I love golden retrievers, especially when they are puppies! They are so darn cute! 
I agree, in my experience they are very nice looking dogs. I heard they were bred as gun dogs to retrieve shot ducks and game birds.
Really? That is interesting! I know they are great with kids! 
Yes, I believe even the name retriever stems from them retrieving shot game undamaged. Still, I agree they do well with children.