Big dogs vs small dogs?

Very interesting thread...after scanning all the opinions, I think I would have to definitely agree with one thing that was mentioned. I never realized this before getting my own little dog (11 lbs) - but it definitely is a challenge to get other people to view your dog as a "dog" and not a "small cute little animal that should be cuddled and/or laughed at". One of the most frustrating experiences I've ever had was to have a stranger lunge at my dog ("playfully") and then to laugh and lunge at her again when she got scared and barked because she was "such a tough little dog" (actual sarcastic quote by stranger). All this happened within a matter of seconds and I was quick to put a stop to it, but the "damage" had probably already been done.
 
People do orient themselves differently to little vs. big dogs - they think it's "cute" and "challenging" to have a little dog "act tough" when in reality if the same actions were to come from a big dog, that same person wouldn't react the same way. Even in obedience or other classes, people will approach my little dog differently than bigger dogs, and in a way that makes her uncomfortable (looming over her, immediately trying to grab her). This is not typically the way people would or even could approach a big dog. So, in conclusion to my long essay (sorry), it has sort of been my duty to make sure she isn't treated this way. It seems from a small dog's point of view, that they are typically approach in a more confrontational manner than bigger dogs might be.
 
But for big vs. small dogs - I love them all. Just happened to pick a small one this time. But I can't take my eyes off Mastiffs or Dobermans at the dog park - just love them. Lucy was behind a B. Mountain dog at the park once - I think she thought it was a bush until it moved and she was startled. []

it definitely is a challenge to get other people to view your dog as a "dog" and not a "small cute little animal that should be cuddled and/or laughed at". One of the most frustrating experiences I've ever had was to have a stranger lunge at my dog ("playfully") and then to laugh and lunge at her again when she got scared and barked because she was "such a tough little dog" (actual sarcastic quote by stranger). All this happened within a matter of seconds and I was quick to put a stop to it, but the "damage" had probably already been done

 
Yes! One of my best friends loves to scare Bailey. He  will suddenly lundge at her and go Oh my god! Bailey gets scared and she barks and pees all oer because he keeps scarin gher..and he will just be like eww. I try to get her to be friendly with him and lately I have been using the excuse "please dont make her pee!" it is annoying though because playing with her is one thing but when a person who does not live here tries to play rough with her it scares her.

they think it's "cute" and "challenging" to have a little dog "act tough" when in reality if the same actions were to come from a big dog, that same person wouldn't react the same way.

 
Long time, no see. You make the exact point I've made before. Out there in the uneducated masses, what people find "cute" in a toy dog would scare the crap out of them in a big dog. I've had people ask me if Shadow bites. But I doubt they ask that of little dogs. I know I never have asked the owner of a little dog if that dog bites. But then, I don't ask, in general. Any dog can bite, regardless of size. I meet any dog, regardless of size, with the proper distance, stance, and respect they deserve. Maybe because I know a little about how a dog thinks. We take our time before introductions. Once I see the dog is relaxed, then I given the canine translation of "howdy."
 
Little kids, OTOH, don't know any better. Any dog, regardless of size, is "puppy." And suitable to grab and mangle like a stuffed toy. The last few times in public, I've had to educate someone else's kid about how to approach a dog. And if Shadow still doesn't want the attention, I break it off and say, "Maybe, next time." And he is good with kids. He grew up playing with our friend's grandchildren. There's a few kids in our little town he immediately warms to.
 
As a small child, I was once frightened by a friendly GSD. The owner had him perfectly trained and he would never harm a child and I got to know him. Another time, I was chased by someone's loose, ill-trained Dobie. But I got over it.
 
To kind of borrow from Mudpuppy, if a person can train and lead a 1,500 lb horse with sharp hooves, then I think I can handle a 26 in. tall, 62 lb dog. It's in the training.
 
Or Glenda, not as tall as an amazon woman, managing 6 GSDs. It's in the training. Our friend with the grandkids. She has a Great Pyrenees who will be 140 lbs when grown. She started training the day she got her home at 10 weeks. No harsh methods, just consistent expectation of obedience.