I first saw a BMH when I did my level 1 & 2 at South Ayrshire Stalking. A calm dog out on a stalk, very much indicating the presence of unseen deer but with a slightly stubborn attitude. A fairly power almost dobermann look to his body. I really took to this dog and as I knew that as I was going to be retiring shortly after that and would be spending a great deal of my time stalking and I had the time, commitment and the work for one of these dogs I wanted one. (I was already convinced as to the need for an on the spot deer dog). I believe the three of these conditions are essential with a BMH especially the last.
I did a good bit of research as to breeders and through this contacted Mark and Alison Montgomery at Paintandpins. IMO both very knowledgeable of the breed. I decided to wait it out to obtain one of their pups to ensure that what I was starting with had the best possible chance of being a good deer dog.
Dec last year I took possession of my pup.I have a good bit of experience in training and handling GSDs for tracking as I used to do trialling but I was a bit surprised by the breeders advice to get this very young pup tracking early. I was rightly advised, these dogs, even as very young pups having been conditioned by the breeder to see deer blood as a good thing are just made to track. BUT (and I'm putting my tin hat on here) I think this is a point well worth considering by any person thinking of a BMH, they are not like a spaniel or lab that you can do various exercises with like retrieving, hunting etc, BMHs are tracking dogs and if you don't have a regular (i.e. out stalking often) use for one IMO you maybe better with a lab or similar.
My dog is a very good tracking dog and in the year I have had him has located several finds shot either by myself or others. He is very calm on stalks and will sit quietly at a high seat, responds well to hand signals, is steady in the presence of deer, steady to shot and has very quickly established himself as my right hand man. He is an intelligent dog with an independent/stubborn streak but when a successful track comes down to him I believe you want these attributes. At home he pesters the life out of my spaniels, can get up to mischief fairly easily, can be noisy and can act the clown but take him stalking he is a different dog. He is a very loyal dog. Obedience training is at times on his terms but you do get there.
Any person who buys one of this breed as a fashion accessory is fooling themselves. These dogs need time, commitment, patience and a good working home. I certainly would not part with mine but they are not a dog for all stalkers.