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They're also bred for appearance at the expense of health. AKC German Shepherds can no longer be used as search and rescue dogs, due to a hip deformity which has been bred in for appearance. As a result, search and rescue German Shepherds must be imported from Europe, where this sort of idiocy hasn't completely overrun the world of dog breding.

In some respects I agree with your post. There is a lot of breeding at the expense of health. The worst breeders in this regard however are people who breed "muffy" in hopes of getting another just like her. Casual dog breeders rarely have any idea that they should even test for genetic problems much less not breed a dog that has them.

The real problem with people not breeding for health is the buying public. It's not a consideration when faced with buying a dog. People think about health only after they get the dog. Then they care about health; then it's too late.

American GSD's can do S&R, it just depends on the interests of the owner.