Stephens Cur
10-14 yrs
30-55 lbs
14-20"
United States

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Stephens Cur

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Dog Breeds
Stephens Cur

30-55 lbs

14-20"

United States

Stephens Stock Mountain Cur, Stephens Stock, and Stephens Stock Cur

The Stephens Cur is a scent hound of medium weight reaching between 44 to 55 pounds. Originating in South-eastern Kentucky by the Stephens family who began this breed, they have been developed for a purpose, which is to hunt squirrels and raccoons. They have strength and tenacity and can also tackle larger game like mountain lions and wild boars. Dedicated and loyal, this canine is also lively and affectionate with children and family members. While they socialize with other dogs, they are not to be trusted around smaller animals that they may consider to be prey. Elegant in appearance, easy to train, and a happy dog in general, the Stephens Cur does need a lot of exercise. As their master, you must assert your leadership and dominance right from the start of your partnership to avoid any behavioral issues. This dog is only aggressive in the field, when they are on the hunt, but they do need to be socialized from their early days to produce a calm, happy dog. Their nickname of 'Darkie' refers to their dark rich coat color; the coat fits them like a glove.

                
                Purpose
              
Hunting, Companion

                Date of Origin
              
1940's

                Ancestry
              
Cur-type Dogs

Stephens Cur Health

Average Size

Height: 16-23 inches Weight: 35-60 lbs

Height: 14-20 inches Weight: 30-55 lbs

Major Concerns

None Known

Minor Concerns

Ear Health and Infection
Eye conditions

Occasional Diagnoses

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Occasional Tests

Ear Examination
Blood Work
Full Physical Examination
Eye Tests
Ophthalmological Examination

Stephens Cur Breed History

This handsome breed is also known as the Stephens Stock Cur. Originally a strain from the Cur group that developed from the Mountain Cur, this scenthound is an all purpose type of dog that has mixed ancestry. It is thought that they descended from the dogs brought with European Settlers when they came to the New World. The pioneers cherished a good dog who could put meat on the table and help protect family and stock. These early dogs were the forefathers and had been in existence for over 200 years. The World War was not kind to the breed, however, and by the 1940's the Mountain Cur was almost extinct. Thankfully, four individuals stepped in to start to restore the breeding programs and developed the Stephens Cur. These individuals were Hugh Stephens (where the new breed got its name) of Kentucky, Carl McConnel of Virginia, Woody Huntsman of Kentucky, and Dewey Ledbetter of Tennessee. These men organised the Original Mountain Cur Breeder Association and developed the breed further. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle and the Mountain View Cur were developed from the strain developed by Hugh Stephens. In 1998, the Stephens Cur was recognized by the United Kennel Club. The Stephens Cur is known as a tenacious hunter, a dog that can carry its weight and more. Using their scenting ability to scent both the ground and the wind, this dog is at home in the country doing what they love, roaming the land and hunting. The breed has been a credit to those great individuals who stepped into to save what has now become a fine and outstanding dog.

Stephens Cur Breed Appearance

The Stephens Cur has a rectangular shaped body and has an overall athletic appearance, being long and lean in form. Often weighing in at up to 55 pounds, they have a deep chest, long level back and slender but sturdy legs with rounded well padded paws, which allows them to move quickly in a fluid gait. Sleek and elegant, the Stephens Cur has a pointed muzzle, and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. With a dark square shaped nose and deep liquid eyes that are large and round, they don't miss much with their alert stance and watchdog like pose. With a keen nose and eyes that continually sweep the vistas, nothing much gets past this dedicated dog. Their arched neck, cleanly defined facial features, and average sized drop ears makes for one elegant dog. The tail is low set and medium in length. Sometimes their tails are docked to just a few inches. They are truly the picture of the athletic hunting dog who loves to come home after a big day to chill out with their family.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Amber

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Gray

White

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Stephens Cur Breed Maintenance

