> Everyone I have e-mailed do require $500 deposit
Not sure about over there but its a contentious issue about parting with money over here.
They aren't a breed which we hear or see much of over here.
> plus extra for ears
Please don't get a dog which has had his ears cropped, its not needed, there is no reason to ever have this done to a dog...I know its all the rage in Northern America, but other than its what people do there is no benefit to the dog at all!!
As for breeders i'd be so very careful and would be checking out as many as I could and seeing how their dogs react around you. The breed is not one to mess about with so you need to make sure that the breeder is a good one in the flesh..
Is there a breed club you could ask advice from?