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Stephens Cur Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Stephens Cur so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Stephens Cur known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Mountain CurStephens’ Stock CurStephens’ Stock Mountain Cur
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Stephens Cur? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed

Stephens Cur Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Stephens Cur? Learn how big the Stephens Cur breed typically grows.
LargeMedium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Stephens Cur weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Stephens Cur breed.
Male: 30-60 pounds (13-27 kg), Female: 25-55 pounds (11-25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Stephens Cur?
Male: 45 pounds (20 kg), Female: 40 pounds (18 kg)
Height
How tall is the Stephens Cur? Stephens Cur height:
Male: 18-25 inches (48-65 cm), Female: 16-22 inches (41-58 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Stephens Cur?
Male: 21.5 inches (56.5 cm), Female: 19 inches (49.5 cm)

Stephens Cur Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Stephens Cur puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Stephens Cur costs.
$400-$500
If you choose to purchase the Stephens Cur, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Stephens Cur for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Stephens Cur gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Stephens Cur? How many Stephens Cur are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Stephens Cur Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Stephens Cur? Discover the Stephens Cur's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Stephens Cur dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Stephens Cur is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Stephens Cur? Learn about the Stephens Cur's trainability and response to training methods.
Stephens Cur dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Stephens Cur as a watchdog? Learn about the Stephens Cur's alertness and guarding instincts.
Stephens Cur dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Stephens Cur dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Stephens Cur protective of its territory? Learn about the Stephens Cur's guarding instincts and behavior.
Stephens Cur dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Stephens Cur Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Stephens Cur have? Learn about characteristic Stephens Cur temperament and behavior traits.
IntelligentTrainableInstinctualHard working
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Stephens Cur sensitivity:
They are easygoing, low-sensitivity dogs. Moderate punishment works great with this breed, they won't be affected emotionally.

Stephens Cur dogs tolerate irregular daily routine, young children, noisy household, office environment, and frequent guest visits really well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Stephens Cur a good family dog?
Average to High: Stephens Cur dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Mountain Cur need? Stephens Cur social needs:
Stephens Cur dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Stephens Cur to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Stephens Cur roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Stephens Cur is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Stephens Cur have high prey drive?
Stephens Cur dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Stephens Cur dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Stephens Cur Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Stephens Cur bark a lot? Learn about typical Stephens Cur vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Stephens Cur is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Stephens Cur? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Stephens Cur breed.
The Stephens Cur is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Stephens Cur live in an apartment? Learn about the Stephens Cur's suitability for apartment living.
Very house-friendly dog the Stephens Cur breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Stephens Cur Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Stephens Cur to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Stephens Cur's flexibility to new situations.
Stephens Cur dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't like moving from one place to another.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Stephens Cur be left alone? Learn about the Stephens Cur's tolerance to solitude.
Stephens Cur dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Stephens Cur Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Stephens Cur biting potential? Learn about the Stephens Cur's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Stephens Cur has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Stephens Cur mouthy? Learn about the Stephens Cur's tendency to use mouth during play.
Stephens Cur dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Stephens Cur dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Stephens Cur bite? Learn about the Stephens Cur's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Stephens Cur bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Stephens Cur measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Stephens Cur is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Stephens Cur bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Stephens Cur bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Stephens Cur puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Stephens Cur, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Stephens Cur bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Stephens Cur can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Stephens Cur Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Stephens Cur live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Stephens Cur breed.
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Stephens Cur: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Stephens Cur handle different weather? Learn about the Stephens Cur's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Stephens Cur? Discover typical conditions affecting the Stephens Cur breed.
Stephens Curs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Stephens Cur need vet visits? Learn about the Stephens Cur's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Stephens Cur should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Stephens Cur Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Stephens Cur? Understand daily activity needs of the Stephens Cur breed.
Stephens Cur dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Stephens Cur need? How much exercise do Stephens Cur dogs require per day?

Do Stephens Cur dogs need a lot of exercises?

Stephens Cur dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Stephens Cur breed need?
Stephens Cur dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Stephens Cur Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Stephens Cur prone to weight gain? Learn about the Stephens Cur's obesity risks.
Average: The Stephens Cur has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Stephens Cur weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Stephens Cur need daily? Learn about the Stephens Cur's feeding requirements.
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Stephens Cur Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Stephens Cur hypoallergenic? Learn about the Stephens Cur's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Stephens Cur dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Stephens Cur come in? Discover all possible Stephens Cur color variations.
Black Red Blue Cream White BrownYellow Brindle Blonde
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Stephens Cur need? Learn about Stephens Cur coat maintenance requirements.
Effortless: The Stephens Cur requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Stephens Cur is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Stephens Cur drool a lot? Learn about the Stephens Cur's drooling habits.
The Stephens Cur is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Stephens Cur smell bad? Learn about the Stephens Cur's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Stephens Cur has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Stephens Cur have? Learn about the Stephens Cur's fur characteristics.
Sleek
Bathing Needs
How often does a Stephens Cur need baths? Learn about the Stephens Cur's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Stephens Cur dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Mountain Cur? Do Stephens Cur dogs shed a lot?
Stephens Cur dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Stephens Cur dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.

