Everything you read says that Golden Retrievers and Laborador Retrievers are excellent dogs for children. Both of my goldens absolutely love my daughter. But I will say that one is very protective of us, very skittish in general. She does not do well around too many people, children or adults. Once she knows you, she is fine. We don't know what caused this behavior as we have had her since she was six weeks old and have never done anything to frighten her. We just recognize her limits and never put her in a situation where she could potentially hurt someone. She has never bitten anyone, but did growl at a little boy once when he was petting her. I just try to be very careful!