In the distant past events, many mentions have been made regarding the Feist dog. These dogs have found a place in literature and films. The word feist has its origin in fysting meaning small mongrel dog. This breed of dog has existed for a while. The breed has its existence in Native American dogs which were crossed with terriers that came from Great Britain by miners and immigrants. This reference dates back to the 17th century.

Over time, these dogs are classified as Mountain Feist and Treeing Feist. The behavior is adaptive; they understand when to play and when to calm down. For hunting, it has a sharpened sense of smell, sight, and hearing. It is not boisterous on track. When they encounter strangers they alert the owner. They get suspicious often about the surroundings and the owner is safe with it. Feist is good at controlling rat manifestation. Fiest is a good breed of dog.

Distinctive Features of Feist Dog

These medium dimension dogs are 10-18 inches tall. Most of them weigh 15-30 lb. These muscular and compact dogs have long strong legs. The tail is long. The fur is short, thick, and smooth. The ears are lofty on the head. The shape may vary from being button-like, erect, and short hang. This is because they may be a crossbreed, pure breed, or mixed one. These dogs are evaluated based on hunting methods and size. The head is round and the muzzle is tapered. The nose is black. They stay happily in different types of homes. Give them daily exercise. Their expected life span is 18 years.

Feist Dog in Lawn

Feist is a small combative dog showing its power on small animals and swift tree-climbing squirrels. The hair is short and thus low-shedding. The color variations can be tricolor blends like tan and black, white and red, or flecked and black. Dogs are safe to live with humans as are not hypoallergenic. These dogs are not recognized by looks but by hunting abilities as well as temperament.

The consistency in appearance is lacking because genetic constancy is lacking. The genetic makeup comes from Russell Terrier, fox terrier, white English terrier, as well as Manchester terrier. This breed rarely looks alike. The common factor is long legs, tall ears, and energetic.

How to Take Care of Pet Feist Dog?

The hygienic maintenance varies with the routine of the dog. If you happen to take it to the woods often the run will make it dirty and a regular bath is recommended. If the fur is of light color the dirt will show much more. Brushing twice a week will reduce shedding. Moreover, ears, teeth, and nails require weekly cleaning as well.

What to Feed Pet Feist Dog?

The dog food can be raw, canned, and dry stuff. Diet offered to Feist should be based on its age, size, activity is undertaken, and health status. The United Association in 2002 acknowledged this breed. The United Kennel Club also in 1998 acknowledged the treeing Feist.

Some of the commonly occurring Feist species are Barger Stock Feist, Bench-Legged Feist, Buckley Feist, Charlie Feist, Denmark Feist, Gray's Mountain Feist, Hunters Creek Feist, Kemmer Feist, Mountain Feist, Mullins Feist, Pencil-tail Feist, Thornburg Feist, and Treeing Feist.

How to Train Pet Feist Dog?

These energetic dogs once indoors like to cuddle on the couch. They are easy to train and aid the owner around the farm and in the field. The rat problem can be solved by their presence. Their desire to play in the park and jog around the neighborhood makes them good companions.

White Feist Dog

Feist on daily basis needs half an hour of exercise. It could be in the form of walk, jog, or hikes in the park. They love to play games like get the ball. Constructive games and tasks give them mental exercise and sharpen the mind. Feist adjusts to apartment life so long regular outside exercise is given. Mental and physical stimulation is necessary for the dog. Constructive games challenge their brain. Feist learns quickly and it is a pleasure to train them. New commands and tricks are imbibed by them quickly.

What are the Health Issues of Feist Dog?

The common health problem with this breed is hip dysplasia as well as allergies.

Do Feist Dogs Make Good Pets?

The characteristic of this dog was appreciated by rural households because of its persistence. They are very reliable canines. The Feist was reared to different varieties of work such as helping around the farms or hunting. They can track rodents and other bigger games. It pursues the hunt through leaps crossing logs and streams until it has cornered the target. It is here their work stops and they wait for the owner to kill the catch.

Lincoln mentioned this breed of dog in his poem The Bear Hunt. The dog was praised for its ferocity during a hunt. This canine enjoys adventure outdoors. Those people who spend a lot of time outdoors these dogs love to be with them. They enjoy the company of children and families as well.

The quality of trustworthiness, gentleness, intelligence, fearlessness, and amicable adaptable nature makes them good friends, especially with children. Families love these dogs because they are not hyper and eager to please the master. Socialization of Feist should begin as a young puppy once trained they get along with other animals and young children. At times they get territorial. They bark at intruders and alert the owner about the possible threat.

In present times Feists are appreciated by hunters, farmers as well as families because of useful tracking as well as pest-control capabilities. Moreover, their temperament is steady. Mountain Feist's friendly, social, and busy bee is also energetic and was first noticed in the Ozark Mountains. They are rarely aggressive and safe for families with children.

Treeing Feists are clamorous more so when they corner the target on the tree and stay guard down. Treeing Feists are not receptive to strangers whether humans or animals. Keep leash handy for at times they can be a nuisance and in the way of work. Both varieties are low-maintenance dogs. They can be a good partner for small and large game. Thus, these dogs are suitable as family pets and working dogs. Feist is a healthy dog but most with advancing years suffer from hip dysplasia as well as allergies.

Video Credits: djgregallen

Do Feist Dogs Bark a lot?

As we know it is a mixed breed and its hunting instincts come from Terrier. It can be territorial and shows apprehensions towards strangers that enter the owner's territory. All these situations result in barking. Feists are quiet trackers till the prey climbs a tree and cornered. The pursuing dog will wade streams, jump over logs, cross the road recklessly. They bark nonstop circling the tree at the same time as if asking the owner to shot the prey. Despite furious chase, these dogs are unlikely to catch a squirrel.

How Much do Feist Dogs Cost?

Inquire from the breeders regarding the lineage and health of the puppy. There are several breed combinations. If you are lucky and get to see the parent you will get a glimpse of the future characteristics and appearance of the pup. If you go online for purchase, investigate well before payment. Pet stores and mushrooming kennels may produce pups from puppy mills. In case the pups are aggressive or scared the personality may not be stable. Color combinations, features, etc. will be the deciding factor for the cost.

Do Feist Dogs Swim?

Feist hunts relying on vision, sound, and smell. These dogs are not water dogs but they swim efficiently and are not scared of water.