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Today, they are often confused with Mountain Curs, who have similar roles and appearances, but are not quite the same - Mountain Feists being decidedly smaller, for one.Īlthough physical characteristics have become more specific than in the past, Mountain Feists' roles are largely the same - to hunt small animals outside. They were indeed in the country before other ratting terriers, making them pioneers, of sorts, themselves!ĭuring our founding fathers' times, the Mountain Feist may have looked a bit different than they do today, but eventually, the breed became refined with specific traits. They are even rumored to have been owned by, or at least associated with, some of our first presidents: George Washington referred to "feists" in his diary, and Abraham Lincoln referenced them in a poem. Indigenous to the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, Mountain Feists are sometimes called " the last true hunting dog." They're believed to have been in the country since as early as the 17th and 18th centuries, and though their numbers have been small over the centuries, they have grown in popularity over the last decade. Over the centuries, they have been bred as low-maintenance dogs to hunt small vermin above-ground. The history of Mountain Feists is a bit muddied, as the term "feist" can mean any type of small, noisy dog.
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Mountain Feists can get along well with other dogs of equal or larger size. Because their prey drive is so strong, Mountain Feists are not recommended to add to a household with other animals, even cats, but especially small animals, like guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, mice, gerbils, etc.Also, they are not as aggressive as other terriers. They generally do decently well with children their sturdy physique and small-to-medium size makes them not too fragile.Mountain Feists would prefer to have several hours of exercise each day, but be sure to give them at least one, or else they may become destructive with that pent-up energy.They shed an average amount, year-round, and they do not need haircuts. Mountain Feists are known for being low-maintenance.They come in every color and combination, including black, white, gray, silver, blue, tan, red, brown, cream, sable, brindle, pied, Isabella, and fawn. Mountain Feists' coats are short and smooth.Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.Ĭlick here for more information on this characteristic No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances.
FEIST DOG BREED PERSONALITY HOW TO
Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren't always so family-friendly.
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You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog.
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