Mountain Feist Squirrel Dog Characteristics and Needs

The Mountain Feist Squirrel Dog is a small, energetic breed that's perfect for active families or hunters. They're known for their intelligence and strong prey drive.

They're typically small in size, weighing between 20-40 pounds and standing 10-18 inches tall. This compact size makes them ideal for hunting in tight spaces.

Mountain Feists are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

They're also known for their strong instinct to chase and tree small game, making them a popular choice for squirrel hunting.

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A Mountain Feist is a breed of dog specifically bred to hunt small animals and pests that harm crops in rural areas of the Southern United States. They were created by mixing different types of terriers and greyhounds to make a perfect hunting companion.

These dogs have been around for a long time, with evidence suggesting they've been around since the 17th century. Former US Presidents like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were fans of Mountain Feists and even wrote about them in their writings.

A Mountain Feist is a type of dog bred to hunt small animals and pests. They originated from a mix of terriers and greyhounds.

Mountain Feists are specifically bred to hunt animals that harm local crops in rural areas of Southern states in America. Their hunting prowess is renowned.

They have been around since at least the 17th century, with notable mentions in writings by former US Presidents.

Mountain Feists are small to medium-sized terriers renowned for their spirited and intelligent nature.

Their original purpose was as hunting companions, adept at treeing small game like squirrels and raccoons.

These canines were bred to hunt small animals and pests that harm local crops in rural areas of Southern states in America.

Their compact yet sturdy build allows them to navigate challenging landscapes with ease.

They exude a lively and alert demeanor, always eager for adventure and exploration.

Mountain Feists have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, brindle, and tricolor.

They have been around since the 17th century, with notable mentions in writings by former US Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

Their keen senses, boundless energy, and unwavering determination make them invaluable partners for hunters.

The Mountain Feist squirrel dog is a compact and powerful breed. They have a short, muscular body with a deep and moderately broad chest.

Their height is slightly shorter than their total length, with the greatest height at the withers. The back is straight and strong, set to the base of the tail.

The legs are straight, strong, and firm, set well under the body, and of medium length. Single dewclaws are acceptable on the front legs.

Their feet are rather small and slightly oval, with thick pads. The toes are tightly closed.

The Mountain Feist is a compact dog with a short, powerful body that's slightly shorter in height than its overall length. Its chest is deep and moderately broad.

The muzzle is equal in length to the skull, thickest at the base, and tapers evenly when viewed from above or the side. The nasal bone is straight.

The lips are tightly closed, accompanied by a full set of strong, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. The body's overall height is greatest at the withers.

The back is straight and set strong to the base of the tail. The loin is short and muscular. The tail is either natural bobtailed or docked.

The shoulder blades are sloping, and the legs are straight, strong, and firm, set well under the body. Single dewclaws are acceptable on the front legs.

The feet are rather small and slightly oval, with thick pads. The toes are tightly closed.

The coat is short, thick, and smooth, with hair extending no farther than one inch. The color patterning is considered Tricolor White (Predominantly White, Black & Tan) or Tricolor Black (Predominantly Black, White & Tan) with medium to heavy blue & red ticking on the undercoat and across the body.

Mountain Feists can weigh between 15 to 30 pounds and stand 12 to 18 inches in height. They're a small to medium-sized dog that doesn't take up much space.

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Mountain Feists have a short and smooth coat that comes in a wide variety of colors and combinations.

Their coats can be black, white, gray, silver, blue, tan, red, brown, cream, sable, brindle, pied, Isabella, and fawn.

They shed an average amount year-round, making them a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.

Occasional brushing to remove loose hair will be helpful, but they don't need haircuts.

Mountain Feists have sensitive skin, so they should only be bathed as needed, or every few months.

They prefer cooler weather, but may need a jacket if it's snowing or very cold due to their lack of a thick coat.

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

Mountain Feists are incredibly friendly and loving towards their families, making them great companions.

