I'll add that as a breeder, aside from the hard work and expense put into the line (or even just that breeding), there's a tremendous amount of emotion invested as well. I think most of the breeders I know are loving people who would rather give the puppy to a loving family as a pet than sell it for big bucks to someone who would breed it over and over.
Neutered pets live longer than unneutered pets, and as somebody who's lost a dam in a c-section, I can testify that the decision to breed can have haunting consequences. It's bad enough wondering if all the pups you've brought into the world are somewhere warm and happy and loved. We do our best to keep close tabs on them because it relieves that anxiety. But once you get into another whole generation, over which you've had zero control of placement? Wow -- that is REALLY anxiety-making. Fortunately it hasn't been a concern of mine yet.
But I know many breeders who've gotten a call that a grandpup of one of their dogs is in rescue (or worse) and they're just sick about it, because they feel morally bound to that pup. Sure they can step in and help out, but it makes you worry about the phone calls you're NOT getting.
