Very true, and extremely well-said, Gypsy!! I see the results of this every day at our shelter, too. I can't tell you how many pure bred GSDs, Rottweilers, and labs I see all the time, not to mention chihuahuas, beagles, schnauzers, chows, great danes, rat terriers - you name it - we've had it. And, most of them - especially for the big dogs - are a result of owners bringing them in after they are not cute little puppies anymore, but big dogs that - SURPRISE - couldn't train themselves to go potty outside or were so bored from lack of attention they chewed up the furniture or dug a hole to china in their precious manicured backyard.
I have bit my tongue so much when people tell me how they had to "get rid of" their precious dog because of behavior problems or because he was too big. They always start off by saying "we loved him, but" or "he was a great dog, but.."
Excuse me? You LOVED him? Do you routinely abandon living creatures that you love to possibly die in a gas chamber within 24 hours because you can't take a little extra effort to train them to be a part of your family? Or spend a few extra dollars on an obedience class? Or a few hours online researching training techniques or alternatives to help him gel with your household??
Anyway, this topic struck a nerve with me - can you tell? There is no reason to let your dog get pregnant or breed ANY dog unless you are prepared to take on the responsibility of those puppies until they find a permanent, responsible home.
Kudos to each and every one of you on this list - whether you purchased your dog from a breeder or adopted from a rescue or shelter - I can tell by the conversations on here that you all are the shamfully rare elite who consider your dogs a family member and not posession to be disposed of when it's not convenient anymore.
