Stephens Stock Mountain Cur

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Stephens Stock Mountain Cur is a scenthound dog that belongs to Cur dog breed. Also known as Stephens' Stock and Stephens' Cur, this medium size dog breed was developed in southeastern Kentucky, USA by Stephen Family. The breed was developed from a strain of Mountain Cur for several generations until the dogs show sufficiently distinct appearance, temperament and working abilities.

Nick named "Darkie", the Stephens Cur is a small to medium size dog that stands between 16-21 inches and weighs about 45-55 lbs. This breed excels at hunting squirrels and raccoons but is also used in packs to hunt mountain lions and wild boars. This breed is a powerful and agile breed with a rectangular body. A broad but proportionate to body head starts off this breed. Skull is flat and broad and tapers slightly to moderately broad muzzle. Black, square nose has well opened nostrils. Brown colour, large eyes are set wide apart. Short to medium length ears are wide at base and drop. The muscled, slightly arched neck widens gradually from the nape to blend smoothly into the well laid back shoulders. The moderately long broad and level back blends into the slightly arched muscular loin. Deep brisket extends to the level of the elbows. Ribs are well sprung.

This breed is not recognized by AKC however it is recognized by UKC.

Color

The Stephens' Cur comes in black colour, hence nick named "darkie". White markings are acceptable as long as they are not more than one third of body colour.

Coat

A Stephens Cur is a double coated breed. The short undercoat is soft and dense. The short outer coat can be smooth or rough to the touch.

Personality

A thorough and thorough hunter, the Stephens Cur is a very lively and active breed that makes an intense and aggressive hunter. Working in packs, the dog is tolerant of other dogs but not trustworthy around other smaller non-canine pets. This dog needs early socialization to curb its aggressive behavior. It is instinctively leery of strangers. The Stephens Cur is a trainable breed with kind and positive training sessions. It can be molded into an excellent family companion if it is already not one. This breed will be very happy and playful with children specially if raised with them from puppyhood. It needs atleast a yard to use its pent up energy and is certainly not a dog for apartment living.

Care

Short outer coat and short undercoat means that this dog needs very minimal grooming. Weekly brushing will be more than enough to keep the coat clean and remove dead hair. Bath only when necessary.

Training

The Stephens Cur is a very trainable breed that will respond to positive training routines. This intelligent dog is responsive to kind treatment and will respond to gentle but consistent training.

Activity

Though small in size, the Stephens Cur is not a breed for apartment lifestyle. Reason is this breeds high levels of energy that needs to be expelled through either hunting or playing. The dog needs extensive exercise and will best be suited in house with a medium yard where it will have opportunity to play and run as it likes.