They are the best breed on the planet. And they fit your requirements to a tee.

They are smart, extremely loyal, easy to train, big booming protective bark when they have to (not yappy), and GREAT for families. My goldens literally allow kids to crawl all over them and the worst they do is lick the kid's face.

They are also great for active people. My golden Laci runs and hikes with me all the time.

Labs are good, but can be more high energy and high strung than golden retrievers. My goldens follow me around and fall asleep in whatever room I am, while the lab demanded far more attention and activity, all the time.

Golden retrievers are happy to sleep at your feet and be all mellow when you want them to be, or hike a mountain a mountain with you and swim in the lake at your side.

And come on - how can you resist this?!! I ask you!!