The Feist Squirrel Dog is a small, energetic breed that's perfect for families who love the outdoors. They were originally bred to hunt small game like rabbits and squirrels.
Feist dogs are known for their intelligence and trainability, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to developing good behavior.
These dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime in the yard is a great way to keep them active.
What is a Feist Squirrel Dog
The Feist Squirrel Dog is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in the southern United States, particularly in the Appalachian region.
They are known for their strong prey drive, which makes them excellent hunters of small game like squirrels, rabbits, and opossums.
Feist Squirrel Dogs are typically between 15-30 pounds in weight and stand between 10-18 inches tall at the shoulder.
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Their short coats are often a combination of brown, black, and white colors, making them well-suited for hunting in dense woods.
Feist Squirrel Dogs are highly energetic and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
They are also highly intelligent and trainable, but can be independent and stubborn at times.
Feist Squirrel Dogs are generally good with children and make great family pets, but they do require regular socialization and training to ensure they get along well with other pets and people.
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Types and Examples
The Mountain Feist is a versatile breed that excels in various roles. There are several types and examples of feist breeds, each with its unique characteristics.
If you're interested in hunting with your feist, you'll want to check out the Hunting Dogs section for more information.
Feist types can be broadly categorized into Cur Dogs, Game Dogs, and Squirrel Dogs. These categories are not mutually exclusive, and many feist breeds can excel in multiple areas.
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Some popular feist breeds include the Kemmer Stock Mountain Cur and the Mountain Feist itself. These breeds are known for their intelligence, energy, and strong prey drive.
If you're new to dog ownership or just want to learn more about your feist's behavior, be sure to check out the Understanding Dog Behavior section for helpful tips and insights.
Here are some examples of feist breeds and their associated characteristics:
Background and History
In the 19th century, a small type of dog developed in the mountainous regions of the Southeastern United States.
These dogs were bred from terriers and hounds to hunt small game.
They became known as the Treeing Feist, a name that refers to their hunting style of running game up into trees and indicating to the hunter which tree the game has climbed.
The word "feist" is a derivation of "fist" and is a term used in Southern America for a small fierce dog.
Their hunting style involves chasing small game like squirrels, rodents, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, and flushing birds.
In the early 1980s, a group of devotees banded together to prevent their extinction.
The Mountain Feist Association was formed in 1984, and later replaced by the American Treeing Feist Association in 1985.
The United Kennel Club recognized the Treeing Feist as a breed in 1998, and the Mountain Feist as a separate breed in 2015.
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Behavior and Habitat
Feist squirrel dogs are highly energetic and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
Feist squirrel dogs are bred to hunt small game, so they have a strong prey drive and can be quite territorial. This means they need plenty of space to run around and play.
Feist squirrel dogs are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. They can get into trouble if left unsupervised.
Feist squirrel dogs are social animals and thrive on interaction with their human family. They make great companions for active families or individuals.
Sources
- www.goodtimemountainfeist.com/ (goodtimemountainfeist.com)
- Mountain Feist Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Mountain Feist, Treeing Feist - A Look at Squirrel Hunting ... (projectupland.com)
- standard (ukcdogs.com)
- "Mountain Feist" (ukcdogs.com)
- "Treeing Feist" (ukcdogs.com)
- The Tree Feist (gardenandgun.com)
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