This is so interesting! I have 4 small dogs (5 temporarily) and one medium sized dog, but I would still be more tempted to approach a big dog's person and ask if I could pet rather than a small dog's person. And I love small dogs but some of them can be nippy.

I had Max and Opal (foster) out on Saturday. You can imagine two cute doxies and everyone wanted to pet them. I had to tell one little girls' dad that I would prefer she not pet them. She was bouncing around and both of the dogs were very scared at being in a new place. I was afraid they might snap and they were already trying to run away from her. Thank heavens her dad asked before she stuck her hand out. Max also does NOT do children. My sisters grandkids used to torment him until I found out about it.