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Also, a puppy should be exposed to as many people and pets as possible to improve the dog’s social skills. Training a Mountain Feist when it’s young will help it develop a calmer demeanor. A Mountain Feist is unlikely to attack a child unprovoked, but an untrained dog that becomes irritated from a child’s pinching or hitting may snap at the child in defense. Toddlers should not be left with a new dog by themselves.
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Beneath their small stature lurks a hunting machine that can beat you in a race when you have a substantial head start. However, Mountain Feists are powerful, muscular creatures.
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They behave well around young children, and unlike other small breeds, they generally understand that younger humans require a lighter touch during playtime. They need plenty of room to run around and require frequent walks. For large families living in a small space, Mountain Feists aren’t the best choice. The dogs are always on high alert, and they excel at guarding their loved ones and property. Mountain Feists are excellent family dogs if they’re trained and raised correctly. Today, Feists are still valued by hunters, farmers and families for their great tracking and pest-control abilities, not to mention their steady temperaments.Temperament & Intelligence of the Mountain Feist Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪 Feist Historyįeists (also called Mountain Fesists) originated in North America several hundred years ago, probably from crosses between English terriers and American Indian dogs. These are solid, healthy little dogs for the most part, but some can develop hip dysplasia and allergy problems. They will be happy living in an apartment as long as their daily exercise requirements are met.Ī healthy Feist can live as long as 18 years. Being an intelligent working breed, they also like constructive games and tasks to keep their minds sharp. Things You Should Knowįeists need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, whether through walks, jogs through the neighborhood or hikes in the park. However, they do have nose when it comes to intruders-they will bark and alert the family if they sense a threat. Their solid terrier genes can make them slightly territorial, but they are generally good with new people. They have gentle, adaptable personalities, and they know when to adjust the energy level. They also love to play in the park and jog through the neighborhood.įeists get along great with children. And if you have a rat problem, they will soon make it go away. Easy to train and eager to please, Feists can help on the farm, in the field or in the yard. Traitsįeists have lots of energy, but around the home they aren’t likely to bounce off the walls-in fact, they are more than happy to cuddle on the couch. Overall, Feists have an alert and outgoing look. Feists have short, smooth coats that come in red brindle, red & white, black, black & tan, tricolor (black, tan & white) and blue & white. They have strong necks and shoulders, deep chests, sturdy legs and tails that are set high. They have slightly rounded heads, tapered muzzles, black noses and ears that stick up. Feists are small, compact and muscular dogs.
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