The Mighty Mountain Feist: A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Lovers

History of the Tenacious Mountain Feist

The Mountain Feist is a small but mighty hunting dog breed that originated in the Ozark Mountains region of the United States in the 1800s. Often confused for a mutt or mongrel, the Feist is actually a purpose-bred dog with a fascinating history.

According to breed historians, the Mountain Feist descended from a mix of Native American dogs and small terriers and hounds brought over by European settlers (Source: United Kennel Club). These dogs were prized for their speed, agility and tenacity in hunting small game like squirrels and rabbits in the dense mountain terrain.

Over generations, breeders refined the Mountain Feist into a compact, hardy and fearless hunter perfectly suited to a rugged life in the mountains. An 1851 article in The Daily Chronicle described Feists as "the best dogs ever known for treeing squirrels" (Source: American Treeing Feist Association). By the early 1900s, the Mountain Feist breed type was well established, though they remained a localized working dog without formal recognition.

The name "Feist" itself has an interesting origin. It likely derives from the obsolete word "fice" or "fyst" used to describe a small, noisy dog. Some speculate this traces back further to the German word "fist" meaning "to break wind" in reference to the breed‘s high energy, vocal nature (Source: Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports).

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I find the Mountain Feist‘s history as a scrappy underdog turned specialized hunting companion absolutely fascinating. Despite their small size, these tenacious dogs thrived in harsh conditions through sheer grit and ingenuity. That independent spirit and zest for life still shines through in the breed today.

Mountain Feist Breed Stats

While still relatively rare, the mighty Mountain Feist has gained a devoted following in recent decades. Here‘s a snapshot of this tenacious little hunter by the numbers:

Sources: United Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, PetMD

Currently, the United Kennel Club and American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service both recognize the Mountain Feist. Several breed-specific organizations like the American Treeing Feist Association and Feist Breeders Association also register and promote these special dogs.

The National Purebred Dog Day organization estimates there are currently between 3,000-5,000 Mountain Feists in the United States. While they still fly under the radar compared to more popular small hunting breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier, their numbers have steadily risen in the last decade.

Mountain Feist Temperament

Living with a Mountain Feist is an adventure every day. These dogs have energy and enthusiasm in spades. They greet each morning with a wagging tail and bright eyes that seem to say "Where to today? Let‘s go!"

As a veterinarian, I‘ve treated many Mountain Feists and I‘m always struck by their boldness and zest for life. They may be small, but they have the courage and confidence of a dog three times their size. They trot into the exam room with their head held high and their tail wagging, unfazed by new sights, sounds or experiences. That brazen "can-do" attitude is a hallmark of the breed.

Mountain Feists bond very deeply with their owners and crave being part of everything their human pack does. They follow you from room to room, snuggle up on the couch for movie night, and insert themselves into every family activity with a sense of "What are WE doing now?" If you want a loyal, affectionate shadow, look no further.

While Mountain Feists love their people fiercely, they tend to be more aloof with strangers. They‘re naturally suspicious of unfamiliar people and will alert bark to announce visitors or out of the ordinary sights and sounds. Socialization from a young age is critical to prevent fearful or aggressive reactions, but even with the most well-adjusted Feist, don‘t expect a social butterfly that glad-hands everyone they meet.

Mountain Feists are also notorious barkers, with a high-pitched yap to match their pint-sized physique. After all, these dogs were bred to bark up a storm when they treed small game for hunters. A Feist who spies a squirrel on a walk will erupt with ear-piercing yaps of glee that seem almost impossible coming from such a small dog. Teaching a "quiet" command is a must, as is providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to curb boredom barking.

Another key Mountain Feist trait is their high prey drive – the urge to chase and catch small furry creatures. These dogs live for the pursuit and will bolt after any critters that cross their path with lightning speed and laser focus. You can‘t train this out of them – it‘s hardwired instinct. But you can channel it into controlled games of fetch, hide and seek with treats, or designated chasing time in a securely fenced area. Never let a Mountain Feist off leash in an unfenced area – if they spot a squirrel or rabbit, they WILL take off on the hunt with no regard for cars or other hazards.

Training Your Mountain Feist

With their intelligence, athleticism and eagerness to please, Mountain Feists have the potential to excel in all kinds of dog sports and activities from agility to nose work to disc dog. But unlocking that potential requires consistency, creativity and commitment.

As a vet and dog trainer, I always advise Mountain Feist owners to prioritize early socialization and positive reinforcement training from day one. These dogs are quick learners but they also have a stubborn streak a mile wide. Shaping behaviors with treats, toys and play works far better than corrections or punishment, which will likely just amp up their excitement and defiance.

