The American breeders are breeding three different varieties: the Mountain Feist, the Bench-legged Feist, and the Pencil-tail Feist. The American Treeing Feist are often referred to as the Mountain Feist.
The head has a medium length muzzle, with a slightly rounded skull. The eyes are small and dark in color. The ears are set well on side of the head, wedge shaped, and held erect or semi-erect. The muzzle is medium length and tapering to a point. The nose us black and self-colored according to its coat. The bite is scissor or level. The neck is medium length and strong. The topline is level. The chest is fairly deep and well ribbed. The back is straight and strong. Forelegs are straight and strong. Hind legs are muscular, with hocks slightly bent. The feet are small and compact, with arched toes and thick pads. The tail is set high and carried erect. Movement: Swift and very agile, with flowing gait.