This scent hound is a medium size dog originating in southeastern Kentucky by the Stephen Family, developed from a strain of Mountain Cur, this breed is nicknamed "Darkie" for its dark, rich coat color. It's adept at hunting squirrels and raccoons but it can also hunt bigger game like mountain lions and wild boars.
Stephens' Cur weighs between 44 and 55 pounds and grows to a height of between 16 and 21 inches. An agile breed, this dog is characterized by a rectangular body, flat and broad skull, tapered muzzle, square nose, large wide-set eyes, short to medium ears, muscled neck, level back, deep brisket and deep chest.
Personality
Stephens Cur is easy to train, as it tends to respond well to positive training regimens. Establish dominance in the relationship right away to avoid behavioral issues. This dog is smart and loves positive reinforcement with a kind and gentle demeanor. Training must be consistent for it to work properly. This lively and active dog is aggressive only when hunting, provided you socialize this dog from the very beginning. It makes a great family pet and is very loyal to its owners. It does well around other dogs but not so much around smaller animals of other species. Stephens' Cur is easy to train and gets along with children. It's a happy and playful dog that loves to frolic and have a good time with kids. Give it plenty of opportunities for exercise each and every day.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 12 years |
| Nicknames: | Stephen´s Stock, Stephen´s Stock Mountain Cur, Stephen´s Stock Cur, Darkie |
Stephens Cur Build Information
Stephens' Cur weighs between 44 and 55 pounds and grows to a height of between 16 and 21 inches. An agile breed, this dog is characterized by a rectangular body, flat and broad skull, tapered muzzle, square nose, large wide-set eyes, short to medium ears, muscled neck, level back, deep brisket and deep chest.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Stephens Cur is easy to train, as it tends to respond well to positive training regimens. Establish dominance in the relationship right away to avoid behavioral issues. This dog is smart and loves positive reinforcement with a kind and gentle demeanor. Training must be consistent for it to work properly. This lively and active dog is aggressive only when hunting, provided you socialize this dog from the very beginning. It makes a great family pet and is very loyal to its owners. It does well around other dogs but not so much around smaller animals of other species. Stephens' Cur is easy to train and gets along with children. It's a happy and playful dog that loves to frolic and have a good time with kids. Give it plenty of opportunities for exercise each and every day.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
This breed's short outer and under coat result in little grooming. Weekly brushing is all that is required to keep the coat clean and to shed the dead hair. Bathing is not necessary on a regular basis -- only when needed. Too much water and shampoo can dry out the skin of your dog and result in dryness and itchiness.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Stephens Cur Common Health Conditions
There are no documented health issues common to this breed. However, it is imperative that you take your dog to the vet regularly for a full checkup and exam, vaccinations and heartworm exam.
Stephens Cur Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Stephens' Cur does well in all climates and is a very versatile breed. Although this dog is quite small, it doesn't do well when cooped up in a house or apartment all the time. It has a high energy level and requires regular walks and romps in a large fenced-in yard daily. While not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, it is recognize by the United Kennel Club (UKC). Stephens' Cur is also known as Stephens' Stock Mountain Cur, Stephens' Stock and Stephens' Stock Cur. It's also known affectionately as Darkie. The life expectancy of Stephens' Cur is 12 years.
| Training: | Easy to train |