I personally think a bond should be well before it's working life, some bonds are real strong others not so, but still a bond.
When you have created whatever bond is available with said mutt, and you train it,enter it and it may become a good dog, you grow to like it more but that's more to do with respect for working ability not a bond.
I find bitches far too needy, I just prefer dogs they seem easier going and will want to be with you but also easier to leave be too. That's just my opinion