About the Feist Dog Breed
The Feist is a small, scrappy dog popular especially in the Southern United States, and known for hunting small game and treeing squirrels.
Feist Physical Characteristics
Color(s)
The Feist comes in any color or color pattern.
Coat
Short, dense and smooth.
Feist Personality and Temperament
Activity Level
High to moderate
Positives
The Feist is curious, and intelligent, energetic but not hyper, and very eager to please.
Things to Consider
Early socialization is a must to ensure the Feist will get along with other animals and young children.
Feist Care
Ideal Living Conditions
The Feist is suited to being both a working dog and a family pet. The breed loves people, and enjoys playing and being outside. The Feist gets along well with older children and other pets.
Special Requirements
Daily exercise is a must, to give a Feist a chance to burn off energy, get mental stimulation and satisfy his hunting desires.
Feist Health
The Feist is generally healthy but can develop hip dysplasia and allergies.
Feist History and Background
The Feist is an energetic dog used for hunting squirrels, rabbits, birds, and other small game. The breed is believed to have originated in England from a mix of small terrier breeds including the Manchester Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier. The Feist was brought to the United States with English immigrants and became working dogs throughout the South.
The United Canine Association recognized the Feist breed in 2002. The United Kennel Club recognized the Treeing Feist in 1998 and the Mountain Feist on Feb. 1 2015. The two breed variations differ primarily in size and proportions.
Organizations devoted to the Feist may impose their own standards. The American Treeing Feist Association (ATFA) of Doniphan, Mo., for example, requires certain height and weight standards, and that a member verifies the dog’s ability to tree a squirrel, notes ATFA president Danny Williams.
By: Chewy Editorial
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