Also called Stephens Cur, Stephens Stock Mountain Cur · Southeastern Kentucky
A driven, high-energy working dog with strong hunting instincts.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Coat | Short, smooth coat |
| Origin | Southeastern Kentucky, United States1 |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
A driven, high-energy working dog with strong hunting instincts. It is happiest with an active, hunting-focused home rather than a quiet life as a house pet.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Stephens Stock. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Very high. Bred to hunt squirrel and raccoon, it needs plenty of daily work or vigorous exercise.1
Best suited to rural owners who hunt or can offer lots of outdoor activity.1
Often works alongside other dogs in packs when hunting larger game.1
The short coat is low maintenance; an occasional brush-down keeps it neat.1
Adult Stephens Stocks do best with at least two meals a day, and puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at the same times each morning and evening helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2
A high-quality dog food suited to an active working breed is ideal. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and raw bones, keep these well away. Your vet can help you choose the best diet for your dog's energy needs.3
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least every three months. If your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, you can bathe more often. Always use a dog-safe shampoo.4
A weekly brush is perfect for this short, smooth coat, it keeps shedding under control and the coat neat. Pet Wiki recommends brushing every 7 days, which matches general advice for short-haired dogs.4
Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a tiny bit at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.4
This breed has very high energy and needs plenty of daily vigorous exercise, think long walks, runs, or hunting work. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play, but this dog truly thrives with a job to do.1
Brush teeth at least every other day (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste only. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.4
Lifespan varies for this breed, and no specific number is given in our sources. Your vet can give you a good estimate based on your dog's health and lineage.
This dog often works alongside other dogs in packs, so it can get along well with them. Its strong hunting instincts mean caution with small pets like cats. For children, early training and supervision are key, ask a breeder for their experience.1
This breed is happiest with an active, hunting-focused lifestyle and may struggle if left alone for long hours. It needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If you must leave it, consider a dog walker or a companion dog.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Stephens Stock, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 91 kg of dry food a year | 298 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 345 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 384 GBP ↗ |
| Dog tax | 0 GBP ↗ |
| Licence and registration | 12 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 531 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Stephens Stock in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
See the rules and sources for every country
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
The breed is named for Hugh Stephens, the Kentucky family who developed this distinct line of Mountain Cur into a separate breed.5
I woke before dawn, eager to scent the air. My human and I headed into the woods; I led the way, nose low. I treed a squirrel and wagged my tail, proud. We ran for miles, my muscles humming. Later, I rested by the porch, my ears still alert. Another perfect day working alongside my partner. I'm ready for tomorrow's adventure.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
The Stephens family of southeastern Kentucky kept its own line of Mountain Cur for more than a hundred years. In 1970 the line was set apart as a breed of its own, with Hugh Stephens credited as its founder, and the United Kennel Club later recognised it.1
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Mountain Cur
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
American Leopard Hound