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Mountain Feist Dog: Breed Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Jana Blagojevic

By Jana Blagojevic

mountain feist

Mountain Feist dogs might be the ideal fit for you because of their outstanding personalities and small size. They often get mixed up with Jack Russell Terriers because they have a similar coat coloration. If you are interested in getting this breed, read on because we will tell you everything there is to know about these adorable pups.

Height: 12–18 inches
Weight: 12–30 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Colors: White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, pied, mixed colored
Suitable for: Single people, families with older children
Temperament: Friendly, playful, outgoing

Mountain feist dogs became very popular in the South of the United States of America because of their extraordinary hunting abilities. It is believed that they have existed in the country since the early 17th and 18th centuries. They are considered a small breed, making them very agile and fast, so they are suitable for hunting through woods. They are kept as pets more often, but be careful because they will probably chase almost everything! They are loved for all their characteristics but primarily for their great personality and striking looks.

Mountain Feist Dog Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

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Mountain Feist Dog Puppies

If you want a puppy who will lay in your lap for a whole day, Mountain Feist dogs aren’t for you. Puppies are very active and loud but also very friendly. You must provide your puppy with a lot of space where they can play, and train them from a very young age to become the best dog possible. If you want this particular dog, we suggest you find a breeder, which is not always a simple task.

You need to ensure that the breeder is reputable, so look for the information about your puppy’s parents and if a vet checked the puppies. Also, the breeder needs to provide you with paperwork about your puppy’s genetics.

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Temperament & Intelligence of Mountain Feist Dogs 🧠

When talking about Mountain Feist dogs, it’s essential to know that they are high-tempered dogs that require a lot of play and overall care. Because of their hunting nature, they are known to growl and bark at any strange noises, so this doesn’t make them the best fit for big apartment buildings. But if you live in a house with a yard where they can run and play, they might be suitable dogs for you. They are known to be very intelligent, meaning they can be trained easily, but only if they trust you enough.

mountain feist
Image Credit: Kyler Mitchell, Shutterstock

Are These Dogs Good for Families?👪

Mountain Feist dogs are not always the best fit for families with small kids because although they are very friendly, they are known to bark a lot and can be highly energetic. If you are in a family with older kids, they are perfect for you. They will always want to play and interact with everybody and are also known to make a powerful bond with every family member.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

They can be very territorial, so if you have other animals in your household, you should introduce them very slowly and always be on the watch for aggressive behavior. They were used for hunting, so if you have animals such as squirrels or hamsters, keep them away from each other. When you take them for a walk, be careful because they are known to chase after small animals. But with all this said, they often bond with other pets after some time, so just be patient.

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Things to Know When Owning a Mountain Feist Dog:

It’s important to know that if you want a calm dog that doesn’t require a lot of time, the Mountain Feist probably isn’t the right fit for you. They are very social, and they need a lot of activity and playtime. However, if you love to spend a lot of time in nature, you can expect the Mountain Feist to be an excellent companion.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

When it comes to the diet of your Mountain Heist dog, you must consult with a veterinarian expert. Like all other dogs, they are omnivores, but considering their hunting background and because of their high activity levels, they need a lot of animal-based proteins, so consider providing them with high-nutrient food, like kibble or canned food. During their younger years, you need to feed them age-appropriate food that will include all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals their bodies need to develop correctly. You may need to consider food with greater calcium content for improved bone and joint health.

Exercise 🐕

Mountain Feist dogs are naturally very active, which means they will need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are naturally very fit, considering what they were used for, and they can run long distances. With that said, they need to be walked every day, and it would be perfect if you had a backyard where they could run and play. They are also intelligent and respond well to games like puzzles. This is also the best way to bond with your dog and prevent them from directing their energy on other things, such as chewing household items.

Training 🎾

Training is a big part of keeping any dog, and it’s no different with Mountain Feist dogs. They respond well to training, even though they can sometimes be stubborn. You must start the training from an early age. We suggest training them with rewards such as treats and reinforcing positive behavior. Avoid yelling at them because this will only cause your dog to develop unnecessary fears and anxieties. Also, if you are a new pet parent, consider consulting with experts who will guide you in how to train them the best way. Most importantly, it would be best to stay consistent—it will pay off over time.

Grooming ✂️

Mountain Feist dogs are short-haired dogs, so their coat is easy to care for. They require weekly brushing and fairly regular bathing. Bathing is essential for removing the dirt left on their coats from outside activities and removing dirt from their undercoat—but don’t overdo it. Once every couple of months is ideal. They are often suitable for people with allergies who don’t want a dog that sheds a lot.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Mountain Feist dogs are generally a very healthy breed. They don’t have many genetic problems, and because of their high energy, they are not prone to obesity. In Feists with longer ears, dirt can enter their ears when they are hunting and potentially cause an infection, so you should clean and check their ears regularly. Regular veterinary checkups can keep you on top of any possible problems.

Minor Conditions
  • Ear Mites
  • Ear-wax buildup
  • Infections
Serious Conditions
  • Encephalitis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Gastric Dilatation

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Male vs. Female

Male Mountain Feist dogs tend to get slightly bigger than females, but other than that, their personality is very similar, and there are no real differences to consider when deciding between the two.


3 Little-Known Facts About Mountain Feist Dogs

1. They come in a variety of colors

They are found in many different colors like red, black, blue, pied, tan, white, and all combinations of these colors.


2. They were kept by George Washington

It is rumored that George Washington kept them as pets. He wrote about it in his diary and referred to them as “Feists.”


3. Mountain Feist Dogs can compete in dog sports

These dogs are very agile and fast, so they can compete in dog races and various other dog sports. Plus, they love it!

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Final Thoughts

Mountain Feist dogs are amazing dogs that offer unique qualities to the right family that chooses them for life. They require a lot of time spent on their training and socializing with other people and animals because they can get territorial. If you live in a house with a lot of space where they can run and explore, and you’re looking for an energetic, athletic pooch, they might be the right fit for you.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Kyler Mitchell, Shutterstock

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