Updated at: 29-09-2023 - By: petstutorial

Feist dogs are a unique and adorable breed that are renowned for their exceptional hunting skills, agility, and spunky personalities. These small hunting dogs are descended from terriers that came to the United States with European immigrants, and they have a tremendous amount of personality packed into their small bodies.

In fact, the word “feisty” actually originates from these lively little dogs! With so many types of Feist dogs out there, it can be hard to choose which one is the cutest. From the Mountain Feist to the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, each type of Feist dog has its own unique features and personality.

In this article, we will explore 13 of the cutest types of Feist dogs that are sure to steal your heart.

13 Cutest Types Of Feist Dog

Mountain Feist Dog

The Mountain Feist is a small hunting dog breed that was bred in the rural South of the United States of America to be a hunting dog of small vermin, specifically a “treeing dog,” which means the type of hunting dog that chases above-ground, rather than digging underground.

The Mountain Feist is one of the three different varieties of Feist dogs that American breeders are breeding, the other two being the Bench-legged Feist and the Pencil-tail Feist.

The Mountain Feist is registered with the National Kennel Club (NKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). The coat of the Mountain Feist is short and smooth, and the coat colors include tricolor with spots, red and white, red, black, black and tan, blue and white, red brindle, and white.

The head has a medium-length muzzle with a slightly rounded skull, and the eyes are small and dark in color. The ears are set well on the side of the head, wedge-shaped, and held erect or semi-erect.

The Mountain Feist is a friendly, loving, and active dog breed that will do best in a home with an active family and a decently sized house and yard.

Bench-Legged Feist

The Bench-Legged Feist is a small hunting dog breed that is known for its short legs and high-spirited personality. This breed reaches a height of 10 to 22 inches at maturity and weighs around 20 pounds.

The Bench-Legged Feist is used to hunt squirrels and other small game, and it is a high-spirited and lively dog breed. This breed is also known as the Short-legged Rat Terrier. The Bench-Legged Feist is not universally considered a breed, yet it is not really a hybrid either.

It is one of many Feist breeds around the world. The Continental Kennel Club recognizes two size varieties of the Feist breed: the standard and the bench-legged. The Bench-Legged Feist is a great companion for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

Charlie Feist

The Charlie Feist is a small hunting dog breed that is known for its high energy and friendly personality. This breed is not universally recognized as a breed, but rather as a type of Feist dog.

The Charlie Feist is descended from terriers that were brought over to the United States by British miners and other immigrants. These terriers were used as ratters, and gambling on their prowess in killing rats was a favorite hobby of their owners.

The Charlie Feist is a medium-sized dog that stands 10 to 18 inches tall and weighs between 15 to 30 pounds. They have short coats and long legs, and their ears are set high on the head and are button, erect, or short.

Charlie Feists are fearless, spirited, and friendly dogs that make great pets for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

Barger Stock Feist

The Barger Stock Feist is a small hunting dog breed that is known for its excellent hunting and working abilities. Here are some key features of the Barger Stock Feist:

– Size: The Barger Stock Feist is a small dog breed that stands 15 to 18 inches (38-46 cm) tall and weighs less than 30 lbs (14 kg).
– Coat: The Barger Stock Feist has a short coat that is easy to maintain.
– Legs: This breed has long legs that make it an excellent treeing dog.
– Temperament: The Barger Stock Feist is a friendly and energetic dog breed that is great for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

The Barger Stock Feist is a type of Feist dog that was produced by Bill and Rita Barger of Harriman, Tennessee. This breed is an excellent hunting and working game dog that is known for its treeing abilities.

The Barger Stock Feist is a great companion for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

Thornburg Feist

The Thornburg Feist is a small to medium-sized hunting dog breed that is known for its excellent hunting abilities, specifically in hunting small game such as squirrels. Here are some key features of the Thornburg Feist:

– Size: The Thornburg Feist is a small to medium-sized dog breed, weighing between 12 to 25 pounds.
– Coat: This breed has a short coat that is easy to maintain.
– Head and Ears: Thornburg Feists are known for their blocky structured heads and mostly erect ears.
– Temperament: Despite being bred for hunting, the Thornburg Feist is a people-dog and makes a great pet, being good with children.

The Thornburg Feist is a type of Feist dog that likely descended from a mix of Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, and English White Terriers.

These dogs were originally used as ratters, and gambling on their prowess in killing rats was a favorite hobby of their owners. The Thornburg Feist is a great companion for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

American Treeing Feist

The American Treeing Feist is a small hunting dog breed that is known for its excellent treeing and hunting abilities, specifically in hunting squirrels. Here are some key features of the American Treeing Feist:

– Size: The American Treeing Feist is a small, agile dog breed that is slightly longer than it is tall. The size of the individual dog can vary.
– Coat: This breed has a short and smooth coat that is easy to maintain.
– Head and Ears: The American Treeing Feist has a slightly rounded skull, small dark eyes, and wedge-shaped ears that are set well on the side of the head and held erect or semi-erect.
– Temperament: American Treeing Feists are known for their high energy, intelligence, and sociability with everyone. They make great companions for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

The American Treeing Feist is a type of Feist dog that was originally considered a single breed, but is now separately recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).

