I understand what your saying but dont agree that they need to be around large dogs to be socialized. Mine are around small dogs all the time and that is all they need. There are plenty of dog parks with small dog sections. Anyway it is my choice not to have mine around large dogs. Its for their safety

Chachi, this is exactly how I feel...I've got the 2 big ones, but, when the little ones go out for their run, the 2 big ones are in their dog run..I know neither of my 2 big ones would hurt them on purpose, but, even playing, one big paw on these little ones could seriously hurt them or kill them..I will hold Ginger and let them come over and smell her, but, I won't put Ginger down by them..just not worth it to take that chance

I live in the country and NEVER do I let my babies out of my sight or out of reaching distance. Too many stray dogs, too many hawks.

I fully agree that there must be a happy medium, and as I mentioned earlier, I'm not nearly as protective/worried about Sparkle who is 9 lbs. My dogs do interact with a couple of large dogs.... but only those who I know well and only with me RIGHT THERE. Even in play a large dog paw slamming down on 3 lb. Tyke could break his back, legs etc. etc. and I don't even want to think about how quickly things could go wrong if teeth were involved.
When you consider that there are Guinea pigs, or 9 wk. old kittens, that weigh as much or more than my dog, it helps put things into persepective.
Also, having experienced first hand two separate attacks by bigger dogs, it's just not something I want to take chances with.
I too have seen small dogs interacting badly in situatiions with other dogs, yapping aggressively, straining at the leash, etc. etc. This may indeed, be lack of socialization, but from what I've observed, it's just as often lack of discipline from the owner.
Excluding the emotional factor in attacks by other dogs, the expense is horrendous. Just as an example. Last Dec. Tyke, Sparkle and I were sharing the recliner and we all drifted off. The phone rang next to us and Tyke leaped straight up in the air, then rolled off my lap. He landed awkwardly.. screaming.
You guessed it, a broken leg. His regular vet wouldn't touch it because his size makes him a huge anesthetic risk. Off we went to the Ontario Veterinary College where they put a plate (the size of a microchip) in his leg. By the time all was said and done...that episode cost me $3000.00 dollars, most of which I had to borrow. It completely cleaned me out financially and I had to spend the next 4 - 5 mos. scrambling to catch up.
Just from that point alone, I sure as heck wouldn't want to take ANY risks that could be avoided.
I often do casual boarding and take in dogs of all shapes and sizes. Tyke is allowed to sniff them through the baby gate and, depending on the dog, it's size, temperament, activity levels is SOMEtimes allowed to interact, but during those times, I stop whatever I'm doing and supervise.