Mountain Feist dogs can develop hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms of heart disease include coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Mountain Feist dogs can develop heart disease, including mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. Obesity can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Mountain Feist dogs can become overweight if they don’t get enough exercise and eat too much. They are prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia, a condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, and arthritis, a progressive degenerative joint disease. Mountain Feist dogs are an active breed, which can put stress on their joints. These problems can be caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can lead to infection and inflammation. Mountain Feist dogs are prone to dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. If left untreated, an ear infection can lead to hearing loss. Symptoms of an ear infection include redness, swelling, discharge, and a foul odor. Mountain Feist dogs have floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections. Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease that causes a gradual loss of vision. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens, while glaucoma is a buildup of pressure in the eye that can lead to blindness. Mountain Feist dogs can develop a number of eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Mange is a parasitic skin disease that can cause itching, hair loss, and scabs. Allergies can cause itching, redness, and hair loss, while hot spots are painful, red, and inflamed areas of skin. Mountain Feist dogs are prone to a variety of skin conditions, including allergies, hot spots, and mange. While these dogs are generally healthy, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. They were bred for hunting small game, such as squirrels and rabbits, and are known for their agility and stamina. If you’re in the market for a dog, make sure the breeder you use hunts his or her dogs, and doesn’t raise them just for show or the pet trade.Mountain Feist dogs are a small, energetic breed that originated in the southern United States. Some hunters routinely cross their curs or feists with pointing breeds, and the Norwegian elkhound often makes an excellent squirrel dog. As noted, there have been many good squirrel dogs that are really just mutts. While the squirrel hunters of the Appalachians might bristle to hear it, other breeds can distinguish themselves in the hardwoods. Both breeds range ahead in the woods, find the scent or movement of a squirrel, put it up a tree, and then bark “on tree” until you arrive.

The cur is known for generally having a keener nose than a feist (though you’ll undoubtedly get a hearty snort if you make that declaration to a feist owner)while a feist generally relies more on its eyesight to find squirrels. That’s generally not an issue on flat ground, but in mountainous terrain, a cur is often considered a younger hunter’s breed. Largely because of their frame, curs range more widely. If you prefer a close-working dog, go with a feist. Curs can vary widely in size and height, weighing between 30 to 50 pounds. Which to choose? The answer can seem arbitrary at first, but there are some important differences to consider if you’re in the market for a squirrel-hunting companion.įeists average less than 18 inches at the shoulder and weigh no more than 30 pounds. Both breeds have their origin in the southern Appalachian Mountains, and both have a loyal following. While many dogs of mixed ancestry have made great squirrel-getters, most squirrel dogs today fall into two groups: curs and feists. Just as veteran wingshooters can’t imagine flushing birds without a dog, once you’ve hunted squirrels with a good dog, you might never go back to still-hunting and spotting-and-stalking. Unless you are familiar with this time-honored practice, however, you may question the need for canine help in acquiring the makings for squirrel gravy and biscuits. Squirrel hunting behind dogs has taken a big jump in popularity in the past few years.

Old time mountain feist dog breed