Mountain Feist Breed Information and Care Guide

The Mountain Feist is a small, energetic dog breed that originated in the Appalachian region of the United States.

They typically weigh between 20-40 pounds and stand between 10-16 inches tall at the shoulder.

Mountain Feists are known for their short coats, which require minimal grooming.

They are naturally protective of their families and can be wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.

Mountain Feists are small- to medium-sized dogs, typically ranging from 10 to 22 inches tall and weighing between 10 and 30 pounds.

Their agile and active nature makes them well-suited for rough terrain, and their legs are designed to allow for quick and agile movement.

A Mountain Feist's head is blocky, with a broad skull, a moderate stop, and a strong muzzle.

Their tail is straight and set on as a natural extension of the topline, and may be either natural or docked.

The Mountain Feist's coat is short and smooth, requiring minimal grooming.

Consider reading: Black Mountain Feist Dog

Here are the recognized colors for the Mountain Feist breed:

They are known to be muscular, with powerful hindquarters that are suited for climbing trees.

Their muzzle is of good proportions for breathing, making them well-suited for active working dogs.

Mountain Feists come in a wide range of coat colors and combinations, including black, white, gray, silver, blue, tan, red, brown, cream, sable, brindle, pied, Isabella, and fawn.

Their short and smooth coats are low-maintenance and require minimal grooming.

Shedding is average, and they'll need occasional brushing to remove loose hair.

Mountain Feists have sensitive skin, so bathing should be done only as needed, ideally every few months.

They don't need haircuts, and a occasional brushing will suffice.

They may prefer cooler weather, but in cold temperatures, a jacket can be necessary to keep them warm.

In hot weather, provide easy access to shade and water to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.

The Mountain Feist is a breed that's full of surprises. They're friendly and loving to their families, but can be wary of strangers.

Their strong prey drive means they'll chase small animals, so it's essential to keep them away from pets like guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters. They're also hunting dogs at heart, so they might not always come when called if they're on the scent of something exciting.

Mountain Feists are intelligent and strong-willed, which can make them stubborn at times. Early training and socialization are key to bringing out the best in them.

They're not the best choice for households with small pets, but they do make great watchdogs. With their alertness and loyalty, they'll keep an eye on their family and territory.

Here are some key traits to keep in mind when considering a Mountain Feist:

Mountain Feists are vocal dogs, with a tendency to growl, bay, and bark frequently. They're also Olympic-grade chewers and diggers, so be prepared for some mischief.

Mountain Feists are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia, a common orthopedic condition, can cause pain and discomfort, especially as they age.

Regular exercise is crucial to keep your Mountain Feist happy and healthy. They need at least one to several hours of exercise per day, or they may become destructive with pent-up energy.

Mountain Feists are also prone to elbow dysplasia, another orthopedic condition that can lead to pain and reduced joint flexibility. They may also develop allergic dermatitis from environmental stimuli, such as pollen or dust mites, causing itching, redness, and skin inflammation.

To keep your Mountain Feist's nails healthy, you should trim them about once a month. Brushing their teeth a few times a week can also promote good dental health. Your vet can show you how to do these tasks if you're unsure.

Here are some common health issues that may affect your Mountain Feist:

Mountain Feists are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common problem, where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort.

Hip dysplasia can result in lameness, stiffness, and arthritis as the dog ages. Treatment may involve medications, physical therapy, or even surgery to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that can affect Mountain Feists, particularly in large and fast-growing breeds. It involves a malformation of the elbow joint, leading to pain, lameness, and reduced joint flexibility.

Treatment for elbow dysplasia often involves medications, weight management, and in some cases, surgery to correct the joint abnormalities. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage this condition.

Allergic dermatitis can cause skin problems in Mountain Feists, triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or certain plants. Symptoms include itching, redness, skin inflammation, and hair loss.

Explore further: Hip Dysplasia Bernese Mountain Dog

To manage allergic dermatitis, it's essential to identify and minimize exposure to allergens, use antihistamines or corticosteroids, and bathe the dog regularly with hypoallergenic shampoos.

Food allergies can also affect Mountain Feists, causing sensitivities to specific ingredients in their diet, often proteins like chicken or grains. Symptoms can include skin issues, digestive problems, and ear infections.

Treatment for food allergies involves identifying and eliminating the allergenic ingredient from the dog's diet, often through a trial-and-error process with hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets. Veterinary guidance is crucial in managing food allergies to ensure the dog receives a balanced and nutritious diet.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Mountain Feists:

Taking care of your Mountain Feist's physical health is crucial. They need regular nail trimming, ideally once a month, to prevent overgrowth.

Brushing their teeth a few times a week is a good idea to promote good dental health. Your vet can show you how to do it if you're unsure.

Worth a look: Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues

Their energetic nature requires a lot of exercise, so be prepared to take them on at least two walks a day. They love having playtime outside, whether it's playing fetch or running around in the backyard.

Be aware that Mountain Feists can be stubborn and have a high prey drive, so it's best to keep them on a leash or in a safe, enclosed area. This will prevent them from chasing other animals.

They can get some exercise indoors too, especially with play. However, they are considered outdoor dogs and do tolerate cold weather well.

To prevent destructive behavior, make sure to give your Mountain Feist at least one hour of exercise each day.

Additional reading: How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need

Having a pet can be a life-changing experience, but it also comes with unexpected expenses. You want to make sure your furry friend is happy and healthy, but veterinary costs can add up quickly.

Some breeds are affected by congenital diseases, which are conditions existing at birth. This means you need to be prepared for potential health issues from an early age.

As a pet owner, you want to be protected from the unexpected and high veterinarian costs that come with illnesses and diseases. You want to give your pet the best possible care without breaking the bank.

Your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases throughout its lifetime, and some may require surgery. This is why having pet insurance can be a lifesaver, providing financial protection for your beloved companion.

A Mountain Feist's diet should be formulated for a small-to-medium breed with high energy levels.

You'll need to ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Mountain Feist's diet, as individual dogs can vary greatly in terms of weight, energy, and health.

Their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and continue to change into their senior years.

Mountain Feists have high energy levels, which means they need a diet that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

You should expect to adjust your Mountain Feist's diet as they grow and mature.

Check this out: Bernese Mountain Dog Energy Level

The Mountain Feist is a high-energy dog that requires a lot of exercise to keep him happy and healthy. He's built for activity, with a strong instinct to run, hunt, climb, dig, and jump.

To meet his needs, he'll need at least two hours of vigorous exercise per day. This can be as simple as going for a run or hike with your dog.

If you don't provide enough exercise, your Mountain Feist may resort to bad behavior, such as chewing, destructiveness, digging, and barking. He's not a dog that can sit around all day, so be prepared to be active with him.

A great way to provide your Mountain Feist with the exercise he needs is to take him with you on your daily activities, such as farming or working on your land. This will keep him engaged and happy.

On a similar theme: Bernese Mountain Dog Running

The Mountain Feist is a free-thinking breed that's used to living by its own wits. This can be both an asset and a liability in the right situations.

Working dogs, especially those that hunt, are not used to waiting for instructions before finishing the kill. A dog that waits for instruction before finishing the kill on an angry squirrel is likely to get injured.

The Mountain Feist is not a dog for inexperienced owners, as it requires someone who's used to reward-based training methods.