I have 2 big boys nad then my little boy, Diesel. I must admit I love my big dogs, and always says its not a real dog unless it is BIG LOL. I do love Diesel to death and his attitude make up for his size. I cant say a small breed is harder or easier to raise, its pretty much split. There are things that i cant stand about small breeds and then there are things I love about owning one. But I will say I will NEVER own a dog as small as Diesel [2 lbs], just way too many health problems. One of the things I dont like is Diesel isnt good with my Youngest Daughter, he isnt mean but its not like with the bigger Dogs. If she wants to pet him I have to hold him for her and I have to always make sure he is picked up when she rides her bikes or her little Jeep. But then there is the holding him, the loving he gives me, and how he follows me everywhere, and he is easy to travel with. But I will say, I will never trade my big dogs for a small one, and after Diesel is gone, I will probably never own another small breed LOL