They are less aggressive than other terriers and are very loyal to their families, but they can be a bit wary of strangers.

Early training and socialization are key to bringing out the best in your Mountain Feist, as they can be a bit stubborn at times.

They love being part of a family and take any opportunity to make their human family happy, but they also have a strong instinct to hunt and chase prey.

This means they might not always come immediately when called, especially if they're focused on something interesting, so be sure to keep an eye on them when they're outside.

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Mountain Feists are incredibly friendly and very loving and loyal to their families.

They are less aggressive than other terriers, making them a great addition to many households.

Be sure to provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation, because they can get into trouble if bored.

They make good watchdogs, too, being loving with their families but a bit wary of strangers.

Early training and socialization will bring out the best in your dog, as with all breeds.

Mountain Feists have a strong prey drive and may chase and even kill small animals, like squirrels, if they're outside.

This means they shouldn't be added to households where there are small animals, like guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, or mice.

They can be a bit stubborn, but with consistency and patience, you can overcome this trait.

They love to play outside and will often get lost in the moment, so be prepared to keep a close eye on them, especially when they're focused on prey.

Mountain Feists are incredibly loving and friendly to their families, making them great companions.

They love being part of a family and take any opportunity to make their human pack happy.

A Mountain Feist is calm when they're not hunting, which makes them ideal companions for children.

They're generally very good with kids, thanks to their sturdy physique and small-to-medium size.

Mountain Feists are also not as aggressive as other terriers, which is a big plus when it comes to family dynamics.

However, it's still super important to supervise play between children and animals to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling.

Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and never leave a dog unsupervised with a child.

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Mountain Feists are very energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least one hour of exercise per day, or they may become destructive with pent-up energy.

You'll also want to keep an eye on your Mountain Feist's nail health by cutting their nails about once a month, or having a groomer do it for you. Brushing their teeth a few times a week is also a good idea to promote good dental health.

As Mountain Feists are prone to redness or irritation in their ears, make sure to check them about once a week to catch any issues early on.

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As a Mountain Feist owner, you'll be happy to know that grooming is relatively low-maintenance. They shed an average amount, year-round, and don't need haircuts.

Their short and smooth coats come in every color and combination, including black, white, gray, silver, blue, tan, red, brown, cream, sable, brindle, pied, Isabella, and fawn. Brushing them once a week is enough to keep their coats looking good.

Bathing your Mountain Feist only when necessary is best, as frequent baths can cause their skin to dry out and result in allergies. They can get dirty from hunting, so a bath might be needed in those cases.

Check their ears for redness or irritation about once a week, and trim their nails about once a month to prevent overgrowth. You can ask your vet to show you how to do these tasks if you're unsure.

Brushing their teeth a few times a week is also a good idea to promote good dental health.

Feeding your Mountain Feist requires some attention to their nutritional needs, which can vary depending on their age, activity levels, and weight. One to two cups of dry dog food divided into two meals daily is a good starting point, but you should check with your vet for specific recommendations.

They're highly intelligent dogs, so you might think training would be a breeze. However, Mountain Feists can be independent-minded, making training a bit more challenging.

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An ideal Mountain Feist diet is formulated for small-to-medium breeds with high energy levels. This means they need a diet that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Mountain Feist's diet, as individual dogs can vary greatly in terms of weight, energy, and health. This will ensure you're giving your furry friend the best possible nutrition.

Mountain Feists are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in older dogs.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia include lameness, stiffness, and arthritis. Treatment may involve medications, physical therapy, or surgery to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that can affect Mountain Feists. It's caused by a malformation of the elbow joint, leading to pain and reduced joint flexibility.

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

Mountain Feists can live up to 18 years, which is a relatively long lifespan for a dog.

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 that can cause pain and discomfort as the dog ages.

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to a mismatch between the ball and socket. This can result in lameness, stiffness, and arthritis.

Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that can affect Mountain Feists. It involves a malformation of the elbow joint, causing pain, lameness, and reduced joint flexibility.

