The history of hunting in the south eastern Region of the United States has led to the development of a whole class of hunting dogs whose origins can be considered uniquely suited to specific regions and whose claim to fame lies in their distinctly different characteristics suiting them to particular types of hunting techniques. There are several separate breeds classed amongst the native "Southern Curs" of the south eastern United States. Nearly all these dogs have in common the Hound ancestry and the regional breeding programs which were utilized to define particularly desirable traits for the breed in question. In the case of the small Stephens Cur the characteristics which established this breed are the smaller size and the ability to follow a cold trail while still giving voice on the trail. Other traits include the dogs ability to change the tone of the baying when the animals is treed and the hound nature which allows the dog to be hunted with and as a member of a team of dogs without scrappiness. This breed is a scent hound used for the hunting of smaller game such as coon , rabbits, squirrel and fox. The Stephens Stock was named after Hugh Stephens, who for several years was Vice President of the Mountain Cur Club and whose family had bred the little black hunting hound for over a hundred years. Like nearly all of these scent hounds, their fist love is the thrill of the chase and they generally are not suitable as a house pet. They were bred and raised in the gentler climates of the deep south and consequently do well as outdoor dogs. Generally these types of hounds are kept within a pack situation on a family farm and they get along well as a group. They are fine with kids if they are brought up with them and accept family life within a household ONLY when they have plenty of access to the outdoors and lots of exercise. They do need training and need to have an alpha owner because they would rather hunt than anything else. They are highly intelligent and quickly learn the necessary obedience while still retaining their strong and capable hunting hound instincts. The Stephens Cur is smaller than many of the hunting hounds. This in no way inhibits its aggressive hunting style. It is easily capable of following a cold or hot trail. It is not a silent worker, giving a good bay while on the trail and again at the tree-ing of the animal or otherwise holding the animal at bay. They are spirited and courageous and able to follow and hold larger game, although usually this is in a pack of hounds as this is a smaller hound and can not stand up alone to large animals. The Stephens Cur is black or black with some small white markings. Any other color is not allowed . They are registered with the United Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club and have established a good record when worked at coon hunting trials. Although not as popular or well known as the Walker or the Redbone they have a following of their own. |
