One thing to keep in mind is that under the new monster generation rules, you are much less likely to see a blink dog at higher DL areas. The odds of seeing one below Dwarftown, for example, are probably pretty slim.
Assuming you aren't going for ultra, when to get crowned depends a lot on class, IMHO. If you're playing something where the options for crowning gifts are pretty good (beastfighter or paladin for example), then it's probably worth trying to get it as soon as you can. If you're playing like a ranger or something, you may as well hold off to try to ensure you at least get a decent immunity.
[edit]Yes, crowning gift is determined at creation.
Hoping to win with every class, doomed. Archer, Barbarian, Bard, Beastfighter, Druid, Elementalist, Farmer, Fighter, Monk, and ULE Priest down.