Mountain Feist vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison

Mountain Feist vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed ComparisonMountain Feist is originated from United States but Hungarian Vizsla is originated from Hungary. Mountain Feist may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Hungarian Vizsla. Mountain Feist may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Hungarian Vizsla. Mountain Feist may live 8 years more than Hungarian Vizsla. Both Mountain Feist and Hungarian Vizsla has same litter size. Both Mountain Feist and Hungarian Vizsla requires Low 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.

hungarian vizsla - historyThe Hungarian Vizslas existed in the land that is now Hungary, the Pannonian Basin, at least since the 10th century when they were shown on etchings. It is thought that their descendants were various pointers, the extinct Turkish Yellow Dog and the Transylvanian Hound. The Vizsla is a hunting dog with the word being Hungarian for pointer. In 1937 the Carmelite Friars under orders from King Louis I of Hungry. The breed was isolated for centuries in the Basin by the aristocracy and land owners.

The Magyar people of the area developed the breed for hunting as both pointers and retrievers. They were excellent at hunting rabbits and water fowl. With a terrific sense of smell and boundless stamina and energy, the were prized as family and companion dogs as well. This was unusual for a hunting or working dog. Their size made them appealing as well. They were small by comparison to other hunting dogs both pointers and retrievers.

Easy to train, the Hungarian Vizsla works in water, forests and fields. They are able to retrieve in the water as well as on the land. Throughout their history, the breed outlasted the Turkish Revolution, the Hungarian Revolution World War 1 and World War 2, as well as the Hungarian People’s Republic Communist State. Things were a little dicey for the Vizlas several times beginning in the 1800’s when German Shorthaired Pointers and English Pointers were introduced into the area. The next time was after World War II. Fearful of what this Communist state would mean for the breed, some were smuggled into the United States and Austria.

At that time there were only a dozen or so Vizslas in all of Hungary. Their numbers were brought back from that small breeding stock. This history did result in several different strains grew into their own breeding stock. There are Vizslas in Czechoslovakia, Romania, Serbia and Austria. There developed separate lines that became separate breeds in the Wirehaired Vizsla and the longhaired Vizsla which is very rare.

After World War II, the Hungarian Vizsla came to the United States and the Vizsla Club of American was established as a first step toward AKC (American Kennel Club) recognition. This was attained in 1960. Rex del Geisimino came to the U.S. in 1951 and he was able to respond to commands in both German and Hungarian. Vizslas also came to the United Kingdom in this time frame. There are now about 4500 registered with the KC (Kennel Club of Great Britain). A Vizsla won the distinctive Crufts Dog Show in Great Britain, as Best in Show.

It is believed that this gentle, sensitive and affectionate hunter was part of the original breeding stock or the Wirehaired Vizsla, the Weimaraner and the German Shorthaired Pointers. The Hungarian Vizsla is intelligent and social. The need your attention as well as a lot of exercise to avoid destructive behavior born of boredom. They want to be with you and they can be very protective of you.

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.

hungarian vizsla puppy - descriptionThe Hungarian Vizsla has a light build, a short coat, and a distinctive bearing. They are medium in size and muscular, lean dogs looking a lot like the Weimaraner. They are also close in appearance to the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Redbone Coonhounds. They are more muscular and leaner than the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Weimaraner.

The Vizsla has a reddish nose and their nails and eyes should also be reddish or blending with the color of their coat. They have docked tails in the American standard but not in the United Kingdom, as docking is banned there. If he has a tail, you can see it flying through the air as he runs through the rough land to retrieve fowl.

They have a domed skull with a tapered muzzle that is shorter or equal to the skull. They have eyes that are contrasted with the coat and of medium size. The ears of silky, hang close to the face and the tips are rounded. The coat is rust in color with many shades. He also has a deep chest and hound like face.

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.

Children friendliness

hungarian vizsla dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness - The Vizsla is very good with children.

Special talents

Special talents - They are both excellent pointers and retrievers.

Adaptability

Adaptability - They are not very adaptable in living arrangements as they are much more suited for the country than the city.

Learning ability

Learning ability – The Vizsla is a very intelligent breed and easy to train. His learning ability is very high.

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.

hungarian vizsla puppies - health problemsThe Hungarian Vizsla has a series of health issues that include:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated but not cured.
  • Cancer of various types – some treatable others fatal.
  • Sebaceous Adenitis – a skin disorder marked by inflammation. This only occurs in young adult dogs.
  • Ear Infections

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.

Feeding the puppy

hungarian vizsla dogs - caringFeed two to four cups per day of a high quality dry dog food. Break this up into three or four meals. Don’t free feed your puppy.

Feeding the adult

Feed two to three cups per day of high quality dry dog food. Feed in two servings.

Points for Good Health

The Vizsla is an athlete with high energy.

Games and Exercises

The Hungarian Vizsla needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and maybe more. He needs a large yard or open field, but daily brisk walks will do if that is all that is possible. He needs to be stimulated intellectually as well and enjoys fetch, jogging with you, lure coursing, field trials, tracking and scent work, confirmation, agility, barn hunt, dock diving, rally, and obedience.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
United States
Hungary
Height Male:
26 - 56 cm
10 - 23 inches
56 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
23 - 55 cm
9 - 22 inches
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
24 - 54 kg
52 - 120 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 52 kg
48 - 115 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 18 Years
9 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Treeing Feist • American Treeing Feist • American Feist • Mountain Terrier
Hungarian Vizsla Hungarian Pointer Magyar Vizsla
Colors Available:
black, white, blue, Brown
solid golden-rust color in several shadings
Coat:
smooth, short
short, smooth, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pharaoh Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  4. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  5. Hungarian Vizsla vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Hungarian Vizsla vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Hungarian Vizsla vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Hungarian Vizsla vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  9. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  10. Hungarian Vizsla vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Hungarian Vizsla vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  13. Hungarian Vizsla vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  14. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  15. Hungarian Vizsla vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  16. Hungarian Vizsla vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  17. Hungarian Vizsla vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  18. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  19. Hungarian Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  20. Hungarian Vizsla vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  21. Hungarian Vizsla vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  22. Hungarian Vizsla vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  23. Hungarian Vizsla vs Kanni - Breed Comparison
  24. Hungarian Vizsla vs Lithuanian Hound - Breed Comparison
  25. Hungarian Vizsla vs Hungarian Hound - 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