as far as maturing, i mean in the way they work. at 6 months what is their interest if any in a coon. I dont care about titles as I have seen a friend of mine bought a ni champ I believe and it was just a me too dog. I dont mind to travel either my whole reason for wanting a brokie dog is that my son is coming of age that he is getting in to hunting as well as dogs.(I train protection dogs as well) I want to get a dog that dont have to be trained just something I can take in the woods that will do his job. I think that when the time comes I will end up travelling to get one because with the luck i have had I will be going on a hunt with that dog fore I swap any money and they better show me something. thanks for the tips nyhunter if you ever have a good dog for sale let me know, the timing just might work out.