That's a matter of personal preference. I run 2 packs, my A pack runs a speed 8.5 and my B pack runs a speed 7. It's enough of a difference that I won't run them together. I'm not sure what the cover/terrain is like up there but that will also dictate what speed you could run. In Central & Northern VA where I mostly hunt, SPO hounds (med. speed) are the most popular due to the terrain. In heavy cutovers orhuge tracts of land where you need dog power & speed to bring the rabbit back, I'd recommend a faster stronger style dog.