Treeing Feist Dog Breed: Complete Guide to Ownership

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Posted Oct 28, 2024

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Small purebred dogs lying on grass while wearing collar and leash and looking away in daytime
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The Treeing Feist is a small, energetic dog breed that's perfect for active families or individuals who love the outdoors. They originated in the southern United States.

Treeing Feists are known for their hunting ability and are often used for treeing small game like rabbits and raccoons. They're also great at flushing birds out of trees.

Treeing Feists are a relatively new breed, developed in the 20th century.

Temperament and Care

The Feist is a curious and intelligent breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. They need a lot of attention and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Feist dogs are energetic and active, requiring plenty of walks and playtime to work off their excess energy. They love to learn new things and have a job to do, making them perfect for agility training or interactive puzzle toys.

These dogs form strong bonds with their family and can become anxious if left alone for hours. They're friendly, lively, and fearless, but may get a bit barky when someone comes to the door.

To keep your Feist's nails and ears healthy, trim their nails once a month and check their ears weekly for redness or irritation. Brushing their teeth a few times a week is also a good idea to promote good dental health.

Temperament & Intelligence

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Feists are naturally curious and intelligent dogs, which can make for a fun combination, but they also require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored.

They need plenty of physical stimulation too, so be prepared for lots of walks and playtime to work off their energy. Their agility makes them perfect for setting up an agility course in the backyard.

Feists are friendly, lively, and fearless, and they'll form a strong bond with their family. They love playing with their family members and will get anxious and bored if left alone for hours.

They can get a bit barky, especially when someone comes to the front door, so be prepared for that. Their watchful nature means they'll always keep an eye out for potential visitors.

Early training and socialization are key to bringing out the best in your Feist, as they can be a bit stubborn at times. With the right training, they'll become loving and loyal companions.

Care

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To keep your Mountain Feist happy and healthy, regular grooming is a must. Cut their nails about once a month, and check their ears for redness or irritation about once a week. Brushing their teeth a few times a week will also promote good dental health.

They need plenty of exercise, so take them on a couple of walks during the day and provide additional play time outside. This could be playing fetch, running around in the backyard, or doing agility training.

Remember, Mountain Feists can be stubborn, so it's best to keep them on a leash or in a safe, enclosed area where they won't get into trouble. They also have a high prey drive, so be prepared for them to chase small animals.

To prevent destructive behavior, make sure to give your Mountain Feist at least one hour of exercise each day. This will help burn off their excess energy and keep them calm.

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Dog Ownership Essentials

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Having a dog means knowing what to feed them, the kind of exercise they require, whether they are easy to train, and more.

Feists are energetic dogs that need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime in a securely fenced area is a must.

Knowing what to feed your Feist is crucial for their overall health and well-being. They require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs, which can be determined by consulting with your veterinarian.

Dog Ownership Essentials

Feeding your dog is a crucial part of dog ownership. A Feist dog, for example, requires a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Exercise is also essential for your dog's physical and mental well-being. A Feist dog requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Training your dog is a vital part of their development. A Feist dog can be relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement and consistency.

Knowing what to expect from your dog's behavior is also important. A Feist dog can be a great companion for active families, but they do require attention and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Pet Compatibility

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Pet Compatibility is crucial when introducing a new furry friend to your family. A Feist can get along with other canines if they're raised together, but may be bossy towards other dogs.

New dogs in the household can be a challenge, as Feists may fight with them. Proper socialization from a young age is key to a harmonious household.

Mountain Feists are loving and friendly to their families, but have a strong prey drive that can be a concern around small animals. They generally do well with children, but supervision is essential during playtime.

Teach your child to approach dogs gently and never try to take their food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child, no matter how good-natured.

Mountain Feists are not recommended for households with small animals, like hamsters or rabbits, due to their strong prey drive. They can get along with other dogs of equal or larger size, but socialization is still necessary.

Feeding

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

The dietary needs of your Feist will change from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years, so it's essential to ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Mountain Feists are high-energy dogs that require dog food exceptionally high in protein to sustain their energy.

A Feist may also need food that's a bit higher in calories to replenish the energy they expend with their high-energy antics.

This breed is prone to allergies, so you may need to look for a food specifically designed for dogs with allergies, and your vet will need to test your pup to find out what exactly they are allergic to.

Exercise and Grooming

Mountain Feists are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need daily walks and playtime to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short and smooth coats shed an average amount year-round, but they don't need haircuts.

Occasional brushing to remove loose hair will help keep them looking their best. They should only be bathed as needed, or every few months, as they can have sensitive skin.

Exercise Needs

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Exercise needs vary depending on age, with adults needing at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week.

Regular exercise can help reduce shedding, as it increases blood flow to the skin and promotes healthy hair growth.

Older adults may need to adjust their exercise routine to accommodate decreased mobility and flexibility.

Exercising outdoors can help reduce stress and promote a healthy coat, but it's essential to consider factors like sun exposure and extreme temperatures.

Aerobic exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, which is crucial for overall well-being and a healthy coat.

Coat Color and Grooming

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

Their coats are short and smooth, making them low-maintenance pets.

They shed an average amount year-round, and occasional brushing to remove loose hair is helpful.

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

You don't need to worry about regular haircuts, as their coats are easy to maintain.

In cold weather, be sure to provide a jacket for your Mountain Feist if it's snowing or very cold.

On hot days, make sure they have easy access to shade and water to prevent dehydration or heat stroke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Mountain Feist and a Treeing Feist?

A Treeing Feist is a distinct breed developed through generations of breeding, while a Mountain Feist is a type of feist that can be a foundation breed for a Treeing Feist. The key difference lies in their development history and characteristics.

Is a Feist the same as a rat terrier?

No, a Feist is not the same as a Rat Terrier, although they share similarities. A Feist is a distinct breed, while Rat Terriers are a specific breed within the feist type

Are Feist dogs rare?

Yes, Feist dogs are rare, having become increasingly scarce in the 20th century. Conservation efforts were initiated in the early 1980s to prevent their extinction.

Ada Goodwin

Lead Writer

Ada Goodwin is a versatile writer with a passion for uncovering the hidden stories of our world. With a keen eye for detail and a love for the unusual, she has explored a wide range of topics, from the cultural history of Japan to the fascinating world of taxidermy exhibits. Her writing often delves into the lives of individual dogs, monuments, and statues, revealing the unique stories and histories behind each one.