Stephens Cur Puppies for Sale
Recognized by: UKC
About the Stephens Cur
The Stephens Cur is an American treeing hound developed in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky for hunting raccoon, squirrel, and larger game. A strain within the mountain cur family, it is distinguished by its predominantly black coat, often with small white markings, and by its versatility and grit on the trail. Fast, agile, and courageous, it trees game reliably and shows the stamina to hunt long days over rough terrain. Beyond the woods it is a loyal, family-oriented dog that bonds strongly with its people, but it retains a strong hunting drive and needs an active home with space and a genuine outlet for its working instincts.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
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Browse all puppiesWhere this breed shines
- Skilled, courageous treeing and hunting dog
- Loyal and devoted to its family
- Hardy with a low-maintenance short coat
Things to consider
- Very high exercise and hunting-drive requirements
- Strong prey drive; needs secure areas and management around small pets
- Vocal treeing bark can carry
History
The Stephens Cur was developed by the Stephens family of Kentucky, who bred a distinct black-coated strain of mountain cur over roughly a century of selection for treeing ability. It was recognized separately from the broader Mountain Cur by the United Kennel Club in the 1970s. It remains primarily a working hunting dog in the American South and Appalachia.
Temperament
Loyal, courageous, and hardworking, the Stephens Cur is devoted to its family and eager to hunt. It is intelligent and trainable for a cur but strongly driven by prey instinct, so recall and small-pet safety require attention. It needs vigorous exercise and does best with owners who hunt or provide equivalent activity.
Questions to ask a Stephens Cur breeder
- What is the hunting background and treeing ability of the parents?
- How much drive and energy should I expect in a pet home?
- Are the parents in good general health with sound joints?
Health considerations to discuss
Hip dysplasia. Active working dogs benefit from parents with sound hips.
Ear infections. Drop ears should be checked and cleaned regularly.
Injuries from work. Hunting exposes dogs to cuts, ticks, and musculoskeletal strain.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: United Kennel Club · American Kennel Club — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Stephens Cur litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Stephens Cur puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Stephens Cur listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How can I tell if a Stephens Cur breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.