I have to admit that, although I've come across many cute and lovable smaller dog breeds, my heart remains firmly in the large dog breed camp. I do understand that for many people their living arrangements don't allow them to have a large dog, with its accompanying need for exercise.

I'll look at small dog breeds in the next post but right now here are my 5 favorite large dog breeds.

The Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is elegance personified.

This unique, ancient dog breed has an appearance quite unlike any other.

The Afghan Hound has a dramatic silky coat and what could be described as an exotic face.

Its thin build and elegant, prancing walk remind you of nothing less than a top fashion-model strutting his or her stuff on the catwalk. As well as looking beautiful, Afghan enthusiasts describe their pet as both aloof and comical.

Hailing from Afghanistan, where the original name for the breed was Tazi, the Afghan is thought to date back to the pre-Christian era and is considered one of the oldest breeds of dog still contemporary.

There are plenty of people who love dogs but who think they can't have one because they cause them to break into a rash and a fit of sneezing.

These reactions are caused by fine hairs that the animal has shed floating in the air and being breathed in to irritate sensitive nasal and other membranes.

And there are plenty of other, non allergic people who just get sick of cleaning up the constant supply of dog hair from indoor and outdoor furniture. Especially fur that seems to go out of its way to combine with cobwebs to create a major cleaning chore.

Both of these issues can be solved by choosing the right breed of dog in the first place. Here are some non-shedding dogs reviewed:

Reminder: Training Essentials

In the previous post, I listed the training essentials as:

• Don't pee or poop inside the house
• Come when you're called - every time and right now
• Don't jump up on people
• Don't bite
• Sit on command
• Stay on command
• Walk alongside, both on and off the leash
• Don't strain against the leash.
• Leave (don't pick up that thing or drop it if you already have). Note that "drop" means go from sitting to lying down but I don't regard it as an essential.

and covered the first two.

In this article, I'll go over the next four.

Training Essentials

Unless you're planning to join the circus, you really don't need your dog to jump through flaming hoops, walk on its hind legs or even roll over on command.

But there are some essentials that are really, really important and the sooner you start on this training, the better it is all round.

You'll be happier and so will your new puppy.

The Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

A number of different studies done by medical professionals have come to the conclusion that owning a pet improves the owner's health in many ways.

A dog tops the list because of its love of exercise and the unquestioning devotion that it gives you.

A companion that loves walking and running can inspire you to do the same. Almost all dog owners get more exercise than they would otherwise. This comes from running with the dog, walking on the beach and throwing a stick (over and over).

I love hearing from my visitors and always reply as quickly as I can.

Please use the comment form below to get in touch with me.

If you have any comments about the site or any questions about dogs or other pets, just let me know and I'll answer as completely and honestly as I can.

If I need advice, I can always ask my best friend and companion, my black labrador Hamish.

Welcome to Best Dog Suppliers.

Hi I’m Pete your blogger, a young 48 year old guy who loves the simple things in life like family, friends, the outdoors, camping, sport and nature. I’ve always loved animals since I can remember, but I really have a passion for dogs. Is there a more loyal animal towards humans than our dogs?

That’s why I want the best information, training and products for my best mate Hamish the black Labrador and I want to share this with you.

I will be sharing interesting facts about dogs, how to train them to make their lives and yours more enjoyable, and where to get the best accessories and products for your dogs to help keep them happy, safe and comfortable, as for many of us they are family and deserve it.

Enjoy your dog's happiness.

Regards

Peter Duke