“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)
I know plenty of decent country folk who know the value of a top-drawer hunting dog and are happy to pay for what they get. They treat those dogs like members of the family as well as a substantial investment. And the dogs repay the kindness by bringing home plenty of meat for the table.
They are not the problem.
It took me over a year to find a sort-of-mostly collie or sheltie at a shelter. All any shelter within 30 miles of me had were pit mixes and hounds. I wanted one that at least looked kinda-like a Terhune dog.