im thinking about getting a golden retriever, do you know anything about them ?
I certainly do, I have two of them myself.  They were originally bred as gun-dogs to retrieve waterfowl during hunting, but the closest mine get to that is playing fetch on a long hike, hahaha.
haha, so i take it they are real playful? how are they around kids ?
They are phenomenal family dogs!  They are gentle and loyal, so they aren't super protective, but really great with kids.
oh thats good, what else can you tell me about them ?
One thing I can tell you is that if you don't have a good vacuum you will need to get one.  They shed an unbelievable amount, like you will be surprised they aren't bald they shed so much, so be prepared.
hrmmm maybe i should look at getting a boxer or something instead
I think you might be sorry if you end up passing on it just because of the shedding.  I think it is the best dog out there, just get in a fenced in yard and leave it out there most of the time.  Kids love going out to play with the dog in the yard anyway.
its something i have to consider 
Absolutely, but either way, they blend so well into the family.  Whether you live in an urban, uburban, or country setting the dog will get along just fine.