Pedigree'd Personalities?

I have a quick thought...(Psyche--as if I am ever quick) that I'd like to offer to the great nonethingness. Should one pay for an animal, that is to be a pet? Isn't a pet something to be loved for its personality, not it's pedigree? I don't know a lot of people that are these pedigree snobs so I'm very curious after hearing one of my co-workers brag about the cost of her dog. A dog, that she keeps crated in her home over 75% of the time to hear her speak. Have our pets become another extension to prove who we are in society?