Overview
The Stephens Stock, or Stephens Cur, was bred by the Stephens family in Kentucky from mountain cur stock, selecting for a lighter, mostly black dog that could tree small game and bay larger animals. It is almost unknown outside the United States, so any walker meeting one in Britain is dealing with an import or a very unusual breeding.
Curs are honest working dogs: tough, fast, loud and tightly focused on whatever is up the tree or in the brush. They are usually affectionate and biddable at home, but outside they run on instinct and need handling that respects it.
Exercise and walking needs
At least an hour and a half a day of real movement is needed to keep this dog settled. It was bred to range through woodland for hours, and a short lead walk around the block will not scratch the itch.
Long-line walks through woods where the dog can follow scent and watch the canopy give it something close to its natural job. Running with a bike or jogging also suits a fit adult, once the owner agrees.
On the walk
- Treeing: The dog will spot a squirrel, chase it to a tree and then bark up at it until pulled away. Expect this on every wooded walk and have a plan to move on.
- Recall: Weak once something is in the trees. Keep it on a long line in open country and accept that the lead is where this dog lives on walks.
- Voice: A cur barks and bays when hunting, loudly and repeatedly. It is not a breed for quiet residential routes at dawn.
- Other dogs: Pack-bred and usually sociable with other dogs, though it can be rough in play and may try to run them.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk woodland on a long line attached to a harness; collars and sudden squirrel lunges are a bad mix.
- Give the dog something to search for: scatter a few treats in leaf litter and let it work the area.
- Pick routes away from quiet houses if the dog is likely to bay at wildlife.
- Check for ticks after brushy walks, especially around the ears and armpits.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog been hunted on squirrels or raccoons, and how strong is its reaction to wildlife here?
- How much barking is typical, and is there a cue that quiets it when it is fixed on a tree?
- What recall does the dog have, and are there any fenced areas you are happy to use for off-lead time?