I have a beagle, which I guess is a medium sized dog. I think her size is perfect. She's the biggest dog I've had though, since before her my family had 4 toy poodles and a maltese lol.
I grew up with big dogs only and I am tired of them in the nicest way possible. They require a lot more upkeep and generate a lot more to clean up (even just with shedding) than smaller dogs. I like having bigger dogs for protection though, I feel so much safer having a german shepherd in my yard than I would without one. lol.
But, as a non-dog person, I think smaller dogs are way cuter and work better with my schedule, as I already have to take care of many other animals every day.
I'm partial to giant breeds and wrinkly ones.
So, if have to be small, shar pei, english bulldogs, pugs, frenchies...
Giant - Mastiff (<3), Great Dane, Giant Schnauzer
I like both but the bigger the better, I have one good boy who is 100 some pounds who thinks he’s a lap dog. I love being smooshed by him! He’s the biggest baby!