RE: How does one find good breeders?
as a breeder and trainer the course of action I would recommend is to take your time and research: check all health avenues, eye's, ears, teeth, hips, elbows, skin & genetic diseases. look for bloodlines with something to offer FC, AFC, JH, SH, MH etc. talk to more than one breeder, look at the parents, do they hunt? what ablility level are they at? how often are they hunted?
what are you looking at for a dog? on in the field off at home? high preformance? mellow?
The thing I run into most is someone looking for something right now...if you really want a good dog, take your time.