These dogs were bred from terriers and hounds in the mountainous regions of the Southeastern United States for hunting small game, with their name “Feist” being a derivation of “fist,” a term used in Southern America for a small fierce dog.

The word “treeing” refers to their hunting style of running game up into trees. The American Treeing Feist is a great companion for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

Decker Hunting Terrier

The Decker Hunting Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog breed that was developed in the United States by Milton Decker in the 1970s. Here are some key features of the Decker Hunting Terrier:

– Size: The Decker Hunting Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog breed that stands 16 to 19 inches (41-48 cm) tall and weighs between 25 to 50 pounds (11-23 kg).
– Coat: This breed has a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain.
– Colors: The Decker Hunting Terrier comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, brindle, and white.
– Temperament: The Decker Hunting Terrier is a lively, alert, and loving dog breed that is known for its hunting abilities. They are intelligent, loyal, and make great companions for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

The Decker Hunting Terrier is a type of Rat Terrier that was developed by Milton Decker in the 1970s. Decker was looking for a larger and more robust version of the Rat Terrier that could be used for hunting.

He crossed his Rat Terriers with other breeds, including the Beagle, the Whippet, and the Manchester Terrier, to create the Decker Hunting Terrier. The breed is still in development and is currently tracked by the National Rat Terrier Association.

The Decker Hunting Terrier is a great companion for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

Kemmer Feist

The Kemmer Feist is a small hunting dog breed that was developed in the United States by Robert Kemmer. Here are some key features of the Kemmer Feist:

– Size: The Kemmer Feist is a small-sized dog breed, known for its agility and compact build.
– Coat: This breed has a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain.
– Colors: Kemmer Feists come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, and red.
– Temperament: Kemmer Feists are known for their loving and loyal nature, making them excellent companions for the entire family. They are intelligent, energetic, and have a strong prey drive.

The Kemmer Feist was developed by Robert Kemmer using Fox Terriers, Mountain Curs, and Old Timey Mountain Feists. These dogs were bred for their excellent hunting abilities, including their scenting capabilities.

Kemmer Feists are often used for hunting small game, such as squirrels and raccoons. They are also known for their versatility, as they can be trained for various tasks, including treeing, tracking, and retrieving.

In addition to the purebred Kemmer Feist, there is also a hybrid version called the Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dog, which is a mix of Kemmer Stock Mountain Cur and Approved Feist.

Some of the Feists used in the hybrid are Kemmer Feist, Mullins Feist, and Barger Feist. The Kemmer Feist and its hybrid counterpart are both highly regarded for their hunting abilities and make excellent working dogs for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dogs

The Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dog, also known as the Kemmer Hybrid, is a small to medium-sized hunting dog breed that is a mix of Kemmer Stock Mountain Cur and Approved Feist. Here are some key features of the Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dog:

– Size: The Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dog is a small to medium-sized dog breed, known for its agility and compact build.
– Coat: This breed has a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain.
– Colors: Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dogs come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, and red.
– Temperament: Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dogs are known for their loving and loyal nature, making them excellent companions for the entire family. They are intelligent, energetic, and have a strong prey drive.

The Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dog is a hybrid version of the Kemmer Feist, Mullins Feist, and Barger Feist, with the Kemmer Stock Mountain Cur being the primary breed used in the mix.

These dogs were bred for their excellent hunting abilities, including their scenting capabilities. Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dogs are often used for hunting small game, such as squirrels and raccoons.

They are also known for their versatility, as they can be trained for various tasks, including treeing, tracking, and retrieving.

In addition to their hunting abilities, Kemmer Stock Hybrid Squirrel Dogs can also excel in various dog sports and activities, such as agility, obedience, and trick training.

They are highly regarded for their working capabilities and make excellent dogs for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Mullins Feist

The Mullins Feist is a small hunting dog breed that was developed by Jodi Mullins in 1970. Mullins’ goal was to breed the very best squirrel hunting dog, and the Mullins Feist is the result of his efforts. Here are some key features of the Mullins Feist:

– Size: The Mullins Feist is a small dog breed that stands 10 to 18 inches (25-46 cm) tall and weighs between 15 to 30 pounds (6.8-14 kg).
– Coat: This breed has a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain.
– Colors: Mullins Feists come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, and red.
– Temperament: Mullins Feists are known for their high energy, intelligence, and sociability with everyone. They make great companions for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have a decently sized house and yard.

The Mullins Feist is a type of Feist dog that was developed specifically for squirrel hunting. They are known for their excellent hunting abilities, including their scenting capabilities.

Mullins Feists are often used for hunting small game, such as squirrels and raccoons. They are also known for their versatility, as they can be trained for various tasks, including treeing, tracking, and retrieving.

