Mountain Feist vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison

Mountain Feist vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed ComparisonMountain Feist is originated from United States but German Spitz (Klein) is originated from Germany. Mountain Feist may grow 28 cm / 12 inches higher than German Spitz (Klein). Mountain Feist may weigh 44 kg / 98 pounds more than German Spitz (Klein). Mountain Feist may live 3 years more than German Spitz (Klein). Mountain Feist may have more litter size than German Spitz (Klein). Mountain Feist requires Low maintenance. But German Spitz (Klein) requires Moderate maintenance

History

mountain feist - historyIn the Southern portion of North America, the Mountain Feist was developed. It is the Ozarks and Southern Appalachia that the Mountain Fiest calls his ancestral home. The breed dates back centuries and looks very much like a Jack Russell or rat terrier. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and William Faulkner all featured the breed in their writings. For Washington it was his diary, Lincoln the poem “The Bear Hunt” and Faulkner “Go Down Moses”. These dogs, much like the Curs, were an important part of the early pioneer days in America.

The name Feist means a noisy, small dog in ancient languages. The Feist was developed in the South, the rural areas, in order to hunt and eliminate vermin and small prey animals. The breed was originally a cross between British terriers and hounds from Native Americans. Many others think the feist is not a breed but a type, a working dog which can vary individual to individual.

The Mountain Feist of today has been bred for hunting performance over generations of time. They hunt racoons, squirrel and rabbits among others. They can track even larger game. Other varieties of the feist include the Bench Legged Feist and the Pencil-tail Feist. This is an energetic working dog, curious, intelligent and alert. It is a loud, barky dog that needs to learn a “no bark” command or it may drive you crazy. The breed make good hunting dogs, watch dogs and companions.

The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2015, but not by the AKC or American Kennel Club. Other breed organizations include the National Cur & Feist Breeder’s Association, The National Feist Breeder’s Association, The American Treeing Feist Association, and the Shadowtails Outdoors Group.

german spitz klein - historyAlso referred to as the Miniature Spitz, the German Spitz is believed to have descended from the Nordic Samoyed and Lapphund. Some dog experts say they were developed from the larger European Spitz, and that they were once referred to as Pomeranians.

It is also thought that these dogs were in all likelihood brought over to Germany during the Middle Ages. This gives you an idea as to how ancient the breed is. There are actually 4 different Spitz breeds, divided by their sizes.

The dogs were originally used as herding and guard dogs, but today you could say that this toy breed is essentially a companion dog.

Description

mountain feist puppy - descriptionThe Mountain Feist is a medium sized dog with pointy ears that are long and fold over. With their sharp nails that are curved they can climb. Their hind legs are strong to support that activity as well. They have small, dark eyes, a black nose and a muzzle that is medium length and a round skull. The neck is strong, and they have a pretty deep chest. The Mountain Feist tail is bushy, high and erect. There coats come in a variety of colors including blue, black, white, red and brown with the brown being the most common.

There is a lot of variation of make up and type within the breed itself. Until the last decade or so the breed was fairly isolated among squirrel hunters and there was little cross breeding with other dogs. On the other hand, dogs in the regions where the Mountain Feist was isolated were crossed with them to give them the tree climbing ability, change their size, sharpen their senses or one particular sense and change their appearance.

This is why in different regions you will find Mountain Feist with attributes of the Curs, or the Elkhounds, the Terriers, Spitz or Coonhounds. This accounts for the various types of Mountain Feist Dogs.

german spitz klein puppy - descriptionClassified as a toy breed, the German Spitz Klein looks like a small fox with his thick fur. He stands at between 23 – 28cm in height and he weighs 5 to 10kg.

He has a sharp foxy face with small pointed upright ears and dark, bright eyes.

The double coat of the dog which can be fawn, cream, reddish, brown or black or a mixture of these colors, is straight, vibrant and off-standing to look at. He has a soft woolly undercoat. The tail of the dog curls up over the back.

Temperament:

The German Spitz Klein has got such a bright little face. He is a social, friendly dog, forming a strong bond with his human family. He is a smart dog too and can be easily trained.

Lively and independent, he is bold and adventurous. Even with a small dog like this, he will do well to be trained and socialized as he just becomes a better dog -obedient and relaxed around strange people and dogs.

Because of his size, he adapts well to life in the city or in the countryside. This is also because he doesn’t require a lot of exercise. The litter size for the German Spitz Klein is between 1 and 5 puppies.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

mountain feist dog - characteristicsYes, they very much enjoy playing with children.

Special talents

Tree climbing and stamina.

Adaptability

They need space and land on which to run every day. If you are in an apartment, make sure you have access to a dog park.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and learn quickly. They love to please but can also be stubborn.

german spitz klein dog - characteristicsThis litle dog is seriously a case of ‘dynamite in a small package’. Bold, daring, brave, spunky, clever, playful and friendly, your confident little German Spitz Klein makes most families the perfect pet and companion.

