golden retrievers are AWESOME dogs to have! Generally, they're incredibly loyal, and are wonderful with kids.
Tips: they behave like puppies for at least 2 years... Don't expect them to outgrow some of their behaviors too soon.
Also, they are very prone to over-eating. Be careful how much you feed him/her. Also it seems that I've heard a lot of stories about how they're more likely to steal food than other dogs.. (I have a golden, and remember thinking, "ahh, I'm not alone" when I brought in the groceries and stood there wondering where I put the loaf of bread.)