Stephens Cur Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Stephens Cur good with children? Learn about the Stephens Cur's behavior around kids of different ages.
Stephens Cur dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Stephens Cur get along with other pets? Discover the Stephens Cur's compatibility with other animals.
Stephens Cur dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Stephens Cur temperament with other people:
Stephens Cur dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Stephens Cur dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Stephens Cur breed live with a cat?
Stephens Cur dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Stephens Cur good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Stephens Cur dogs get along with other dogs?
Stephens Cur dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Stephens Cur can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Stephens Cur breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Stephens Cur breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Stephens Cur dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Stephens Cur dogs good office canines? Do Stephens Cur dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Stephens Cur is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Stephens Cur dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Mountain Cur temperament with senior people? Are Stephens Cur dogs good for elderly owners?
Stephens Curs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Stephens Cur As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Stephens Cur be a service dog? Learn about the Stephens Cur's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Stephens Cur is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Stephens Cur good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Stephens Cur's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Stephens Cur is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Stephens Cur good at detection work? Learn about the Stephens Cur's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Stephens Cur is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Stephens Cur do search and rescue? Learn about the Stephens Cur's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Stephens Cur is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Stephens Cur good on boats? Learn about the Stephens Cur's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Stephens Cur breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Stephens Cur pull carts? Learn about the Stephens Cur's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Stephens Cur is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Stephens Cur used in military service? Learn about the Stephens Cur's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Stephens Cur Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Stephens Cur usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Stephens Cur pregnant? Learn about the Stephens Cur's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Stephens Cur: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Stephens Cur have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Stephens Cur Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Stephens Cur in? Learn about the Stephens Cur's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Stephens Cur in? Learn about the Stephens Cur's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Stephens Cur Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Stephens Cur dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Stephens Cur dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Stephens Curs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Very house-friendly dog the Stephens Cur breed.
  • Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Stephens Cur requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Stephens Cur dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Watchdog Rating: Stephens Cur dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Child Compatibility: Stephens Cur dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Stephens Cur dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Stephens Curs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Stephens Cur dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Stephens Cur is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Stephens Cur dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Stephens Cur dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Stephens Cur dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Stephens Cur is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Stephens Cur dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Stephens Cur History

The Stephens Cur, also known as the Stephens Stock Cur, originates as a strain from the Cur group that developed from the Mountain Cur. The word cur actually refers to a dog with mixed ancestry and was also used to describe these types of dogs as all-purpose dogs that were valued for their working abilities. It is believed that they descended from the dogs brought by the European settlers when they came to the New World. These dogs were prevalent in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee mountains where people were highly dependent on them as they were the ones who put meat on the table. Their job was also to guard the family and the property from wild animals and from thieves. These early dogs were the forefathers, the Mountain Curs who had been in existence for over 200 years.

However, World War was not kind to any dog breeds and it was one of the reasons why by the 1940s the Mountain Cur became very rare and close to extinction. Thankfully, four people stepped up and began to restore the breeding programs and developed the Stephens Cur. These individuals were Hugh Stephens of Kentucky, Carl McConnel of Virginia, Woody Huntsman of Kentucky, and Dewey Ledbetter of Tennessee. These men organized the Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association and continued the breeding of different strains of the Mountain Cur. The Stephens Cur has evolved from the strain developed by Hugh Stephens. The Stephens Stock Cur was identified in 1970 by its namesake Hugh Stephen who believed that it was different enough from the original strains of Mountain Cur, and so the Stephen’s Breeders Association was formed. As a result of this, in 1998 the Stephens Cur was recognized by the United Kennel Club. The breed is now known as a tenacious hunter, a dog that can carry its weight and more and also using its excellent scenting ability to scent both the ground and the wind. It is a rather small scenthound that stands between 41-58 cm, had a short black coat with some white markings, and a small head with a narrow muzzle which gives the impression of a sleek hound. The breed is predominantly used to hunt squirrels and raccoons, too small to hunt black bears, but when they hunt as a pack they are considered to have sufficient courage to take on either species.

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Stephens Cur Comments, Reviews and Questions

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    Mar 2, 2023, 2:38:47 AM: