lizbud,
Good point.

As we can see from your post not only responsible breeders
use the internet so do a lot of bad apples too.

Suggestions to weed out bad breeders:

1: contact the local breed clubs, reputable breed rescues and join a
large breed pacific e-mail list. You will soon learn who are the reputable breeders are.
You can also attend local dog shows to talk to varies breeders, but
still do the above.