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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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Stephens Cur dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names does the Stephens Cur have?
Mountain CurStephens’ Stock CurStephens’ Stock Mountain Cur
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed

Stephens Cur Size and Weight

Size
Is a Stephens Cur small, medium or large dog?

How big do Stephens Cur get?

What is the average size of a Stephens Cur?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Stephens Cur weigh? How much should a Stephens Cur weight? What is the normal weight of a Stephens Cur? How much does a full-grown Stephens Cur weight?
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
How much does the Stephens Cur puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Stephens Cur in the United States? How much money is a Stephens Cur?

Where to buy a Stephens Cur with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Stephens Cur? Is the Stephens Cur breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Stephens Cur dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Stephens Cur?
Stephens Cur dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Stephens Cur good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Stephens Cur dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Stephens Cur have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Stephens Cur is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Stephens Cur dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Mountain Cur bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Stephens Cur good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Stephens Cur in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Stephens Cur dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't like moving from one place to another.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Stephens Cur be left alone? How long can you leave a Stephens Cur alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Stephens Cur has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Stephens Cur? How much bite force does a Stephens Cur have? How strong is a Stephens Cur bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Stephens Cur bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Mountain Cur? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Stephens Cur? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Stephens Cur do?
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.

Stephens Cur Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Stephens Cur dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Stephens Curs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Stephens Cur breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Stephens Cur see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Stephens Cur dogs live? How old can a Stephens Cur be? What is the age limit of the Stephens Cur? How many years can the oldest Stephens Cur live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Stephens Cur?

How long is the lifespan of a Stephens Cur?

12-16 years
The average lifespan of Stephens Cur: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Stephens Cur Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Stephens Cur have? What is the activity level of the Stephens Cur?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Stephens Cur need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Stephens Cur breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Stephens Cur? How much food should I feed my Stephens Cur?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Stephens Cur risk for obesity:
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.

Stephens Cur Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Stephens Cur have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Sleek
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Stephens Cur coats?
Black Red Blue Cream White BrownYellow Brindle Blonde
Grooming
How to groom the Stephens Cur and how often? How often should I take my Stephens Cur to the groomer?
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Stephens Cur need a bath? How often should you give a Stephens Cur a bath? Can I bathe my Stephens Cur every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Stephens Cur breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Stephens Cur drool?
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.

Stephens Cur Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Stephens Cur dogs get along with other pets? Are Stephens Cur dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Stephens Cur dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Stephens Cur temperament with children:
Stephens Cur dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Stephens Cur be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Stephens Cur be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Stephens Cur be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Stephens Cur be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Stephens Cur be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Stephens Cur be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Stephens Cur be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Stephens Cur dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Stephens Cur Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Stephens Cur pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Stephens Cur breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Stephens Cur have in a litter? How many puppies can the Stephens Cur breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Stephens Cur have? How many puppies can a Stephens Cur give birth to?
3-8 puppies

Stephens Cur Recognition

AKC Group
Is Stephens Cur recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Stephens Cur recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Stephens Cur Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Stephens Cur dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Stephens Cur dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Stephens Curs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Stephens Cur breed.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Stephens Cur requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Stephens Cur dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Watchdog Ability: Stephens Cur dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: 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
  • Hypoallergenic: 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.
  • Adaptability: Stephens Cur dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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: