I used to have a severe aversion to dogs smaller than my cats, because every one I met was a yapper or a nipper or both, often stank or had some hideous skin or eye goober condition, and seemed to have no proper dogginess to them.
Then I met The Festival Pekingese. I first saw this critter at a Bluegrass festival (where the size of the dog is in inverse proportions to the size of the owner's RV - we were no exception, having a teeny trailer and a huge dog). It looked pretty much like the business end of a dustmop, only made of smooth, shiny cream silk. She had perfect manners. She was a thoroughly friendly little thing, playful, patient, cuddly, and a thoroughly Good Dog. I've since run into her at a dozen other music events, and she actually remembers us and goes into full body wag when she sees us. She completely changed my mind on what small dogs can be.