They’re friendly, sociable, and love to keep busy. Mountain Feists are energetic canines that were believed to have been bred early during the 17th century by early pioneers, but this group was first seen in the Ozark Mountains. Treeing Feists was known earlier in 1998 by the United Kennel Club, while Mountain Feists was recently recognized in 2015 by UKC, as well.įor the American Kennel Club (AKC), they do not recognize the Feist dog yet. The United Canine Association recognized the Feist breed back in 2002. Since some say they do differ from each other and some say they’re the same, let’s get down to facts based on registries or breed clubs. Even if there are no significant differences between the two, you’d always have to base the answer depending on where did the Feist in question originate from. Watch how natural and amazing she is treeing squirrels:ĭo not raise this topic with squirrel dog fans if you don’t want to get in a heated debate. Just like when Ellie bounces, which means there’s a squirrel nearby. In this video, a Feist owner gives a rundown of the breed and what they’re like when hunting. Also, though they can put up a chase to catch their prey, Feists expect their owners to kill or shoot it. These squirrel dogs would leap through logs, chase through streams, and even dash across roads just to get to their target and corner them. They use all their senses to trap their game and then relentlessly barking at it and circling the tree, just like how Coonhound trees raccoons. Unlike most hounds, Feists are quiet trackers up until they tree their prey. Most feist dogs are driven to chase squirrels, rabbits, and all kinds of rodents. These earth dogs mostly focus on rodents, badgers, foxes, and European rabbits. They’re different from Dachshunds and Terriers that drive out prey by going underground. The reason why feist dogs are also called squirrel dogsĪlthough each canine can hunt their prey in many ways, Feists generally chase their main target above ground. There are also a lot of variations in spelling “feist.” There’s also fyste, fist, feest, fyce, fice, and faust. These terms are made from this dog’s name. If you search for the meaning of the word “feist,” it is traced back to the word fysting – an obsolete word that means “breaking wind.” It’s also defined as a “small mongrel dog.” Sometimes, the breed’s name is used as another terminology for mutt and cur.Īnd if you think that this pooch got its name from the words feisty or feistiness, it’s the other way around. Lincoln’s “ The Bear Hunt” poem describes a small dog with amazing ferocity during hunts.Ĭlassics such as William Faulkner’s “The Bear” and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ “The Yearling” beautifully appreciate how loyal Feists are. There are a few literary references and films that include notable figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, where they mentioned or included Feist dogs. The feist breed is well-known for its spot-on ability to hunt or track rodents and even large game.įeists aren’t only popular in the South for their skills, but they also have a distinguished role in the Southerner’s history and literature. Most breeds are developed to do different types of work, like helping in farms or hunting. Should you or should you not get a Feist dog?.Temperament: How are feist dogs as pets?.Similarities and distinction of Feists with other breeds.The Feist can fit into apartment life as long as its exercise needs are met. It can be a jogging or hiking partner and can also take part in different dog sports. This high energy and lively dog will need daily walking for at least 30 minutes.

The dog is willing to please its owners and will not pose any problems when it comes to training. Very adaptable and obedient, the Feist is easily trainable through positive training methods. Short coat of this dog is low maintenance and will need weekly brushing.

This dog type is eager to please its owners and will make a very good family pet as well as being a favorite dog type for hunters. While bubbly and active outdoors, the dog will be more than happy to cuddle on the couch when indoor. It can adjust its energy levels according to the situation.

This type of dog is very adaptable and trainable. Friendly and calm with family members, the Feist dogs are not wary of strangers but they are alert to their surroundings and will bark to signal arrival of a stranger or intruder. The Feist dogs are lively, energetic and even tempered that are very gentle and playful with children. The Feist dog has a short and smooth, low maintenance coat. Generally the Feist dogs come in red brindle, red & white, black, black & tan, tricolor (black, tan & white) and blue & white. Because of variations in different Feist dog types, colors can be variable from type to type and dog to dog.

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