Feist Dog

The Feist is a small hunting dog breed that originated in the American South, sometime in the 1700s. The name of the species may have probably been given because of the obsolete usage of fice which means to break wind. It is not known how this breed originated, nevertheless, here are possible ways through which it was developed. Some believe that it evolved from the Smooth Fox Terrier together with the extinct kind, the English White Terrier. Some may have then been crossed with the Greyhound, Whippet, or Beagle maybe to enhance their hunting abilities. New breeds in its category included such breeds as the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and the Rat Terrier.

The Feist was bred for use as a hunting dog for animals such as squirrels or rodents on the ground. Since the Feist is still used for this purpose, it has none of the stringent physical requirements of what is referred to as a show dog. Besides these general conformational specifications, the breed is otherwise highly variable in its ears, its tails, or other physical attributes. The coat is typically just as short as the standard bulldog, but perhaps even shorter, and the extent of the white and the brown can also differ greatly.

Specialists of this breed distinguish several: the mountain Feist and the treeing Feist. As for what distinguishes both of them there is still some discussion, however, the biggest difference is that while treeing Feists will attempt to corner their prey in a tree and continuously bark accomplishing almost nothing else. The mountain and treeing Feists can be classified into a lot of other varieties to the preferences of the breeder. None of the Feists are currently accepted by the AKC breed standards even though specific types like the mountain Feist is accepted by the UKC.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Feist

types Of

Feist is the only breed of Treeing that is recognized by UKC even though there are 14 types of Feist dogs in existence. Here are just a few:

• Barger Stock Feist
• Bench-Legged Feist can also be called the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
• Buckley Feist
• Charlie Feist
• Denmark Feist
• Gray’s Mountain Feist
• Hunter’s Creek Feist

Size And Weight

The Feist dog breed’s body structure is small, compact and muscular. Males: Female size comes closer to the size of males at sexual maturity.

Common Health Issues

The Feist breed dog is healthy and has a good life expectation and therefore suitable for those who would wish to have the breed for many years. The lifespan of the species is approximately 13 years old (and up to 18 years old in favorable conditions). But then again, every dog has it, and that is the likelihood of a few health issues sprouting.

Of course, allergies are probably the most familiar issue that owners should be cautious of; if your dog constantly scratches its skin, sneezes, coughs, or wheezes, then try to figure out if there is something that may be causing the allergy and then attempts to remove it. Other difficulties are severe.

Hip or elbow dysplasia in which the socket becomes only partially or fully displaced, is a developmental disease that occurs in small breeds and while rare, can cause pain arthritis, and some lameness.

Patellar luxation is a similar disorder with the kneecap being displaced; it also can cause life-long issues. Cancer is also another common killer of this breed.

That said, one of the most effective things that you can do is always use a quality breeder and stay away from backyard breeders and puppy mills. 

• Allergies
• Cancer
• Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation

Temperament

This dog breed owns temperamental traits such as spirited, fearless, and friendly. It is capable of a very intimate, long-term relationship with its owner. As the Feist was bred for the harsh countryside, it might only do well with farmers or those who have an active outdoor experience. But at the same time, there should be no question that these highly versatile dogs can adapt to both urban and suburban settings, as long as they can get the right amount of exercise from you. The major features characteristic of the breed are its high level of mental and physical activity, yet the Feist knows when to calm down. Otherwise, it might become anxious and begin to experience such negative behaviors as destructive ones. 

How To Take Care Of The Feist

I think the owners should know at least something about how to control some of this dog’s traits and instincts; however, it is not obligatory. Most of the aspects of Feist’s care should in fact be quite uncomplicated and straightforward to manage. However, if you have any other issues to do with your dog or you have any question that needs the attention of a veterinarian then you should consult your vet.

The Feist: Which Food is the Best for Your Dog?

