We bought Viper at 4 months old. He is not being shown in conformation anymore, as he was not enjoying hmself. Viper is a loaner, wanting to just "hang" with the group, but not over excited about being handled. But put a harness on him and you have a whole other dog!! He currently runs single/double lead as well as in team. I am working him slowly . He is well socialized and can be taken in a crowd easily, but running the trails is his SOLE purpose in life as far as he is concerned:)