Pet Wiki

Treeing Feist

Also called American Treeing Feist, Feist

Recognised breedShort profile

From United States (rural Southeast)12

At a glance the quick version

Weight5.4 to 13.6 kg21
Height30 to 46 cm21
Lifespan12 to 14 years3
Sizesmall

UKC: 12 to 30 lb working weight, depending on height.

expert squirrel dog
alert and agile
affectionate and playful at home
23

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, smooth

A neat, close coat on a small, agile hunting dog; a long or shaggy coat is not allowed by the UKC standard.2

Coloursany colour or pattern21

Personality what they are like

A bright, busy little hunter that uses both nose and eyes and moves quietly on a trail, then barks steadily once game is up a tree. At home it tends to be relaxed, loving and fun, with a terrier's watchful streak toward strangers.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Medium to high; around an hour a day of walks, runs and games keeps it happy.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy care: brush once or twice a week, bathe only when dirty, and keep nails and teeth tended. Sheds moderately.3

Company who they like around

Forms strong family bonds and does well with children when raised and trained with them.3

The story where it all began

Feists were developed in the rural American South by crossing hunting hounds with terriers to get small dogs for squirrels and vermin. The type grew scarce in the 20th century until enthusiasts began preservation efforts in the 1980s, and the UKC recognised the Treeing Feist in 1998.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The everyday word feisty, meaning spirited or scrappy, comes from the name of these dogs.4

  2. 2

    George Washington mentioned a feist-type dog in his diary in 1770, and Abraham Lincoln wrote about one in his poem The Bear Hunt.4

  3. 3

    Theodore Roosevelt hunted with a feist named Skip that belonged to his son Archie.4

  4. 4

    On the track they are almost silent, which helps them sneak up on squirrels.2

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', believed to come from their early name of 'fisting' or 'fysting curres' meaning 'stinking dog'.5

Name ideas for your new friend

PippinCloverRustyMidgeJasperTillyZiggyMaisyFinnPepperWrenBo

A day in the life told by a Treeing Feist

I wake and stretch, then dash to the kitchen. My human gives me a scratch and I spin in circles. Outside, I sniff the air, a squirrel! I dart to the tree and yap until it hides. Then I chase a leaf, pounce, and roll in the grass. Back inside, I curl on her lap, purring like a cat. When the mail comes, I bark twice. A busy, happy day.

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

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Terrier Group; recognised 1 Nov 19982
National Kennel Club (US)
Registers feists4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Treeing 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 Treeing Feist, and at what times?

Feed your adult Treeing Feist at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity level.6

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

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a complete list.7

How often should I bathe a Treeing Feist?

Bathe your Treeing Feist only when dirty, about every two months as a starting plan. More frequent baths may be needed if your dog is very active outdoors. Use a gentle dog shampoo.38 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Treeing Feist need brushing?

Brush your Treeing Feist once or twice a week to keep its short, dense coat healthy and reduce shedding. Weekly brushing is a good starting routine.38 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you the proper technique.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Treeing Feist need?

Your Treeing Feist needs about an hour of daily exercise, including walks, runs, and playtime. This active breed thrives on regular activity to stay happy and healthy.3 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your dog's teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry floppy ears to prevent infections. Never insert anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Treeing Feist live?

A Treeing Feist typically lives 12 to 14 years with proper care. Regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle help support a long, happy life.3

Is a Treeing Feist good with children and other pets?

Yes, when raised and trained with them, Treeing Feists form strong family bonds and do well with children. Their temperament is relaxed and loving at home, though they have a watchful streak toward strangers.23

Can a Treeing Feist be left alone?

Treeing Feists form strong family bonds and may not do well if left alone for long periods. The answer varies by individual dog; ask your breeder or vet for advice based on your dog's personality.

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.

You might also like

Mountain FeistRat TerrierTeddy Roosevelt Terrier

Where this comes from

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

  1. Wikipedia: Treeing Feist en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, size, history
  2. UKC Treeing Feist breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  3. Wag!: Treeing Feist wagwalking.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, social needs
  4. Wikipedia: Feist (dog) en.wikipedia.orgused for etymology and historical facts
  5. ckcusa.com ckcusa.com
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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