Mullins Feists are highly regarded for their working capabilities and make excellent dogs for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pencil-tail Feist

The Pencil-tail Feist is a type of Feist dog that is one of the lesser-known breeds. Here are some key features of the Pencil-tail Feist:

– Tail: The Pencil-tail Feist gets its name from its long and thin tail, which looks like a pencil.
– Size: There is little information available about the size of the Pencil-tail Feist, but it is likely to be a small dog breed.
– Coat: This breed has a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain.
– Temperament: There is little information available about the temperament of the Pencil-tail Feist, but it is likely to be similar to other Feist breeds, which are known for their high energy, intelligence, and sociability with everyone.

The Pencil-tail Feist is believed to have descended from a ratter in Spain, but there is little information available about its history or origins. Despite being a lesser-known breed, the Pencil-tail Feist is recognized by some organizations, such as the National Kennel Club (NKC).

If you are considering getting a Pencil-tail Feist, it is important to do your research and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with information about the breed’s temperament, health, and care requirements.

Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is a small and versatile dog breed that originated in the early 20th century in the United States. Here are some key features of the Rat Terrier:

– Temperament: Rat Terriers are feisty, funny, energetic, lively, and vermin-chasing, making them excellent farm dogs. They can be stubborn and not big on pleasing people, but they are loving, affectionate, and loyal to their family members. With proper training and socialization, they can also be friendly with strangers and other medium-sized to larger pets.
– Size: Rat Terriers typically weigh between 10 to 25 pounds, showcasing their small to medium size.
– Coat: They have a smooth, shiny, and short coat that is easy to maintain.
– Exercise Needs: Rat Terriers have high energy levels and exercise needs, and they love to play and chase balls. They should be kept in a fenced yard or on a leash, as they are impulsive explorers who will take off after anything that runs.
– Intelligence: These dogs are extremely intelligent and trainable, although they can be stubborn and determined at times. They can excel in agility, obedience, rally, and other dog sports.
– Lifespan: Rat Terriers have a lifespan of 12 to 18 years, which is relatively long for a small dog breed.

Rat Terriers are a popular choice for people looking for a loyal and energetic companion. They are suitable for various living situations, including farms, families, and individuals who can provide them with the exercise, mental stimulation, and love they need to thrive.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small to medium-sized American hunting terrier, also known as Type B, Short-legged Rat Terrier, or Bench-legged Feist. Here are some key features of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier:

– Size and Appearance: The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is lower-set, with shorter legs, and is more muscular with heavier bone density than the related American Rat Terrier. They have a compact and sturdy build, showcasing their working heritage.
– Temperament: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are friendly, outgoing, and always ready for the next adventure. They make great family dogs and are wonderful friends, although they can be somewhat of a one-person dog with a strong protective nature.
– Exercise Needs: These dogs have high energy levels and require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They enjoy activities such as walks, playtime, and interactive toys.
– Lifespan: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers have a lifespan of 12 to 18 years, which is relatively long for a small to medium-sized dog breed.
– Health: There is limited information available about specific health issues in Teddy Roosevelt Terriers, but like other small dog breeds, they may be prone to dental problems, patellar luxation, and allergies.
– History: The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was developed in the United States from various small and medium-sized breed dogs that accompanied early American immigrants. The breed’s background is said to stem from terriers or other dogs brought over by early English and other working-class immigrants.

If you are considering getting a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, it is important to provide them with proper training, socialization, and exercise to ensure they are well-rounded and happy companions.

They are suitable for families and individuals who can meet their energy needs and provide them with the love and attention they crave.

FAQS

1. What is a Feist dog?

A Feist dog is a small hunting dog breed that originated in the United States, specifically in the Southeastern region. They are descended from terriers brought over by British miners and other immigrants, with possible crosses between Smooth Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers, and English White Terriers.

2. What are the cutest types of Feist dogs?

There are many adorable types of Feist dogs, including the Mountain Feist, Barger Stock Feist, Charlie Feist, Kemmer Feist, Mullins Feist, and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, among others.

3. What is the temperament of Feist dogs?

Feist dogs are known for their high energy, intelligence, and sociability with everyone. They can be fearless, spirited, and friendly, making them great companions for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

4. What is the size of Feist dogs?

Feist dogs are generally small to medium-sized, with most breeds weighing between 10 to 30 pounds.

5. What is the lifespan of Feist dogs?

Feist dogs have a relatively long lifespan of 12 to 18 years, which is longer than many other small dog breeds.

6. Are Feist dogs good with children?

Yes, Feist dogs can be great with children, especially if they are socialized and trained properly. However, it is important to supervise interactions between children and dogs to prevent any accidents.

7. What is the exercise requirement for Feist dogs?

Feist dogs have high energy levels and require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They enjoy activities such as walks, playtime, and interactive toys.

8. Are Feist dogs easy to train?

Yes, Feist dogs are generally intelligent and trainable, although they can be stubborn and determined at times. With proper training and socialization, they can excel in various dog sports and activities.

9. What is the cost of owning a Feist dog?

The cost of owning a Feist dog can vary depending on the breed, breeder, and location. On average, purebred Feist dogs can cost around $400.

10. Are Feist dogs good apartment dogs?

Feist dogs can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. However, they may be more suitable for homes with a decently sized yard where they can run and play.

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