Give him the love and attention he deserves, especially because he is undemanding and low maintenance, and with good care you’re going to have a most adoring companion for more than a decade.

Health Problems

mountain feist puppies - health problemsLike most breeds that are isolated, the Mountain Feist does not have a lot of known genetic health issues. They are generally healthy and known to live as many as eighteen years. Perhaps the biggest threat to their lives is the hunting accident, harming joints or paws in hunting situations or being attacked by a larger animal. There are no real genetic threat. Of course, with any dog that has folded ears there is always the possibility of infection or allergies. Keep their ears clean. The other possible concern is hip dysplasia in such an active dog. This can lead to lameness or arthritis. Obesity is another concern that could also lead to hip dysplasia.

german spitz klein puppies - health problemsYou’ve got a pretty healthy little dog breed but be that as it may, it doesn’t make him totally immune to some of the common dog diseases there are. With him, you might want to look out for eye disease and epilepsy.

Glaucoma:

Glaucoma occurs when there is pressure in the eye. Your dog will have pain, red eyes, dilated pupils, increased tear production and corneal cloudiness. You want to have him at the vet for this because putting off treatment can lead to blindness.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This is a condition that can gradually lead to blindness even though the eyes look normal. Difficulty with seeing at night is one symptom. Fortunately the condition is painless and your dog finds ways to cope with the problem.

It is always a good idea when you suspect anything wrong with your pet, to get him to the vet as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

mountain feist dogs - caringThese are very active pups who need a high protein, high quality dry food. Feed a cup to a cup and half broken down into three meals daily. Do not overfeed your puppy.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult about two cups a day broken into two meals. Again, you are looking for a high quality, high protein dry food. Do not overfeed and watch for obesity.

Games and Exercises

This is a very active breed – a hunting dog with a lot of stamina, strength and energy. They need plenty of exercise as the terrier side of them is just a little hyper. They need at least two walks per day, and they are not great apartment dogs. They need both mental and physical stimulation. This little dog can keep going at a good rate for a long time.

Diet:

german spitz klein dogs - caringAs a feisty small-sized dog breed, your foxy little German Spitz Klein needs to get the very best food there is. If you are going to feed him a high-quality commercial dog food, make sure to read the ingredients on the packaging and buy him food according to his size and age. Mix in some home-made food from time to time and always ensure he has constant access to cool, fresh drinking water.

Grooming:

He has a fairly long, thick coat, so a good brush twice a week will be adequate. While you’re brushing him, check him over for fleas and ticks too.

Always check his teeth and brush them a couple of times a week too. Bad teeth can cause a host of problems, not only with the teeth, but other parts of the body too.

Exercise:

He is an active, jaunty little dog that loves all kinds of games. Being a small breed, he isn’t going to be the kind of dog that you need to include in your jogging or cycling trips, but he is no couch potato, and he will love to go on a walk with you, and it also does him good to get out and about for a change of scenery.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Toy dog
Origin:
United States
Germany
Height Male:
26 - 56 cm
10 - 23 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
23 - 55 cm
9 - 22 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
24 - 54 kg
52 - 120 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 52 kg
48 - 115 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 18 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
1 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Treeing Feist • American Treeing Feist • American Feist • Mountain Terrier
Deutscher Spitz Klein
Colors Available:
black, white, blue, Brown
black or mixture of these, Fawn, reddish, brown, cream
Coat:
smooth, short
Long, dense and straight
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pomeranian vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  2. Maltese vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  3. Pug vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  4. Maltipoo vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  5. Papillon vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  6. Japanese Chin vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  7. Miniature English Bulldog vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  8. Italian Greyhound vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  9. Jug vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  10. Miniature Pinscher vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  11. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  13. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  14. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  15. German Spitz (Klein) vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  16. German Spitz (Klein) vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. German Spitz (Klein) vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  18. German Spitz (Klein) vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  19. German Spitz (Klein) vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  20. German Spitz (Klein) vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  21. German Spitz (Klein) vs Doxiepoo - Breed Comparison
  22. German Spitz (Klein) vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  23. German Spitz (Klein) vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  24. German Spitz (Klein) vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  25. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison
  26. Sapsali vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  27. Peruvian Hairless vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  28. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  29. Mountain Feist vs Other - Breed Comparison
  30. Mountain Feist vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  31. Mountain Feist vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  32. Mountain Feist vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Mountain Feist vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  34. Mountain Feist vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  35. Mountain Feist vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  36. Mountain Feist vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Mountain Feist vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  38. Mountain Feist vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  39. Spitz vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  40. Perro de Presa Mallorquin vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  41. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  42. Pomsky vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  43. Sakhalin Husky vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  44. Schnauzer vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  45. Puggle vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  46. Schnoodle vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  47. Pharaoh Hound vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  48. Redbone Coonhound vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  49. Portuguese Water Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  50. Puli vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds