I love tiny dogs; my current ones are a 6 lb. Malteses and a 4 lb. Chihuahua(I've had a number of Chihuahuas in my lifetime...all pretty true to type and truly small.) That said, I have also had and loved several large(not 'supersized', but considered large)dogs...including a Lab, a Rottie, a half-Rott, half-Dobie,a purebred Ridgeback(who was extra large for a female at 113 lbs. at her life's zenith). After I lost her at age 12 1/2 last year, I watched the rescue groups for MONTHS looking for another 'larger' dog with the qualities I want. I needed one with a little age, size, SHORT hair coat(just don't need anything else with a lot of 'FUR' that needs serious grooming to keep up!), and most of all, that would respect my present fencing AND be OK with my elderly small dogs(vitally important to me!)FINALLY found a purported? Ridgeback cross at Animal Humane, and she is working out VERY well! 1 1/2 yrs, 60 lbs.,already housebroken and w/ some bssic obedience...respects the fencing and OK w/ the 'tinies', though I don't leave her alone w/ them in the house because she does try to 'play', and is just too ROUGH for them! She is a goofball, loves to run BIG circles at TOP SPEED, just for the heck of it; also very vocal, growling and whining while doing her best to stand on her head(no kidding; if I can ever get a video, I plan to send it to 'America's Funniest HV'...it is hilarious to see!) She loves the minis; thinks they are other dogs, I believe, so I have to speak to her sometimes when she is trying to get one of them to play!
I have NEVER allowed my tiny dogs to go out to the barn, period...to me, it presents just too many hazards for them. They have a safely fenced back yard, plus the house, and they are quite content. I do let them go with me in the truck occasionally, when the weather is suitable, but have never taken them 'everywhere", though I might wish to if I had no other responsibilities when traveling. Having a dog along IS a big responsibility in itself, IMO.
I think it is VERY easy to be BOTH a big AND a small dog 'person', and I'd bet you'll love it! Let us know what you decide, OK? and best wishes!
Margo