Mountain Feist vs Rat Terrier

Mountain Feist vs Rat Terrier: full comparison

Key differences at a glance

• The Rat Terrier has noticeably higher adaptability than the Mountain Feist.

Size and living space

The Mountain Feist is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Rat Terrier is a compact little 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 Mountain Feist is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Rat Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Mountain Feist asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Rat Terrier takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Mountain Feist is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Rat Terrier is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Mountain Feist will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Rat Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

• For apartment or apartment living, Mountain Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For families with young children, Mountain Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For first-time dog owners, Rat Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
• For being left alone during the workday, Mountain Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For allergy sufferers, Mountain Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Mountain Feist if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Rat Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Rat Terrier if you want a more adaptable dog, you want an easier dog to train, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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