![]() ![]() In some areas, the terms are interchangeable, much to the chagrin of mountain breeders. “Mountain” was added in front of the catch-all term “feist” to distinguish the dogs originating from the Southern Highlands from those which may have been arisen elsewhere, such as the Low Country or Deep South by a high degree of outcrossing to other breeds like English Pointers and hounds.ĭepending on where you are and who you talk to, these dogs are referred to as “treeing feist” commonly. The mountain feist is an artifact of the pioneer age that serves as a direct link to a time when many Americans lived off the land. ![]() What is known is that the breed became greatly reduced in numbers as rural people abandoned farmsteads to take jobs in towns and larger cities. 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. decent sized course.Take a dive into the history and world of the Mountain Feist and squirrel hunting dogs in America Despite their honed hunting skills, they are very friendly, playful and affectionate dogs, and they also play a great role as a family dog, especially in environments where they can exert that high energy, such as homes and restaurants. They are sometimes nicknamed a class of “squirrel dogs”. Today, they’re often confused with the Mountain Curs, who have similar roles and appearances, but aren’t quite the same – the Mountain Feists being decidedly smaller, to begin with.Īlthough the physical characteristics have become more specific than in the past, the roles of the Mountain Feists are largely the same: hunt small animals outdoors. They were indeed in the country before the other rat terriers, which made them pioneers, in a way, themselves!īack in the days of our founding fathers, the Mountain Feist might have looked a little different than they do today, but eventually the breed was refined with specific traits. They are even said to belong to some of our early presidents, or at least to be associated with them: George Washington referred to “feists” in his diary, and Abraham Lincoln referred to them in a poem. Hailing from the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, Mountain Feists are sometimes called “the last true hunting dog.” They are believed to have been in the country since the 17th and 18th centuries, and although their numbers have been small over the centuries, they have grown in popularity over the past decade. Over the centuries they have been bred as low maintenance dogs to hunt small vermin above ground. The history of the Mountain Feists is a bit confusing, as the term “feist” can refer to any type of noisy little dog. ![]()
1 Comment
Ginger Wells
5/27/2024 09:58:36 pm
My husband & I are looking for jack russell/feist mix puppies. 1 boy 1 girl.
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