Regular exercise and a healthy weight can help alleviate the symptoms of hip and elbow dysplasia. However, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the joint abnormalities.

Allergic dermatitis is a skin condition caused by a dog's allergic reaction to environmental allergens. This can lead to itching, redness, skin inflammation, and hair loss.

Common allergens that can trigger allergic dermatitis include pollen, dust mites, and certain plants. Identifying and minimizing exposure to these allergens can help manage the condition.

Food allergies can also be a problem for Mountain Feists. Symptoms can include skin issues, digestive problems, and ear infections.

Identifying and eliminating the allergenic ingredient from the dog's diet is crucial in managing food allergies. This may involve a trial-and-error process with hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets.

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

Pets can live a surprisingly long time, and their lifespan varies depending on the breed. Mountain Feists, for example, can live for about 18 years.

Some pets are more prone to health issues than others. Mountain Feists, however, have no known health issues aside from common conditions like hip dysplasia and ear infections.

With proper care and attention, many pets can live well into their teens.

Training a Mountain Feist puppy requires consistency and diligence, as they need to see you as the pack leader and will follow your commands only if they respect you.

Early socialization is key to preventing aggressive behavior in Mountain Feists, which can be possessive and territorial.

They are not ideal for first-time dog owners due to the challenging nature of training these dogs.

Consistency and firmness are key when training a puppy. You have to be the pack leader, and they'll only follow your commands if they respect you.

Mountain Feists, in particular, can be possessive and territorial, but early socialization can help prevent aggression. Always be prepared to set boundaries and establish trust.

First-time dog owners may want to consider a different breed, as training Mountain Feists can be challenging. They require a lot of attention and effort, but with the right approach, you can build a strong bond with your puppy.

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Getting a dog can be a costly endeavor, but it's essential to consider the expenses involved. A Mountain Feist puppy can cost around $300 to $400.

If you're considering bringing a Mountain Feist home, it's worth checking out reputable breeders like Lost Mountain Kennels in Kentucky, Shadow Tail Kennels in Indiana, Goodtime Mountain Feist in Kentucky, and Circle R Kennel in Kentucky.

The cost of a dog goes beyond the initial purchase price, though.

Squirrel hunting dogs are a specialized breed, and one example is the Appalachian Mountain Feist Dog. This breed must be a natural squirrel hunter to meet the kennel's standard.

The Appalachian Mountain Feist Dog is bred to hunt squirrel, and any dog produced from the kennel must do the same. This breed is specifically designed for this purpose.

The Appalachian Mountain Feist Dog's primary job is to hunt squirrel, and their breeding is based on this ability.

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A Mountain Feist is an excellent outdoor companion, perfect for going on runs or playing fetch outside. They're always game for an adventure and love to jump and run around.

They can climb trees, so you'll need to trade your couch for some outdoor activities with this pooch. They require at least 45 minutes of exercise each day, which can include running, jumping, and climbing.

Mountain Feists are excellent family dogs who love spending time with their human pack. If you're someone who has the time and patience for proper training, then these smart, independent-minded hunting dogs are a good fit for you.

They're very alert and aware of their surroundings, and would protect you when they see a stranger as a threat. This makes them a great companion for outdoor activities, but also means they need proper training and socialization.

They can quickly adjust to their surroundings, going from being very ruthless hunters to being calm, friendly pets around children and family. This adaptability makes them a great choice for families with kids.

Rescuing a Mountain Feist dog might be a challenge due to its uncommon breed status.

You can start by checking with your local shelter to see if they have any Mountain Feist dogs available for adoption.

Mountain Feist Rescue Groups are scarce, but you can try reaching out to organizations that cater to all kinds of dogs.

Some reputable rescue groups to consider include Wright-Way Rescue and Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.

You can also search the Rescue Me Database, specifically for Mountain Feist dogs.

Here are some rescue groups to get you started: