11/19/2023 0 Comments Mountain feist squirrel dog![]() Geographic isolation and personal preference of the owner must have influenced the development of the mountain feist. No one knows for sure how the various sections of the country developed their own distinct lines that are now being crossed widely given advances in communications and transportation. Yes, “feist” is like “deer”-the term is both singular and plural, never “feists.” The origin of the variant from Appalachia, the mountain feist, is somewhat convoluted. With the main feist-type dogs that are the focus of my book ( The Mountain Feist-available by contacting me at or social media), we are watching in real time and there is potential for the dogs to be drastically different, for better or for worse, in another 20 years. Just as Coonhound breeds radiated from common Foxhound ancestors and Fox Ferriers split into predominantly white-coated variants of working Terriers such as the officially-recognized Fox terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier and Russell Terrier we are at a crossroads. Many dozens of dog breeds were developed in Victorian times and the process is largely lost. Whatever type of dog you prefer, my hope is that this article will serve as a reminder and a celebration into the resurgence of a hunting dog that could have been forgotten. Increasingly, there are subtle developments happening as feist are tailored to fit the needs of a new generation of owners. Changes in land use patterns, an aging hunter population and the adaptability of the dogs have all contributed to an exponential resurgence in their numbers. The term encompasses breeds and dogs of mixed or unknown origins but perform the job. Feist is an umbrella term to describe a smooth-coated canine, under 30 pounds, used for squirrel hunting. Over the last 20 years, a small dog has grown in popularity despite being around in one form or another for centuries. Take a dive into the history and world of the Mountain Feist and squirrel hunting dogs in America New England Grouse Shooting, by William Harnden Foster.The Upland Shooting Life, by George Bird Evans.The United Kennel Club breed standards for both breeds restricts this somewhat to heights between 12 and 18 inches (30 and 46 cm) and weights between 12 and 30 pounds (5.4 and 13.6 kg). Originally they could be found in a very broad size range, being anywhere between 10 and 22 inches (25 and 56 cm) in height and 10 to 35 pounds (4.5 to 15.9 kg) in weight. They usually have pricked ears although semi-pricked ears are common and their tails can be docked at any length or left intact. Description īoth breeds are described as small, active, alert dogs they have short, dense coats that can be found in any color, combination of colors or color patterns. In 1998 the United Kennel Club recognized the Treeing Feist as a breed, in 2015 they recognized the Mountain Feist as a separate breed. ![]() In 1984 the Mountain Feist Association was formed in 1985 this was replaced by the American Treeing Feist Association, and this was joined by the Mountain Feist Breeder's Club in 1986, the Mountain Treeing Feist Organization in 1992 and the Traditional Treeing Feist Club in 1999. In the 20th century these dogs became increasingly rare and in the early 1980s a group of devotees banded together to prevent their extinction. Both the Treeing and Mountain Feist breeds are used to hunt small game, particularly squirrel and rodents, as well as raccoons, opossums, rabbits and for flushing birds. The word treeing refers to their hunting style of running game up into trees and indicating to the hunter which tree the game has climbed. These dogs became known as the Treeing Feist feist is a derivation of fist and is a term used in Southern America for a small fierce dog. Used to hunt small game, these dogs were bred from terriers and hounds. In the 19th century a small type of dog developed in the mountainous regions of the Southeastern United States. Several Appalachian breeders chose black Feists and bred smaller to tree, 'ring' and retrieve squirrels. Originally considered a single breed, Treeing Feist and Mountain Feist are now separately recognized by the United Kennel Club.įeist, originally bred to hunt squirrels, were separated into several breeds, often crossed with rat terriers. The Treeing Feist is a breed of feist from the Southeastern United States.
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