These standards were adopted through the majority interest of
owners and breeders of the Feist tree dogs. It is hoped that these
standards will improve the ability of this old line American hunting
dog. These standards are designed to help the buyers, breeders, and
show judges to develop a more versatile and pleasurable hunting
companion and family pet.
General Appearance and Coat 10 Points
A well balanced, shorthaired, sturdy built small dog. This dog
should be alert, attentive, and show a genuine hunting spirit, and
should be a very loyal companion type dog. It should have a good
coat of short hair, (no long or shaggy coat)
Head and Neck (teeth, jaws, muzzle, ears, and eyes) 15 Points
The head should be well muscled, ears short, slightly hung down
(flopped ears and straight ears are acceptable). Cocked ears are
very desirable, with a long keen muzzle, neck short and strong.
Teeth should meet with little or no overbite or under bite. Eyes
should be alert and watchful.
Front Quarters (chest, shoulders, front feet and legs) 15
Points
Good strong legs (bench legs acceptable). Chest and shoulders
should be small, strong, and wiry indicating speed and endurance.
Chest should be broad and deep with plenty of lung space.
Hind Quarters (hips, back, back feet, legs and tail) 15 Points
Hips and back showing strength and good muscle tone, back
slightly arched. Legs need to be straight or benched. Tail either
long or stub (however long tail preferred).
Special Characteristics of breed 15 Points
The Feist should appear very alert, well muscled, and eager to
please the master. Primary colors should be white, tan, red, yellow
to lemon, or any variations of these colors. Height standards for
males are 10 to 18 inches, and females 10 to 17 inches. Weight limit
for male or female dogs are up to 30 lbs. Oversized dogs are
considered a fault. Dog should be virtually silent on trail and must
tree only squirrel of coons.
Gait and Movement 15 Points
The dog should move in a free-swinging gait indicating speed,
strength, and endurance. The head and tail should be carried erect.
Jerky or awkward movements are a serious fault. When hunting, the
dog should be very alert and watchful.
Temperament 15 Points
The Feist should appear bold, confident, trusting and loving
with its master, neither too shy nor too aggressive, with a strong
treeing and hunting instinct. Courageous fighters of that game work
with other dogs or work alone.
Total Points 100