Stephens Stock vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison

Stephens Stock vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed ComparisonStephens Stock is originated from United States but Kerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland. Both Stephens Stock and Kerry Blue Terrier are having almost same height. Stephens Stock may weigh 40 kg / 89 pounds more than Kerry Blue Terrier. Both Stephens Stock and Kerry Blue Terrier has almost same life span. Both Stephens Stock and Kerry Blue Terrier has almost same litter size. Stephens Stock requires Low maintenance. But Kerry Blue Terrier requires Moderate maintenance

History

stephens stock - historyThe Stephens Stock is a member if the Cur dog breeds. They are a scent hound bred in southeastern Kentucky by the Stephen’s family. For generations the dogs were simply known as the “little black dog”. The Cur breeds are dogs with a mixture of ancestry and the Stephens Cur is no different. However, the name Cur now means a working dog from the South in the United States. They were known as hunting and guard dogs, chasing wild boar, squirrel and raccoon. They were also called the Mountain Curs throughout Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.

These mountain working dogs came close to extinction by the 1940’s but four separate breeders set out to save the Mountain Curs. They were the founders of the Mountain Cur Club and involved Woody Huntsman of Kentucky, Carl McConnel of Virginia, Dewey Ledbetter of Virginia and of course Hugh Stephens of Kentucky. Later the name of the club was changed to the Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association or OMCBA. The Mountain View Cur, the Treeing Cur and the Stephens Stock Cur were the results of their efforts.

In the 1970’s Stephen’s decided that his Cur was different from the original Mountain Curs and should be a separate breed. He formed the Stephen’s Breeders Association and the breed was recognized as distinct from other Curs. However, it was not recognized by the UKC (United Kennel Club) until 1998.

kerry blue terrier - historyThe Kerry Blue Terrier hails from Ireland, with the name of the dog coming from a place known as County Kerry, and Blue being the color of the dog's coat.

The Kerry Blue was originally bred to control rats, rabbits and otters and was actually a working dog for a host of different jobs.

It was in 1922 that the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded and recognized by the AKC in 1924.

Description

stephens stock puppy - descriptionThe Stephens Stock Cur is a breed of medium size, dark dogs – either very dark grey or black. Their heads are domed, and the muzzle is short with dark eyes. The breed’s chest is broad and deep with a neck of medium length and either a rough or smooth coat. They are smaller than the other Curs like the Black Mouth Cur or the Mountain View Cur.

They are strong and capable of treeing their prey. Their body is longer than it is high, and they have powerful and long legs. Their appearance is sleek and elegant. The nose is dark and square, and their stance is alert and that of a watchdog. This is an athletic hunting dog that is aggressive in the field and chilled at home.

kerry blue terrier puppy - descriptionThe Kerry Blue is a small dog standing at between 44 to 51cm and weighing anything between 15 and 18kg. He has dark eyes which give him that typical alert Terrier expression.

The ears are small and are carried up before flopping down. The high-set tail has always been customarily docked, giving him a compact, jaunty appearance but these days, the tail tends to be left long, curling somewhat over the back.

He has a coat which is quite wavy or curly and comes in different shades of grey or blue, while the puppies are born black, gradually becoming more blue. The dog is considered to be hypoallergenic as it doesn't shed a lot.

Temperament:

Kerry Blue Terriers are strong willed dogs, but with training and socialization they respond well to instructions such as sit, come, lie-down and stay. As a Terrier breed he is feisty, lively, strong-willed, stubborn, independent and impulsive. They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners and are amicable with children and pets in the home.

Training and socialization develops a balanced attitude around his human family, other animals in the home and around strangers. He is an active dog too so whether he lives in the city or the countryside, he will require a lot of exercise as he is full of life.

You can’t just put him in the backyard and forget about him. He is an intelligent, social dog who will only do well when he is counted in as a family member.

Characteristics

Characteristics

stephens stock dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness - They are tenacious on the hunt but once at home they love children.

2.Special talents tenacious – treeing prey

3.Adaptability They are adaptable if you can get them the exercise, they need every day. They won’t do well in an apartment without going to play and run somewhere else every day.

4.Learning ability - highly intelligent, eager to learn.

kerry blue terrier dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home and your life, you’re going to have a jaunty, lively, comical pet in your home, as he certainly has the reputation of making people laugh.