With a sleek short hair coat that fits to their athletic body, the little Darkie, as the Stephens' Cur is affectionately known, has an enviable appearance. A brushing each week is hardly needed, but it is a good bonding time. If your clever canine is a working dog, you may need to check out their coat to ensure their are no thorns or cuts in their skin. This is one active dog and they will go anywhere the hunter wants them to go regardless of how tough. Because of this, it is important to check their body often to ensure they are free of injury and in good health. The Stephens Cur doesn't require a bath, often a rub down with a damp cloth will be enough. Maybe once in a while when they really need it you can resort to a bath, but be careful to use the mildest dog shampoo to avoid stripping those natural oils in the coat. These oils are necessary to protect and maintain the texture of the coat, which saves the dog from the elements. Check their paws as well as they can traverse some tough terrain, and finish with an ear and eye check and maybe a quick snip at the toenails if your active canine hasn't already worn them down. Maintenance is simple with this sweet dog.

Brushes for Stephens Cur

Slicker Brush

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Stephens Cur Temperament

The word 'cur' once had a derogatory meaning to the name, which was often given to a mangy mongrel of unknown parentage. Nowadays the word 'cur' refers to a type of dog. In these modern times, the Cur has gained respectability and has a pedigree or is known as a purebred. The Stephens Cur has gained popularity because of their strong work ethic as much as their elegant appearance. This little dark dog can slip quietly around but once they get on a trail they will tell you about it all with a loud melodious voice. They may be small but they are aggressive in the hunting field. Fast and furious, they are efficient hunters. Once they get home though, the aggression is forgotten. They turn into a mellow, playful and kind dog, although you cannot trust them with small furry animals. Their hunting instinct is very strong. Socializing when young and with positive training methods will produce a dog to be proud of. They are courageous, courteous, and outstanding as a breed. The Stephens Cur has performed well in coon hunting trials. This dog is registered with the Canadian and the United States Kennel Clubs. Good with children and people of all ages, they can be quite wary and reserved when strangers come calling.

Stephens Cur Activity Requirements

The Stephens Cur is well suited to the Southern Kentucky terrain, and is a dedicated and ambitious dog on the trail. Although some of this breed can be quite small in size, they have a big attitude and confidence. They are great walking companions, though are best on a leash in built up areas. Be warned that they can be independent and headstrong when they get a whiff of a scent, which is why they are suited to rural areas. The good thing is that they respond well to training and are willing to please, so you can control this instinct if you train them correctly. They need a daily walk, and will still have energy to play with the children. The Stephens Cur is an active dog and likes walking, running, games and training - all as long as they are all positive activities. They can be wary of other people, especially strangers. Keep this dog busy, however, and you will have a devoted friendly family companion.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
2 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Stephens Cur

Similarly Sized Breeds to Stephens Cur

Stephens Cur Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00

Stephens Cur Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 11.0 inches
                  Weight: 11.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 10.0 inches
                  Weight: 10.5 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 15.0 inches
                  Weight: 24.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 13.5 inches
                  Weight: 22.0 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 19.5 inches
                  Weight: 47.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 17.0 inches
                  Weight: 42.5 lbs

Written by a Golden Labrador Retriever lover Jean Brewer

Published: 05/25/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

Stephens Cur Owner Experiences

Matilda

7 Years

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

traveling

Hiking, walking, beach combing

Tilly was found abandoned at a farm house I bought. She had survived on her own in the wild for years. She is fearless, smart and loyal. Tilly has the sweetest and most loving disposition yet she likes to wrestle big dogs for fun. She has several neighborhood buddies she likes to rough house with. She loves riding in ANYthing that moves and has logged about 500 passenger hours in airplanes and has traveled with us to over a dozen states. We love her unconditionally. She’s my best friend.

2 years, 8 months ago

Luna

2 Years

3 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Luna is an amazing dog. She is super smart and very attentive. She learns quickly. Her personality is very friendly to those she knows, but she is shy and stand-offish to new people. However, she will not bite or growl at anyone and she likes children. She has enthusiasm for life and she loves adventure.

4 years, 7 months ago

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