I don't think you should let paranoia take over having fun with your pup. Yes, it is our job to protect them, but honestly that comes with ANY dog. And while size can be a difference with some things, it's overall not THAT big of a deal. I am actually dogsitting right now, there is 5 yorkies here plus my own, all ranging from 3lbs-18lbs. None of them are honestly any different other than needing stairs to get on the bed. They all jump off the bed, they all go out in the fenced in yard together, they all play fine together, etc. I haven't found a difference in watching these dogs than dogsitting for bigger dogs, other than when they jump on me, it hurts worse! LOL... but overall, they're
dogs.
Health issues get brought up on the forum a lot because usually when people go googling issues, they find this forum, join and ask a question, etc. I think more people go seeking a place like this when they have a problem vs. just wanting to talk. You can go on any other dog forum and find the same thing. Goldens and Labs are plagued by cancer and Hip Displaysia, etc.
You will have different issues with each size dog. But overall, even though they're all individuals, they're all dogs. And you have to let them BE that.
Do I worry on our walks about loose dogs? Of course I do. I honestly probably would still worry if I had a big dog. At least with a small dog, you can lift them up to safety easily. I only let him around bigger dogs that I know, or read the dogs body language first, etc. But again, honestly, this is probably a precaution I would take even with a big dog.
Enjoy your dog -- don't worry too much!! They're a whole heck of a lot of fun.