Stephens Stock vs Scottish Deerhound - Breed Comparison

Stephens Stock vs Scottish Deerhound - Breed ComparisonStephens Stock is originated from United States but Scottish Deerhound is originated from United Kingdom. Stephens Stock may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than Scottish Deerhound. Stephens Stock may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Scottish Deerhound. Stephens Stock may live 5 years more than Scottish Deerhound. Stephens Stock may have less litter size than Scottish Deerhound. Both Stephens Stock and Scottish Deerhound requires Low 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.

scottish deerhound - historyThe Scottish Deerhound is considered the Royal Dog of Scotland. It is a sighthound that is large and bred to hunt large Red Deer. They are similar in appearance to the Greyhound, but they are bigger and heavier. Closely related to the Irish Wolfhound, they were used in creating it. The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed that is now very rare. It can trace its lineage to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Deerhound was a favorite of hunting nobility and could not be kept by any person or household that did not have at least the rank of earl. Despite this history the Scottish Deerhound was not considered separate from the Highland Greyhound and other staghounds until the 19th century. They were bred to stalk or “course” the red deer and were used extensively for this purpose until the beginning of the 20th century. At that time there was a need for smaller, slower deer tracking dogs.

At the start of the 20th century, the land for deer hunting had grown smaller and so had the deer. Also, the invention of the rifle made the fast Deerhounds who could cover large tracks of ground in minutes, no longer a necessity for successful hunting. As the clan systems fell and the nobility rose, the Deerhounds became the dog for nobility and landowners. There were a few non-nobilities who also kept them and hunted with them. As they were less needed for hunting a few households kept them as show dogs.

In the United States and Canada, both the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound were used for hunting wolves and deer. In Australia, the Kangaroo Dog – a deerhound crossbreed, and Deerhounds were used to hunt wild boar, emu and kangaroos. The Deerhound is one of the oldest of the breeds that are Greyhound-like. The Deerhound is not as fast as the Greyhound if they are running on a smooth surface. Get them on a rough surface and the will out that Greyhound. They appear to be larger and rougher than they really are. This gives them an advantage over the lighter, smaller Greyhound.

The Deerhound was a contributor to development of the Irish Wolfhound toward the end of the 19th century.

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.

scottish deerhound puppy - descriptionThe Scottish Deerhound looks a lot like the Greyhound, except it is heavily boned and larger in size. The Deerhound is also different in several other ways. Instead of the Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is more closely related to the Irish Wolfhound than the Deerhound. The Deerhound is a large, rough coated breed. It is a very tall breed; in fact, it is the tallest of all sighthounds.

The Deerhound has a long head with a flat skull and a muzzle that tapers at the end. They have dark eyes and a scissor bite with a tail that can be either curved or straight. The hair on their tails almost touches the ground. The rest of its coat is wiry and harsh with a beard, mustache and mane. The ears are soft and can be either held semi erect or folded against their head. Their coat is gray or grey-blue today but in the past, it might have been brindle, red fawn or yellow.

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.

1.Children friendliness – yes but watch out for little ones.

2.Special talents - speed and distance.

3.Adaptability - some but needs space to run.

scottish deerhound dog - characteristics4.Learning ability – intelligent but hunting and running instincts overcome all else.

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.

scottish deerhound puppies - health problemsThe Scottish Deerhound does face some serious challenges on the health front. These include:

  • Cardiomyopathy – heart disease.
  • Osteosarcoma – Bone cancer.

• Cystinuria – recessive disorder that causes an inability for cystine to be filtered from the urine.

• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus – otherwise known as bloat and it can be life threatening if not treated quickly.

  • Hypothyroidism – easily treated with medication.
  • Neck pain – if no serious condition – medication can be taken.
  • Factor VII deficiency.
  • Stress is not handled well in this breed.

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.

scottish deerhound dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Feed a high quality large or x large puppy dogfood at least 3-4 times a day. Do not overfeed.

2.Feeding the adult – Feed a high-quality adult large or x large dog food once or twice a day. Do not overfeed.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina and speed.

4. Games and Exercises – The Deerhound needs plenty of exercise in a safe place where they have plenty of room to run. A small yard or life on a leash are not enough for this energetic breed. Play fetch, course running, Like the Greyhound they will be couch potatoes if you let them but that will hurt their health. Lure Coursing or hare coursing are good. Coyote hunting. Find space where they can run for the joy of running. Never force them to run – like along a bicycle

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
35 - 50 cm
13 - 20 inches
76 - 81 cm
29 - 32 inches
Height Female:
32 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
71 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
41 - 58 kg
90 - 128 pounds
39 - 50 kg
85 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
39 - 55 kg
85 - 122 pounds
34 - 43 kg
74 - 95 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
8 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
14 - 15
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Stephens' Stock Mountain Cur Little black dog Little Darkies
Deerhound
Colors Available:
Black or dark gray; white markings may appear on the neck, and feet , chest
gray, brindle, red, Blue, fawn, yellow
Coat:
Short, smooth/rough outer coat; short, dense, soft undercoat
wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful
Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
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. Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Scottish Deerhound vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  28. Scottish Deerhound vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  29. Scottish Deerhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  30. Scottish Deerhound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  31. Scottish Deerhound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Scottish Deerhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Scottish Deerhound vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Scottish Deerhound vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  35. Scottish Deerhound vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Scottish Deerhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  37. Scottish Deerhound vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  38. Scottish Deerhound vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  39. Scottish Deerhound vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  40. Scottish Deerhound vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Scottish Deerhound vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  42. Scottish Deerhound vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  43. Scottish Deerhound vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Scottish Deerhound vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  45. Scottish Deerhound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  46. Scottish Deerhound vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds