Though initially BMDs may appear to be the ideal pet there are disadvantages! The following are some points that require thought and considerations before you bring a BMD into your home:

Responsibility - Before bringing a BMD into your family, every family member should be willing to accept responsibility for the needs of the dog. We believe owning a BMD is for life-if you think they are disposable, please consider buying a stuffed animal. Size - BMDs are a large breed. Males range in height from 24"-28" at the shoulder and weigh from 85-120 pounds. Females stand from 23"- 26" and weigh between 65-100 pounds.

BMDs have active tails that can make clean sweeps of tables. Uncluttered houses and yards are a must. BMDs need human companionship -They can not be confined in isolation for long periods and must be made a part of the family. Due to their size and heavy black coat, BMDs require shelter from inclement weather (hot summer sun for example) ~ a shady retreat with plenty of fresh water at all times is a must if the BMD is to spend any time outdoors.

Exercise - BMDs need consistent daily exercise (30 minutes a day is usually sufficient). If not they may have trouble in adjusting to the calm house pet role that most owners expect. Remember if you are looking for a dog to jog with you 365 days a year this is not the breed for you.

Grooming - BMDs are long and double coated and blow their coats usually twice a year. Because of their coat brushing every few days is to your advantage. Bathing, brushing their coat and teeth, and trimming nails are basic regular requirements. If you require a fastidiously kept house, don't get a BMD. There will ALWAYS be dog hair around, especially on rugs, furniture and, oh yes, in your food! All family members should visit with BMDs before bringing one into your home to make sure no one is allergic to BMD fur.

Health and Care - Hip and elbow dysplasia and cancer are concerns for all BMD owners. Most breeds have some of these conditions, and some BMDs will never have these problems, but we think it best for you to know the worst. If you want more information about these conditions, please contact us and we will help you. Veterinary care is important with yearly routine examinations, yearly vaccines, heartworm and parasite checks and heartworm preventative medication. Feeding one dog for a year will cost approximately $300 to $400, depending on the type of food and any supplementation provided. Veterinary expenses for the first year (puppy) will be between $100 and $400, depending on the veterinarian chosen and the locale. Though many expenses are hidden in other bills (food, dishes, leashes, collars, treats, brushes, shampoos, training classes and toys), they exist!

Training - Everyone owning a BMD should make their dog a good canine citizen. A good beginner course costs between $45. and $75. Moreover BMDs tend to be sensitive or soft in many situations They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm but nonetheless gentle hand. An obedience course is a must for a dog of this size, but it must be one that focuses on positive reinforcement -not harsh corrections.

Guarding - Though BMDs may bark and growl defensively it is not instinctive for them to attack. BMDs can be protective of family and property, but if you are looking for a vicious guard dog, look to another breed.

Fencing - A fenced yard is ideal with fencing at a minimum of four to five feet high. A BMD should not run at large and become a public nuisance.

Addiction - Very few people own only one BMD. We simply find them habit forming. They are not cheaper by the dozen, however, and two BMDs cannot live as cheaply as one , and so on, and so on.