A keen, energetic hunting companion that works quietly, following game on the ground or chasing it up a tree for the hunter.12
how to spot oneDenmark Feist coat and colours
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
A typical home-care rhythm for a Denmark 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
how busy a day looksDenmark Feist exercise needs
High; bred for active hunting of squirrels and larger game, so it needs plenty of outdoor exercise and work.1
the hands-on bitsDenmark Feist grooming and care
The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.34
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.4
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.5
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.51
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.5
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
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.5
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Denmark Feist costs
Running costs for a Denmark Feist, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Denmark Feist legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Denmark Feist in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The founding dog was reportedly traded from a travelling salesman for three opossum hides, a big raccoon and a wagon wheel.1
2
The whole breed descends from that single foundation dog.1
3
Feists in general are known as quiet hunters, without the heavy barking of some terriers.2
4
The word feist comes from an old term, and it gave English the adjective feisty.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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.6
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.
where it all beganDenmark Feist history
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
Mountain Feist
Treeing Feist
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