Mountain Feist Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Mountain Feist?

'Feist' was historically used to label any type of small, noisy hunting dog, making the exact origin of Mountain Feists difficult to determine.

What can be confirmed is that they are descendants of English terriers, including the Manchester Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier, who were brought over to America by miners. These terriers most likely bred with native-American canines such as Whippets and Greyhounds to make the Mountain Feist as we know it today.

They have been a prominent breed throughout the Ozark Mountains and the rural south since at least the 17th century and have been referenced widely in literature and historical records. George Washington noted them in his diary, while Abraham Lincoln referenced the breed in his poem, 'The Bear Hunt'. William Faulkner also mentioned the dog in several of his works.

In the face of dwindling population numbers throughout the 20th century, Mountain Feist Association was formed in 1984, followed by the Mountain Feist Breeder's Club. Despite the return in interest for the breed, it wasn't till 2015 that the United Kennel Club accepted Mountain Feists as a separate breed from Treeing Feists.

Who are Mountain Feist dogs best for?

Although highly energetic, this breed is only small, so they don't require a tonne of space like other working dogs. A Mountain Feist can get pretty comfortable in an apartment and only requires around half an hour's worth of exercise per day. This means that a Mountain Feist would make a good companion for a city-based worker who isn't away from home for long.

That's not to say a Mountain Feist wouldn't love a huge garden to patrol - they'd love that too; they just don't need it as much as other working dogs. These dogs also don't need as much exercise as bigger working dogs, so they may be a better option for those who can only commit to a certain amount of time per day.

Mountain Feists can be independent, but they definitely prefer company and may exhibit destructive behaviours if left alone for too long. If introduced to a child in puppyhood, a Mountain Feist will likely grow a strong bond with them. Given their sturdy build, they're also not as fragile as other little dogs, which is good if you've got children.

How much grooming does a Mountain Feist need?

Mountain Feists require very little maintenance on the whole, and their short coats never need to be trimmed or professionally groomed. They shed minimally throughout the year and only need to be combed once every so often. Similarly, they don't require regular bathing, as the oils in their skin will naturally clean them.

They also have particularly sensitive skin, so frequent bathing could actually hurt them.

Do Mountain Feist bark much?

Mountain Feists will be vocal in more ways than just barking; they're known to growl and bay whenever they feel it necessary. Unlike other hunting dogs, Mountain Feists aren't known to make a noise when hunting small animals - they'd rather employ stealth to creep up on them and then start barking when they get close.

Unfortunately, barking is an intrinsic part of this breed's character, and it's something all owners will have to get used to. They are unlikely to bark through the night or bark unprovoked, however, so their noisiness is definitely manageable.

Do Mountain Feist bite?

Biting in puppyhood will be the result of teething while biting in adult Mountain Feists will likely have been provoked. Teething can be sore for all pups, and no less these small dogs, so it's important to provide them with plenty of chew toys. Be prepared to give them a light telling off whenever they bite.

Biting in adulthood, although unlikely, can still happen. These dogs, like several other 'squirrel dogs', weren't trained to bite the animals they hunt for. They were trained to chase an animal up a tree and to alert their master once the small animals were trapped.

Biting simply isn't in their nature, so you need to teach children and family members not to tease your Mountain Feist.

What is the temperament & personality of a Mountain Feist?

Mountain Feists are very territorial by nature, and guard dog instincts will kick in whenever a stranger approaches their abode. Be prepared for a Feist to be highly suspicious of any new person initially. Once a Mountain Feist decides that the new person is safe, they may show affection towards them.

Very playful by nature, Mountain Feists are known to have an adaptable personality and temperament, meaning they can judge and match the energy of the room. Like most other terriers, they form a loving bond with their families and will serve as a loyal companion to your young children.

They are still controlled by their treeing instincts, so it would be best to keep small pets out of their way completely, such as mice and hamsters.

What is the weight & size of a Mountain Feist?

This healthy breed should weigh around 13 kg. The height of a Mountain Feist can vary, but most are between 25 and 55 cm tall.

How much training does a Mountain Feist need?

Training a Mountain Feist dog is undeniably challenging and can prove extremely difficult for the under-experienced. The most difficult aspect comes from the dog's hunting instincts. As soon as they pick up a scent, it can be extremely difficult for you to command them to come back.

Teaching them commands is one of the most essential parts of training your Mountain Feist mix, as you don't want them wandering off and getting lost whenever they catch a scent. Keeping their attention can be difficult; however, they are intelligent dogs, so training them in basic commands should be easy enough for the experienced trainer.

They don't fare well in long training sessions and prefer shorter bursts throughout the day. We'd recommend committing to five 5-minute exercises. This could involve agility training, general exercise, puzzle games, or command work.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Mountain Feist?

Being the descendants of several different healthy dog breeds, Mountain Feist puppies are considered to be very healthy dogs. They are not predisposed to any health issue that the standard dog is, although regular vet check-ups are still advised. Like most dog breeds, they may develop elbow and hip dysplasia.

The only health concern that relates to Mountain Feists specifically is their allergies. They have been noted to take allergic reactions to certain types of dog food and also certain environmental conditions. They can also develop rashes easily if over-washed, as aforementioned. If you notice your Feist developing a rash or having an allergic reaction, consult your vet.

What is the lifespan of a Mountain Feist?

Some Mountain Feists are known to live a very long life, as are many other small, active dogs. Most Mountain Feist live somewhere between the age of 10 and 15.

How much should you feed a Mountain Feist?

Although you need to be careful regarding this dog's allergies, dog food that is made for active breeds is probably the best thing you can offer them. Consult your vet about a proper dietary plan, but generally, these dogs should be getting around 400 calories worth of dog food per day, spread out over 2-3 meals.

Of course, meal sizes depend on the size and age of the dog, so it's best to talk to a professional about what and how much you should be feeding your Feist dog.

What is the price of a Mountain Feist in Australia?

In America, despite being a rare breed, Mountain Feists are pretty affordable. In Australia, you may struggle to find many reputable Mountain Feist breeders, so it may be best to buy elsewhere, given that the Mountain Feist cost itself can be low.