Again, for a breed that is a medium size and has a moderate to high activity level, we probably feed the Feist dog breed about 1.5 cups of dog food per day on average, plus or minus a little bit. Any kind of food should do but the owner has to ensure that it gets enough protein for the dog on account of its high energy levels. It’s also better to split a meal throughout the day into several smaller portions for better nutrition and easier digestion.

Since the Feist can have allergies, it should be tried that proper allergy prevention dog food be bought out. If the Feist becomes gassy or develops a rash on the skin or itchiness of paws, or ears that may be a signal that it is time for a new food. Special varieties assist by eradicating components that cause allergy problems in dogs.

Maybe Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food with Premium Proteins will help you find the answer here.

This grain-free formula removes wheat, corn, and soy, or fillers, byproducts, or additives from the diet of your beloved pets. Feeling bad for your Feist’s allergies could now be done away with because you know what the animal is taking. Your Feist may become healthy from head to toe when you feed it this food packed with antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins.

Maintenance And Grooming

The Feist dog breed has had very low shedding coat, so it will not be easy to groom but one loves dusting themselves now and then. Shampooing will be required three to four times a week to help get rid of fur when it becomes loose and reduce cases of ratty matting. Owners should also have regular nail cutting and check their ears and teeth. In regard to bathing, it is only recommended when a dog’s coat is extraordinarily dirty.

Training

The Feist breed of dog is a bright animal meeting an individual on the street with a friendly disposition. They can understand a large number of commands and behavioral patterns hardly any time at all. He that owns them must know, however, that they are not totally lacking in spirit of their own. Probably one will need time and effort to teach it to follow certain rules particular to the house. Praising them and KBD positive reinforcement training methods, while keeping a firm and dominant demeanor shall be effective with this breed. According to the presented information, owners should work on making the training sessions as short and engaging as possible. Using new techniques and commands often vary them it will help to engage the target users.

Exercise

The Feist needs 30 to 60 minutes a day for some form of exercise. A full-blown walk jog or hike should help dissipate its energy; add in lots of games, toys, and some obstacles too. This is due to the fact that Feist has a very strong prey drive and should not be taken for a walk without a leash if you don’t want this dog to chase animals.

When you are planning on getting a new puppy home, ensure that you have the right items in place – a collar, a leash, a bowl and if you plan on using a crate as a form of training then the crate as well. You should then follow up with your vet for your dog to get the right tests as soon as possible.

Feists And Children

Although Feists should be friendly with children they will know how to conduct themselves if they are bred as a puppy in a family environment. As this dog can be somewhat prone to guarding its toys as well as not being very keen on being manhandled then it is likely that only older children who understand how to handle this type of breed will get on well with them.

Dogs Similar To The Feist

The Feist is from the clan of such small guns as hunting and ratting dogs and it resembles a terrier to some extent.

1. Feist – it has been much like the Jack Russell Terrier that there are people who confuse the two breeds. Both of these small hunting dogs have a white and brown bodily color with hints of black on the face and ears. They also have the same cowardly demeanor and cheerful disposition that loves thrill and humor.
2. Smooth Fox Terrier – As old as the 18th century, this was originally the English fox hunter’s breed. Long legs are distinguished, the head is narrow, it has a V-shape and the coat is white with black or tan bars.
3. Rat Terrier – While this breed was primarily designed to be a farm dog the rat terrier was empowered to kill rats, guard the birds, and watch out for intruders. Today, it proved to be most efficient when it is needed is as a family companion. In the body area of ​​the piece, the coated hair has a smooth, shiny and smooth surface with various numbered coats in different arrangements.

Famous Feists

For centuries, the Feist is actually noted in literature, by such personalities as Abraham Lincolns, William Faulkner, and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Theodore Roosevelt also accompanied hunting tourism with one of the Feist named Skip and contributed significantly to the spread of all Feist.

Popular Names For The Feist

If you’re still searching for a good dog name, then you might want to consider one of the following options:

• Charlie
• Gunner
• Roxy
• Trig
• Skip
• Lara
• Hunter
• Lady
• Lucy
• Daisy