Start with basic obedience – sit, stay, down, come – and make it fun with short, upbeat sessions sprinkled throughout the day. Use a marker like a clicker or "Yes!" to pinpoint the instant your dog does what you want, then reward generously. Make training a game and your Feist‘s favorite thing, not a chore.

Impulse control is another essential skill for these perpetual motion machines. Teach a solid "Leave it" and "Drop it" for when your Feist fixes on something they shouldn‘t. A "Wait" command for holding position until released is also invaluable. Practice these in gradually more distracting situations like on walks or at the park so your dog learns to tune into you even with the lure of squirrels and other dogs around.

Puzzle toys, treat dispensers, and hide and seek games provide crucial mental exercise for these sharp dogs. Work on your own backyard agility course with jumps, tunnels and a pause table. Join a fenzi dog sports class or nose work league for a fun bonding activity you can do together.

With their bottomless enthusiasm and sky high prey drive, Mountain Feists NEED daily aerobic exercise to stay happy and healthy. A short leash walk around the block simply won‘t cut it. Expect to devote at least an hour per day to intense running, jumping, fetching and playing, preferably in a securely fenced area. A tired Feist is a good Feist!

That said, Mountain Feists are not ideal for homes where they‘ll be left alone for long hours. They can easily turn destructive or develop neurotic behaviors like obsessive licking, spinning or barking without enough attention and exercise. If you work long days, hire a dog walker or consider doggy daycare to help drain your Feist‘s deep energy reserves.

Mountain Feist Health and Care

For such a gritty, rugged little dog, the Mountain Feist is a remarkably healthy breed with an average lifespan of 13-18 years. According to a 2020 breed health survey by the American Treeing Feist Association, the most commonly reported health concerns were (in descending order):

1. Dental disease (24% of dogs)
2. Luxating patellas (11% of dogs)
3. Allergies (7% of dogs)
4. Eye problems like lens luxation, cataract, cherry eye (4% of dogs)
5. Hypothyroidism (2% of dogs)

Source: American Treeing Feist Association

The most serious of these issues is patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its groove causing lameness and pain. In mild cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help. But severe cases may require surgical correction. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for knee problems and avoid breeding affected dogs.

Dental disease is another common issue in small breed dogs like Mountain Feists. Their cramped mouths allow tartar to build up quickly, leading to gum disease, tooth decay and even organ damage or sepsis if bacteria enters the bloodstream. Brushing your Feist‘s teeth daily or at least a few times a week is crucial to preventing dental problems. Feeding a dental diet, water additives, and providing safe chews can also help scrape off plaque.

Allergies are a growing issue in dogs of all breeds, and Mountain Feists may be prone to seasonal or food related allergies that cause itchy skin and ears. If you notice your Feist licking their paws obsessively or rubbing their face on the carpet, book a vet visit to determine if allergies are the culprit and get treatment. Feeding a limited ingredient diet, adding omega 3 fatty acid supplements, and in some cases medication can all help manage allergies.

Is a Mountain Feist Right For You?

As you can probably tell, I‘m a huge fan of this spunky, spirited little hunting dog. In my veterinary practice, I‘ve seen firsthand what delightful companions Mountain Feists can be in the right home. But they are definitely not the breed for everyone. Before adding a Feist to your family, honestly assess if you can meet their high exercise needs, tolerate their vocal nature, and commit to positive reinforcement training and socialization.

If you work 10 hour days, live in a tiny apartment with neighbors on all sides, or prefer a placid couch potato dog, a Mountain Feist will make you miserable with pent up energy, boredom barking and destructive habits. But if you‘re an active person who loves hiking, running and outdoor adventures, if you have plenty of time to spend exercising and playing with your pup, and you relish the challenge of training an intelligent, independent dog, a Feist could be your ideal companion.

When selecting a Mountain Feist breeder, do your homework. Look for a breeder who health tests their stock for issues like luxating patellas, screens for temperament, and raises pups in the home with early socialization. Avoid anyone selling Feists cheaply online or in pet stores – these are likely puppy mill dogs who may have behavior or health issues down the line.

The American Treeing Feist Association and United Kennel Club both have breeder directories on their websites to help connect you with reputable breeders. You can also contact breed rescues like the Mountain Feist Rescue League if you‘re interested in adopting an older dog or Feist mix.

No matter where your Feist comes from, prepare to be charmed and challenged in equal measure. These pint sized firecrackers are not for the faint of heart. They‘ll keep you on your toes with their keen minds, hilarious antics and sheer joie de vivre. But if you‘re up for the ride, a Mountain Feist will reward you with steadfast loyalty, sloppy kisses and an unflappable spirit to match their mighty heart.