The Bench Legged Feist dog is a rare and unique breed that requires careful consideration before bringing one home. They originated in the southern United States, where they were bred for hunting small game.
Their short stature and muscular build make them well-suited for navigating dense underbrush, but they can also be prone to back problems due to their short legs.
To ensure your Bench Legged Feist gets the exercise it needs, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity playtime per day. This can include activities like running, hiking, and agility training.
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Kemmer Feist Temperament & Intelligence
The Kemmer Feist is an excellent hunting dog and a wonderful companion for the entire family. They are loving and loyal dogs that enjoy spending time with their families.
Kemmer Feists are highly intelligent, social, and friendly with strangers. This makes them a great addition to any family, but also means they don't necessarily make good watchdogs.
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These dogs require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They need plenty of walks and exercise to work off their energy.
Kemmer Feists are generally friendly with people and are quite affectionate with family members. They are adaptable to various types of exercise, but they do require a consistent outlet for their energy.
Here are some key characteristics of the Kemmer Feist temperament:
- Intelligence: Highly intelligent
- Loyalty: Known for strong loyalty to their owners
- Friendliness: Generally friendly with people
- Affection: They are quite affectionate with family members
- Energy Level: High; they require a good amount of exercise
- Activity Requirement: Energetic dogs that need regular activity
Owning a Feist
Owning a Feist requires a lot of attention and exercise. Feist dogs are highly intelligent and require a good amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
They need regular activity to burn off their energy, and their high intelligence means they can get bored if they don't get enough mental stimulation. This means you'll need to provide them with plenty of toys, training, and playtime.
Feist dogs are known for their strong loyalty to their owners, so they make great companions for families. However, they don't do well when left alone for too long, so you'll need to consider getting another dog to keep them company if you're away from home often.
Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics to consider when owning a Feist:
- Intelligence: Highly intelligent
- Loyalty: Strong loyalty to owners
- Friendliness: Generally friendly with people
- Affection: Quite affectionate with family members
- Energy Level: High; requires regular exercise
- Activity Requirement: Energetic dogs that need regular activity
Feist dogs are adaptable to various types of exercise, but they do need a consistent outlet for their energy. This means you can take them on long walks, play fetch with them, or even try agility training.
Overall, owning a Feist is a big responsibility, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. With the right care and attention, they can make wonderful companions for families who are willing to put in the time and effort.
Care and Health
The bench legged Feist dog is a hardy breed, but like all dogs, it's not immune to health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor for common problems.
Feists are prone to ear infections, which can be painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Ear infections can be prevented with regular ear cleaning and inspections.
Allergies are another common issue that can affect Feists. If you notice your dog scratching or licking excessively, it could be a sign of an allergy.
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation are all potential health issues that can affect Feists. These conditions can cause pain and mobility problems if left untreated.
Here's a quick rundown of the common health issues that can affect Feists:
- Ear infections
- Allergies
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
A balanced diet and good dental hygiene are influential factors in promoting a long lifespan for your Feist. Regular dental check-ups can help prevent dental problems.
Grooming and Nutrition
Grooming a bench-legged Feist is a breeze. With their short coats, you'll only need to brush them two to three times a week to keep them looking their best.
Bathing is not a daily necessity for Feists. In fact, they only need a bath every six weeks or so, and you may need to find a shampoo that works for allergy sufferers due to their predisposition to allergies.
Trimming their nails is a regular task, but it's not too difficult. You'll need to trim their nails every 3 to 4 weeks to keep them from getting too long.
Brushing their teeth is also an important part of their grooming routine. Aim to brush their teeth two to three times a week to keep them clean and healthy.
Cleaning their ears is a weekly task that's easy to overlook, but it's essential for your Feist's health. Make sure to clean their ears at least once a week to prevent infections.
Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:
- Brush 2-3 times a week
- Bathe every 6 weeks
- Trim nails every 3-4 weeks
- Brush teeth 2-3 times a week
- Clean ears weekly
Training and Exercise
Training your bench legged Feist dog is a breeze as long as you use positive reinforcement methods. Their high intelligence makes them pick up tricks quickly, and they're eager to please their owners.
Feist dogs require early training that includes socialization, basic commands, and leash etiquette. This will help them become well-behaved companions.
Daily exercise is essential for Feist dogs, with at least an hour of physical activity recommended. This can include walks, jogs, and interactive play sessions.
To ensure your Feist dog gets enough exercise, consider the following daily routine:
- Daily Walks: 2-3 times (15-30 minutes each)
- Exercise Regimen: Includes fetch, agility, and free play.
With regular exercise and positive reinforcement training, your bench legged Feist dog will thrive and become a loyal companion.
Feist Characteristics
Feist dogs are small to medium-sized dogs known for their lively temperament and a muscular build.
They possess a coat that can come in a variety of colors.
Feist dogs are high-intelligence dogs that are easy to train.
Their high prey drive makes them suitable for families with older children or those who are active.
This dog breed hails from the American South, where it was bred from hunting dogs brought to the States by Irish and German immigrants.
Feist dogs typically weigh between 15–30 pounds.
Their hunting instincts are high, making them a great companion for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Food & Diet
Bench legged Feist dogs are high-energy dogs that need a diet to match. They require high-quality dog food with exceptionally high protein levels to sustain their energy.
One to two cups of kibble per day is typically sufficient for a Feist, but check the guidelines on the food bag for specific instructions.
Feist dogs expend a lot of calories with their high-energy antics, so they'll need food that will replenish those. This means they may need food that's a bit higher in calories than average.
If you suspect your Feist has allergies, your vet will need to test them to find out what exactly they are allergic to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are feist dogs aggressive?
Feist dogs are generally not aggressive towards people, but they can be protective of their families and may exhibit unprovoked aggression if fearful or threatened.
Is fiest a real dog breed?
Yes, a feist is a real dog breed, originating from a group of small hunting dogs descended from British terriers. Its ancestry includes the Smooth Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and the now-extinct English White Terrier.
Sources
- Cornell (cornell.edu)
- Rescue Me (rescueme.org)
- A post shared by Brigid Beltane (@dcfeisthound) (instagram.com)
- Kneecap dislocation (petmd.com)
- Hip dysplasia (petmd.com)
- Elbow dysplasia (petmd.com)
- Feist Rescue (rescueme.org)
- Mountain Feist Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Feist Dog Breed: Characteristics and Care Essentials (tryfi.com)
- 8 Must Know Facts About the Feist Dog (animalso.com)
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