Mountain Feist

Also called Feist

Recognised breedShort profile

From Southeastern United States, in the mountain regions of the rural South.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight5.4 to 13.6 kg2

Height30 to 46 cm2

Sizesmall

UKC gives an ideal working range of 12-30 lb, depending on height.

sharp, alert and quick on its feet

quiet and focused on the trail

compact size with a big work ethic

2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A sleek coat no longer than about an inch, lying dense and flat. The body is compact, athletic and a little longer than tall, with a blocky head and upright V-shaped ears.2 3

Coloursany colour or combination of colours2

Personality what they are like

A lively, watchful little hunter that uses its eyes, ears and nose together. It works silently while tracking and gives voice once game is treed, and it is known for being keen and responsive to its handler.2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very active and bred for long days chasing squirrels and other small game, so it needs daily exercise and ideally hunting, scent games or other outlets for its energy.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat needs little more than an occasional brush plus routine nail and ear checks.2

Home where they are happiest

Suits active rural or suburban homes with secure fencing, since its hunting drive makes it quick to chase small animals.1

Company who they like around

Enjoys working closely with its person and thrives on shared activity.2

The story where it all began

Small hunting dogs known as feists developed in the Southern mountains during the 19th century from crosses of terriers and hounds, prized for treeing squirrels for the family table. By the early 1980s they had become scarce, and dedicated clubs formed to preserve them, leading to separate UKC recognition for the Mountain Feist in 2015.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The word 'feist' is an old term for a small, lively and often noisy dog.3
2
Mountain Feists track game almost silently and only speak up once the quarry is up a tree.2
3
Its tail may be left natural or docked, and it is carried upright when the dog is alert.2
4
Beyond squirrels it also hunts raccoons, opossums and rabbits and can flush birds.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The word 'feist' is an ancient term referring to a small, often noisy dog, and is of German origin from the word 'fice' or 'fyst', meaning 'to stink' or 'foul smell'.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Abraham Lincoln's feist Abraham Lincoln included the feist in his poem 'The Bear Hunt'.5
George Washington's feist George Washington mentioned feists in his diary.5

Name ideas for your new friend

SquirrelTaterBooneDollyHickoryMaeRangerJuniperPossumCletusBlueSassafras

A day in the life told by a Mountain Feist

Mornin'! Sun's barely up and I'm already on the porch, sniffin' the breeze. My human grabs the leash and we head to the woods. I love trackin', my nose leads, my eyes follow, and my ears catch every rustle. I work quiet, but when I tree a squirrel, I give a good bark to let my human know. After a good run, we head home, and I get a scratch behind the ears. Evenin' finds me curled on the couch, watchin' the yard through the window. Life's simple and good.

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

Recognised by the official bits

UKC: Recognised as a separate breed on 1 February 2015 (previously grouped with the Treeing Feist, recognised 1998).2
Mountain Feist Breeder's Club: Breed club founded in 1986; the Mountain Treeing Feist Organization followed in 1992.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
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 Mountain Feist, and at what times?

Feed your adult Mountain Feist at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Always follow the food label and check with your vet for the right portion sizes.6

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

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Feist's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give human treats like these, and always ask your vet before adding anything new.7

How often should I bathe a Mountain Feist?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. The short coat dries quickly and doesn't need frequent washing.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Mountain Feist need brushing?

Brush your Mountain Feist weekly to keep its short, smooth coat healthy and reduce shedding. A quick once-over with a soft brush is enough.2 8 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Mountain Feist need?

This very active breed needs daily exercise, including walks and play, plus outlets like scent games or hunting activities. A tired Feist is a happy Feist, so aim for at least an hour of activity each day.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Feist's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Mountain Feist live?

Mountain Feists typically live 12 to 15 years with good care. Senior years usually start around age 10, so schedule annual vet checkups to keep them healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Mountain Feist good with children and other pets?

This breed is lively and watchful, and it enjoys working closely with its person. It can be good with children if raised together, but its hunting drive may make it chase small pets. Always supervise interactions and socialize early.2 1

Can a Mountain Feist be left alone?

Mountain Feists thrive on shared activity and may become bored or anxious if left alone for long periods. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the day, or with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before you leave.2 1

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.