The problem is not the well-bred dogs, although I am into performance sports rather than conformation. The problem is puppy mills, not hobby/sport breeders, who may have two litters from a bitch before spaying her and placing her in her retirement home. Reputable breeders have limited registration, neuter-spay agreements, buyback provisions, and interview prospective buyers and check up on their pups from time to time. I'm still in contact with the breeder of my 11 year old chocolate Lab, who has a wall full of obedience, agility, and retrieving ribbons, perfect health, and a great temperament. You're unlikely to get that sort of quality at random.
And nobody makes money on hobby breeding -- you get bragging rights, and you get some of your money back by selling the pups.
“Reputable breeders have limited registration, neuter-spay agreements, buyback provisions, and interview prospective buyers and check up on their pups from time to time.”
That is exactly how it should be done. But there’s a tendency among the slack jawed yokel faction to bristle at any of that particularly when several breeds of pups go for upwards of $1,000 each. And its not as if they bear the cost to the surrounding neighborhood either. Meanwhile the shelters are full with plenty of dogs being put down every day. As someone who loves dogs I don’t see the need to “buy” one when you can, at a fraction of the cost, save one. (Obvious exception of dog competitions as you mentioned)