Feist vs Mountain Feist: full comparison
| Trait | Feist | Mountain Feist |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Energy level | Very High | Very High |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | High | High |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | High | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 15 years | 15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Feist is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Mountain Feist is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Feist is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Mountain Feist is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Feist needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Mountain Feist needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Feist is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and suits families with children particularly well. The Mountain Feist is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Feist announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Mountain Feist announces visitors but stops short of guarding.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Mountain Feist are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Feist and Mountain Feist are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Feist has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Feist and Mountain Feist are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Feist and Mountain Feist are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Feist if you want a more adaptable dog.
Choose the Mountain Feist if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Feist on temperament, size and care.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Feist or the Mountain Feist better for families with children?
- Both the Feist and the Mountain Feist are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Feist or the Mountain Feist?
- The Feist and Mountain Feist shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Feist or the Mountain Feist?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Feist or Mountain Feist bigger?
- Feist and Mountain Feist are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Feist or Mountain Feist?
- Both bark a similar amount (high).
- Which is better for apartment living, Feist or Mountain Feist?
- For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Mountain Feist are an even match — either can work well.