Pet Wiki

Denmark Feist

Also called DenMark Feist, DenMark Treeing Feist

Rare breedShort profile

From Chatham area of Virginia, United States; developed from a Slade family line and formalised in 1984 by Mark Slade and Dennis Willis.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight11 to 16 kg1
Height38 to 46 cm1
Sizesmall

Wikipedia gives 25-35 lb for the breed without splitting by sex.

quiet, focused hunter
versatile on ground or treeing game
compact and hardy
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, slightly rough

A sturdy, muscular little hunting dog with a broad muzzle, semi-erect ears and a naturally short or docked tail, wearing a short, somewhat rough coat.1

Coloursredyellowred and white spotted1

Personality what they are like

A keen, energetic hunting companion that works quietly, following game on the ground or chasing it up a tree for the hunter.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High; bred for active hunting of squirrels and larger game, so it needs plenty of outdoor exercise and work.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.1

The story where it all began

The line traces back to one dog that the Slade family of Chatham, Virginia, acquired in 1917 and kept breeding for its hunting skill. Mark Slade and Dennis Willis established the Denmark Feist as a breed in 1984, and a breed association followed in 1986.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The founding dog was reportedly traded from a travelling salesman for three opossum hides, a big raccoon and a wagon wheel.1

  2. 2

    The whole breed descends from that single foundation dog.1

  3. 3

    Feists in general are known as quiet hunters, without the heavy barking of some terriers.2

  4. 4

    The word feist comes from an old term, and it gave English the adjective feisty.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'DenMark' is a combination of the first names of the two men who unveiled the breed in 1984: Mark Slade and Dennis Willis.3

Name ideas for your new friend

RangerBelleScoutTuckerDaisyBoJasperMaeRustySadieFinnCora

A day in the life told by a Denmark Feist

I wake up at dawn, ready for adventure. My human grabs the leash, and we head to the woods. I sniff the ground, squirrel! I chase it up a tree, barking to show my human where it went. After that, we hike along the creek, and I splash through the water. Back home, I nap on the porch, dreaming of the next hunt. Later, my human throws a tennis ball, and I zoom after it. I bring it back, tail wagging. At night, I curl up at their feet, tired and happy. Another great day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

DenMark Treeing Feist Association
Breed association founded in 1986; not recognised by the major kennel clubs.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Denmark Feist. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Denmark Feist, and at what times?

Feed your Denmark Feist at least two meals a day for adults, or three to four smaller meals for puppies. Follow the feeding guide on the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes. Avoid dangerous foods like grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, chocolate, and onion.45

What should a Denmark Feist eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Your Denmark Feist needs a balanced diet suitable for an active dog. Avoid dangerous foods like grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, chocolate, and onion. Always check with your vet for specific dietary recommendations.5

How often should I bathe a Denmark Feist?

Bathe your Denmark Feist about every eight weeks, or as needed if they get dirty. The short coat doesn't require frequent baths.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Denmark Feist need brushing?

Brush your Denmark Feist weekly to keep its short, slightly rough coat looking good. A quick brush once a week is enough.61 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Denmark Feist's nails, and how often?

Trim your Denmark Feist's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid bleeding.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Denmark Feist need?

Your Denmark Feist has high energy and needs plenty of outdoor exercise daily. Plan for at least one good walk or play session each day to keep them happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Denmark Feist's teeth and ears?

Brush your Denmark Feist's teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check their ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently wipe the outer part without pushing anything inside.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Denmark Feist live?

The lifespan of a Denmark Feist varies; ask your vet for an estimate based on your dog's health and lineage.

Is a Denmark Feist good with children and other pets?

Your Denmark Feist is a keen hunting companion, but its temperament with children and other pets can vary. Ask a good breeder or your vet for guidance based on your specific dog.

Can a Denmark Feist be left alone?

Whether a Denmark Feist can be left alone depends on the individual dog. Consult your vet or a good breeder for advice on separation anxiety and training.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Denmark Feist en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, size, coat, colours, uses, fun facts
  2. Wikipedia: Feist (dog) en.wikipedia.orgused for general feist traits, word origin
  3. thevetdesk.com thevetdesk.com
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.