No doubt, IF YOU ARE LUCKY, you can get a good dog at a pound. But think of it this way. Most responsible, reputable breeders have a checklist of things they expect from a potential buyer. AND, generally, these type of breeders ask a good ammount of money for their pups. Generally, the type of hunter/buyer who gets a good dog from one of these breeders isn't going to turn the dog over to a pound or shelter. This isn't a guaruntee that you will ALWAYS get a better dog from the responsible breeder. We are talking about animals. It just happens more often that you do.
Now, there are lots of the "backyard breeders that have given absolutly no thought to their breeding.
"Gee, I have a male and a femal dog, lets breed them."
Not even knowing if there are any health issues, and not bothering to check.
"Hey, we can sell the puppies for a couplle hundred bucks for some quick cash."
THESE are the dogs that usually end up in the pound. Nobody has tried to breed for a certain temperament, and activity level. AND THESE are the dogs that GENERALLY don't do as well hunting. I know, not always the case, but more times than not. They came from parents that don't hunt, and other backyard breeders. That isn't to say that you can't get a good bird dog from the backyard breeder, though you have no guaruntee. Most good breeders will give you a guaruntee that their pups will point, or retreive, ....etc something that the breed is known for.
NOW, with all that being said, you can find great dogs for family pets at the pound or shelter. Some of the best pets are the "heinz 57" dogs.

There will always be exceptions to this in all departments.


P.S.

Still debating the English Setter vs. the GSP.