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.13
how to spot oneMountain Feist coat and colours
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.13
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
how busy a day looksMountain Feist exercise needs
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.21
where they are happiestMountain Feist at home
Suits active rural or suburban homes with secure fencing, since its hunting drive makes it quick to chase small animals.2
who they like aroundMountain Feist with people and other pets
Enjoys working closely with its person and thrives on shared activity.1
the hands-on bitsMountain Feist grooming and care
The short, smooth coat needs little more than an occasional brush plus routine nail and ear checks.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.4
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.5
How often should I bathe a Mountain Feist?
Pet Wiki'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.6
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.16
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.6
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.21
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.6
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.
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.12
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.12
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 Mountain Feist costs
Running costs for a Mountain 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 Mountain Feist legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Mountain 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 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.1
3
Its tail may be left natural or docked, and it is carried upright when the dog is alert.1
4
Beyond squirrels it also hunts raccoons, opossums and rabbits and can flush birds.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
'Feist' (also spelled fice or fyce) is an old dialect word for a small dog. Dictionaries link it to the obsolete English word 'fysting', meaning breaking wind, as in 'fysting dog' or 'fysting hound'.7
stars of the breedFamous ones
The fice in Abraham Lincoln's poem Abraham Lincoln wrote about a 'fice' dog in his poem 'The Bear Hunt'.7
The dog in George Washington's diary In his 1770 diary George Washington described a dog as 'a small foist-looking yellow cur'.7
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.
where it all beganMountain Feist history
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 2015.21
Treeing Feist
Rat Terrier
Mountain Cur
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier