Denmark Feist
Also called DenMark Feist, DenMark Treeing Feist
From Chatham area of Virginia, United States; developed from a Slade family line and formalised in 1984 by Mark Slade and Dennis Willis.1
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 25-35 lb for the breed without splitting by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, slightly rough
A sturdy, muscular little hunting dog with a broad muzzle, semi-erect ears and a naturally short or docked tail, wearing a short, somewhat rough coat.1
Personality what they are like
A keen, energetic hunting companion that works quietly, following game on the ground or chasing it up a tree for the hunter.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High; bred for active hunting of squirrels and larger game, so it needs plenty of outdoor exercise and work.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.1
The story where it all began
The line traces back to one dog that the Slade family of Chatham, Virginia, acquired in 1917 and kept breeding for its hunting skill. Mark Slade and Dennis Willis established the Denmark Feist as a breed in 1984, and a breed association followed in 1986.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The founding dog was reportedly traded from a travelling salesman for three opossum hides, a big raccoon and a wagon wheel.1
- 2
The whole breed descends from that single foundation dog.1
- 3
Feists in general are known as quiet hunters, without the heavy barking of some terriers.2
- 4
The word feist comes from an old term, and it gave English the adjective feisty.2
Recognised by the official bits
- DenMark Treeing Feist Association
- Breed association founded in 1986; not recognised by the major kennel clubs.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Denmark Feist. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Denmark Feist, and at what times?
Feed your Denmark Feist at least two meals a day for adults, or three to four smaller meals for puppies. Follow the feeding guide on the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes. Avoid dangerous foods like grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, chocolate, and onion.34
What should a Denmark Feist eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Your Denmark Feist needs a balanced diet suitable for an active dog. Avoid dangerous foods like grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, chocolate, and onion. Always check with your vet for specific dietary recommendations.4
How often should I bathe a Denmark Feist?
Bathe your Denmark Feist about every eight weeks, or as needed if they get dirty. The short coat doesn't require frequent baths.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Denmark Feist need brushing?
Brush your Denmark Feist weekly to keep its short, slightly rough coat looking good. A quick brush once a week is enough.51 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Denmark Feist's nails, and how often?
Trim your Denmark Feist's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid bleeding.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Denmark Feist need?
Your Denmark Feist has high energy and needs plenty of outdoor exercise daily. Plan for at least one good walk or play session each day to keep them happy and healthy.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Denmark Feist's teeth and ears?
Brush your Denmark Feist's teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check their ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently wipe the outer part without pushing anything inside.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Denmark Feist live?
The lifespan of a Denmark Feist varies; ask your vet for an estimate based on your dog's health and lineage.
Is a Denmark Feist good with children and other pets?
Your Denmark Feist is a keen hunting companion, but its temperament with children and other pets can vary. Ask a good breeder or your vet for guidance based on your specific dog.
Can a Denmark Feist be left alone?
Whether a Denmark Feist can be left alone depends on the individual dog. Consult your vet or a good breeder for advice on separation anxiety and training.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Mountain Feist
Treeing Feist
Rat TerrierLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Denmark Feist en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, size, coat, colours, uses, fun facts
- Wikipedia: Feist (dog) en.wikipedia.orgused for general feist traits, word origin
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.