spunky pups can quickly become bored with tasks that aren’t rewarding or exciting, so it’s best to incorporate plenty of variation, toys, treats, and games into training sessions to keep their interest in learning. 

For example, playing fetch as a reward for responding to a recall cue not only reinforces the recall and strengthens your relationship but also provides physical exercise. By making training sessions fun and rewarding with treats, toys, and games, Feist dogs are more likely to stay focused and eager to learn. Consistency, patience, creativity, and positive reinforcement are key to successfully training Feist dogs, ensuring they learn cues and behaviors while enjoying the process.

No, Feist dogs are not dumb. Historically bred for hunting small game, Feist dogs needed to be quick-witted, alert, and capable of independent decision-making in the field. These qualities have translated into their modern reputation as smart and agile dogs. 

Their intelligence is evident in their aptitude for a wide range of tasks and dog sports, making them valued partners for active pet parents seeking a sharp-minded and capable canine companion. The agility and keen senses of Feists make them well-suited for hunting trials and competitions where they can showcase their agility, quick thinking, and ability to track, tree, or flush game with speed and precision.

Beyond structured activities, Feist dogs thrive in environments that provide mental stimulation and engagement. They enjoy interactive games that stimulate their problem-solving skills, such as puzzle toys or scent-based activities that tap into their keen sense of smell. These activities not only keep them mentally sharp but also satisfy their natural instincts and desire to work.

Yes, Feists can be good apartment dogs, provided their pet parent can provide daily walks and exercise in fenced-in areas. Despite their small to medium size, Feist dogs are highly energetic and require regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Without adequate exercise, they may become bored, restless, or exhibit behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Daily exercise is crucial for Feist dogs to burn off excess energy and stimulate their minds. This can include long walks, runs, or engaging in interactive play sessions such as fetch or tug-of-war. Outdoor activities provide them with opportunities to explore their surroundings, which is important for their mental stimulation and overall well-being.

Living in an apartment means that Feist dogs may not have access to a yard for unrestricted play, so it’s important for their dog parents to schedule regular outdoor outings. This could involve daily visits to dog parks where they can socialize and play with other dogs or explore new environments on walks or hikes. These outings not only fulfill their physical exercise needs but also satisfy their natural curiosity and desire for exploration.

Additionally, mental stimulation is key for Feist dogs in an apartment setting. Providing puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions not only keeps their minds engaged but also helps prevent boredom and associated behavioral issues.

No, Feist dogs are not aggressive as a baseline, but they are spunky and have a high prey drive, and are not a good fit for households with small pets like rabbits or hamsters. While Feist dogs are not inherently aggressive, like any dog breed, their behavior is heavily influenced by their upbringing, socialization, life experiences, and individual temperament. Dogs who are mistreated or deprived of positive interactions with humans and other animals may develop defensive behaviors, including aggression, as a means of self-protection. 

Gentle, thorough, and supportive socialization from a young age is crucial to helping your Feist feel safe and secure as they navigate a dynamic world. Avoiding punishment and aversive training techniques will also prevent the development of fear-based aggression. You can also teach them not to guard valued resources like toys and bones from a young age by playing trading games, which can prevent the development of habitual resource-guarding behaviors.

Typically long-lived and healthy, Feists often have minimal genetic health issues. However, the conditions that they are prone to can differ depending on their breeding, considering many types of Feists are mixed-breed dogs. Genetic conditions that Mountain and Treeing Feists are prone to include:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to joint instability and eventually arthritis. It can cause pain, lameness, and decreased mobility.

• Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the elbow joint. It encompasses several abnormalities that affect the growth of the elbow joint, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and lameness.

• Patellar luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position, usually towards the inside of the knee joint. It can cause intermittent lameness and discomfort, ranging from mild to severe depending on the severity of the luxation.

• Dental disease: Feist dogs are prone to dental problems such as periodontal disease, plaque buildup, and tooth decay. Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth loss, gum inflammation, and infections that can affect overall health.

While these conditions can be genetically influenced, environmental factors such as diet, exercise, and overall care also play a role in their development. Early detection and intervention are also crucial for maintaining their health and well-being over the long term.

No, Feist dogs are not hypoallergenic. These allergens mainly come from dander (tiny skin flakes), saliva, and urine. Even with their short fur, Feist dogs can still trigger allergies in sensitive people.

To manage fur buildup and allergens, weekly grooming is key to help remove loose hair and reduce dander. Giving your dog a bath about once a month can also help cut down on dander, but make sure to use a gentle dog shampoo to avoid skin irritation. 

Keeping your home clean is another vital step. Frequently wash your dog’s bedding and vacuum their favorite spots to minimize allergens. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can also improve air quality by trapping airborne allergens. For allergy sufferers, creating pet-free zones like bedrooms can provide additional relief.

No, Feist dogs are not prone to bloat, also known as gastric dilation-volvulus (or GDV), because they do not have deep chests, which is a major predisposition to developing the condition. 

However, bloat can potentially affect any dog, and it’s always important to be aware of the symptoms and preventative measures.

Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, causing it to expand. In severe cases, the stomach can twist, cutting off blood flow and leading to a life-threatening situation. Symptoms of bloat include a distended abdomen, restlessness, drooling, trying to vomit without producing anything, and signs of pain or discomfort.

To help prevent bloat in Feist dogs, you can take several precautions:

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large meal a day.

• Avoid vigorous exercise right before and after meals.

• Ensure your dog eats slowly. You can use specially designed slow-feeder bowls or place a large object in their bowl that they have to eat around.

• Prevent them from drinking large volumes of water immediately after eating.

• Avoid foods that are high in fat, as they can slow digestion and increase the risk of bloat.

While Feists aren’t typically at high risk for bloat, being mindful of these precautions can help keep them healthy and minimize the risk of this serious condition.