Ladymom,
That is ACR not ACA
ACA site
Welcome ACA American Canine Association
To the OP
Saying that all AKC breeders are snotty is no more correct then
saying all
Missouri breeders are BYB or Mills.
All Show Breeders are snobs.
All USDA breeders are bad.
It's not the case.
While all registries have their pit falls.
It important to remember to trust the person you are dealing with.
Fancy websites mean little now days.
(lurking behind some of these fancy sites could be a bad person).
It’s always best to see the dog first hand and the conditions it’s kept in.
Look for someone who is knowledgeable about the breed.
A breeder who claims to have been breeding for years means little if they have no love for the breed.
And dogs are used as just a way to make a living.
Look for a person breeding for health, conformation and
a general all around well structured dog.
One with good references.
Remember a breeder with nothing to hide will not mind you asking several questions.
Will tell you of any problems they have had and what was done to correct it.
They should also want to know all about you and you goals towards the breed.
It’s also nice to have a support system with your breeder, to help get you through your first few whelpings and any problems that pop up.
Sometimes finding that special near perfect dog takes awhile.
Studying the breed and the health issues is one of the main points to help you in find a nice dog.