Originally a strain of Mountain Cur, the little black dogs bred by the family of Hugh Stephens in Kentucky soon became sufficiently distinct that they were recognized as a separate breed. The Stephens' Stock Cur excels at hunting squirrel and raccoon, but is also used in packs on mountain lion and bears. The Stephens' Stock Cur was recognized by U.K.C. on November 1, 1998. The Stephens' Stock Cur is a powerful, agile tree dog of small to medium size. The body is just slightly longer than tall.
Legs are long enough to allow the dog to move quickly and with agility in rough terrain.
The head is broad with a moderate stop, and a muzzle slightly shorter than the length of skull. Ears are set high and drop. The tail is straight, set low, and medium in length. The coat is dense but close fitting. The Stephens' Stock Cur should be evaluated as a working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work.