I would prefer that people didn't imply my dog was about to eat theirs and scoop it into their arms, etc. I spend a fair amount on dog food, no small dog supplements required.

Actually had a fab experience today. A lady with a TT pup asked if her dog could say hi to mine and we had a lovely chat without any sarcastic comments etc. I've had rather a few lovely walks this past week, must be the sunshine cheering everyone up! It does shock me a bit though when people are nice, I'm accustomed to them parting like the red seas and looking at me as though I'm walking a pride of lions.

I don't pick her up..... she can manage on her own....

She has been brought up with big dogs and is used to them... but not all small dogs are used to some furry one looming over them.

The same as not all big dogs are used to a little one whizzing in between their legs. That can be confusing too.

Don't really understand the argument here. Some owners can be a little over cautious. Molly was attacked by a rottie not long ago, shaken like a rag doll, but she still isn't undeterred by big dogs..... just like a big dog being bitten on the ankle by a little dog.

I must be a misery guts too as I didn;t like it when I used to get people saying this when I had Cherry and Parker and was out with them. I used to reply that actually they were well-behaved and had 2 obedience trophies between them. Then I would get them to do a few of their repertoire of tricks to show how well-trained they were!

I know EXACTLY how you feel - it's very tiresome isn't it! I get the exact same things with my two Rotties, and my JRT X, people "assume" all types of things, "Bet the Terrier's in charge of that lot!" is common - errr, no actually, they're all beautifully behaved and well socialised - thank you!

I used to retaliate with all types of comebacks, now I just don't bother, can't be asked with ignorant people. We know better than them.

Perhaps we all feel a little defensive if people imply our dogs aren't well behaved or well adjusted?
I pick one of mine up whenever we go past other larger dogs since being and lunged at twice once by a husky type dog and then some sort of water dog she's nervous around large breeds and unsurprisingly I don't want to bet her health on whether the other dog is well trained or has a good temperament. Perhaps her canapé size or body language triggers it? Who knows, I'd rather pick her up than stress everyone one out.

I always thought picking them up made them worse, and I guess...showed them they have something to be scared of?

Yes but as I said earlier, it wasn't that she picked the dog up, it was the fact that she actually stopped me on the way past just to say that.

Yes I agree it wasnt a sensitive comment to make but sometimes it's easy to make assumptions- I stress they are assumptions if you've had experience of common held misconception.
Yes picking them up can reinforce it but if the dog has to be dragged shaking past potential assailant number 3 then really every time you let them repeat the behaviour you reinforce that! Much better IMO to take them to an environment with guaranteed good experiences with large dogs like a training session.