I love dogs, big and small. I personally think it’s a mistake to look for validation of manhood in a dog. A strong man doesn’t need a 4x4, or a fierce breed of dog, to be strong.
When Bush was president, his military was the biggest, meanest dog on the block.
I don’t think of in terms of validation of masculinity. It’s more of a style thing, I suppose. I just think a man looks silly with a wimpy little dog.