If all breeders were more selective about who they sold to and would thoroughly educate prospective buyers it would help tremendously. I know many of the breeders here do that, but that is a small segment of all the breeders out there. I can't tell you how many people I run into who have GSDs and well are over their heads for one reason or another. The average person isn't willing to learn nor take the time to do what is necessary with their dog in order to have a well-mannered pet. Let's face it, the large majority of the European GSDs need a job (some American GSDs do too) and aren't content being only "pets". After all, they are working breed! Then of course there are the numerous potential health issues that can cost a fortune to deal with. The average person is looking for a family companion, not a high drive sport dog.  They see the "cool" GSD on the movie "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and they want one. Unless educated, they are clueless as to what they are getting into. Dog owners can be real fools, but I still think the breeders should be held largely responsible for the high number of dogs in shelters and being euthanized. Again, I know many here are VERY responsible breeders who do health testing, educate your buyers, match the right pup with the buyer and take your dogs back when the buyers can't keep them. Kudos to all of you! If all breeders were like  you we wouldn't have all the GSDs in shelters on death row.