When is what you see what you get?

X2. You should have a pretty good clue watch you got when the pups are 5 months old (gamey and grit and such) . You should have a better picture of what you got and where your going by 12 to 16 months ( nose, drive, grit, brains and such). By 2 years you should be really set in the direction your going and should be thinking about pairing that stuff up for future dogs.

Not all dogs start at the same time. Their are some "slow" starters that turn out to be great dogs. Sometimes patients can pay off, but most folks (including me) want a fast start'n pup. It's up to you on what you want, but there a lot of folks that waist a lot of time and dog food waiting for a two year old to mature......