He is such an intelligent dog too and has no difficulty with learning new tricks. He takes his role of watchdog seriously too, as he loves his human family and wants to be looking out for them.

When you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home, you can be assured of jolly good fun from a true canine companion.

Health Problems

stephens stock puppies - health problemsThe Stephens Stock Cur is a fairly healthy breed, fairly isolated in the hills and mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee. They are prone to a few health conditions but there are no genetic and breed specific issues.

  • PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy can lead to blindness.

• Ear and Eye Infections. Keep them clean and keep debris out of both ears and eyes after hunting.

  • Deafness is seen in some.
  • Dental issues have been seen in some.

kerry blue terrier puppies - health problemsYou aren’t going to be running to the vet often with your Kerry Blue as he is a healthy dog breed. However there are some common dog diseases that even the most healthiest of dogs can succumb to.

Always feed your dog the very best food there is so that he has a strong immune system that can fight off disease.

Entropion:

This is the inward rolling of the eyelid which can irritate the dog’s eye and even cause vision loss. Surgery can treat the problem.

Cancer:

Every dog can succumb to cancer. You may well find a lump or even detect a sore that won’t heal. Treatments for cancer can include medicines, chemotherapy and surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition to do with the hip joint. It can result in pain for your dog and even lameness. When you discover your pet no longer wants to play and he battles to get up after lying down, he will need to go to the vet. Dogs with this debilitating disease should never be bred.

Caring The Pet

stephens stock dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy -Feed puppies a quality food desired for medium breed, high energy dogs. Puppies should eat 3 times a day about a total of 2 cups.

2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality dog food with plenty of protein and designed for medium size dogs. Feed a total of 3 cups over 2 meals a day.

3.Points for Good Health – They are energetic and tenacious.

4. Games and Exercises – This is a very high energy treeing hunting dog with remarkable speed and agility. They need exercise – both physical and mental. One walk a day will not do it for these dogs. Have a fenced in yard or take them to organized activities like field trials, agility, flyball, hunting, search and rescue or barn hunt. They love to hunt with their people.

Grooming:

kerry blue terrier dogs - caringThe Kerry Blue’s coat doesn’t shed a lot but it’s a curly coat that will require brushing at least twice a week. He will also require clipping and trimming if you want to keep the coat manageable.

Diet:

Nutrition is a key part of a healthy Kerry Blue Terrier and instead of just plonking down a bowl of dry kibble every day, make his mealtimes something to look forward to, more sustaining and more interesting.

Top quality kibble is good every now and then but try mixing in some cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and vegetables occasionally as well as a little bit of raw meat. You will be rewarded with bright eyes, a wet nose, bushy, wagging tail and less trips to the vet.

Make sure there is always a supply of fresh, cool water for him.

Exercise:

Active and lively, your Kerry Blue will need lots of robust exercise – a daily walk as well as ball games which ensure his muscles are kept strong and toned. Not only that, this exercise is important for keeping him fit and also mentally alert.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
Ireland
Height Male:
35 - 50 cm
13 - 20 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Height Female:
32 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
41 - 58 kg
90 - 128 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
39 - 55 kg
85 - 122 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
5 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Stephens' Stock Mountain Cur Little black dog Little Darkies
Irish Blue Terrier
Colors Available:
Black or dark gray; white markings may appear on the neck, and feet , chest
blackish, grey, Blue
Coat:
Short, smooth/rough outer coat; short, dense, soft undercoat
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Stephens Stock vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Stephens Stock vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Stephens Stock vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  4. Stephens Stock vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  5. Stephens Stock vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Stephens Stock vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  7. Stephens Stock vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Stephens Stock vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Stephens Stock vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Stephens Stock vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Stephens Stock vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Stephens Stock vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  13. Stephens Stock vs Santal Hound - Breed Comparison
  14. Stephens Stock vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Stephens Stock vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Stephens Stock vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  17. Stephens Stock vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  18. Stephens Stock vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Stephens Stock vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  20. Stephens Stock vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  21. Stephens Stock vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Stephens Stock vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  23. Stephens Stock vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  24. Stephens Stock vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  25. Stephens Stock vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Schnauzer vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  35. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Lakeland Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Old English Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Scoland Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Skye Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds