First and foremost, all dogs are great dogs. However, over the decades, small dog breeds have begun to gain a somewhat bad reputation. Toy chihuahuas are seen as shivering rats. Pugs are usually described as ugly and smelly. Then pomeranians and shih tzus are associated with the rich and snobby. All of them have an annoyingly high pitched bark and have a tendency to attack furiously, according to various social media posts.

Honestly, the only small dog breed that might be acceptable to the public is the dachshund simply because of the ability to dress them up as hot dogs, but I digress. Small dogs deserve just as much love and affection as medium and big dog breeds.

In fact, one reason why small dogs are great is that in choosing a small breed, you get smaller messes. Smaller dogs have smaller meals and, of course, have smaller droppings. Along with this, while their puppies, dogs will teeth on furniture and can destroy pretty much anything within their reach. With small dogs, the most you’ll get are miniscule bite marks and maybe a spare tissue going missing.

And while you’re cleaning up the shredded remains of said tissue, you might notice the fact that you haven’t really had to vacuum or sweep a whole lot of fur. While there are plenty of bigger dog breeds that are hypoallergenic, you’ll find that many dog lovers would recommend smaller breeds such as a miniature schnauzer, Maltese, Yorkshire terrier or Italian greyhound.

Another reason for why these compact companions deserve more appreciation is just that: they are compact. Along with being low maintenance, it doesn’t require a whole lot of effort to carry them from point A to point B. For those who are always on the move, bigger dog breeds might be a hassle as you’ll either have to use a bigger carrier, keep them on a leash or walk them.

With small dogs, the whole trope of them being able to sit in a purse is real, and while I personally wouldn’t recommend doing it, it’s proof of how easy they are to integrate into your daily routine. Should they break into a run, as many dogs will when they find something to hunt down, they are much easier to catch as well.

If you’re not very active, though, and would much rather stay in and relax in a pile of blankets, small dog breeds make great cuddle buddies. While the massive teddy bears that are bigger, fluffier breeds such as old English sheepdogs, Tibetan mastiffs and Bernese mountain dogs are great, small dogs don’t take up a whole lot of space and are totally willing to just curl up by your side to nap and keep warm.

Finally, while it may seem like I’m trying to present small dog breeds as superior, I’m just trying to show that small dogs deserve just as much love as big dog breeds do. Adopting a dog is a big responsibility, but no matter what breed you pick, they are sure to be a loving friend until the end.

Whether it’s a chihuahua or German Shepherd, you’ll be getting the same amount of love, the same amount of loyalty and even the same ferocious need to protect their owners. Any breed will require training and some small dogs are easier to train than big dogs. At the same time, some big dogs have better temperments than small dogs.

In any case, if you’re looking for the gift that truly gives back or want to make a dog’s day, why not go to the local pound or shelter this season? Meet the little guy or girl who might just make the biggest impact on your life.