Mountain Feist vs Treeing Feist

Choosing between Mountain Feist and Treeing Feist? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Mountain Feist vs Treeing Feist: full comparison

TraitMountain FeistTreeing Feist
SizeSmallSmall
Energy levelVery HighVery High
TrainabilityMediumMedium
FriendlinessHighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsLowLow
SheddingMediumMedium
BarkingHighVery High
ProtectivenessMediumMedium
AdaptabilityMediumHigh
Typical lifespan15 years15 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Size and living space

The Mountain Feist is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Treeing Feist is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor 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 true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Treeing 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 Mountain Feist asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Treeing Feist asks for a light 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 Mountain Feist trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and suits families with children particularly well. The Treeing Feist trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Mountain Feist will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Treeing Feist will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

Choose the Mountain Feist if you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Treeing Feist if you want a more adaptable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Mountain Feist or the Treeing Feist better for families with children?
Both the Mountain Feist and the Treeing Feist are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Mountain Feist or the Treeing Feist?
The Mountain Feist and Treeing Feist shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Mountain Feist or the Treeing Feist?
Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Mountain Feist or Treeing Feist bigger?
Mountain Feist and Treeing Feist are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Mountain Feist or Treeing Feist?
Treeing Feist tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Mountain Feist is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Mountain Feist or Treeing Feist?
For apartment or apartment living, Mountain Feist has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

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