Maybe you should listen to your son, those Goldens are wonderful dogs and very loyal, would probably protect your son with it's life. We have many golden people on here that can tell you all about them.
Personally I have small hairy dogs, Two Mini Schnauzers, we love them very much but they can be very independent, some like children and some don't and they don't always get along with other dogs. It depends on the personality of the Schnauzer, and you really can't tell that until you have one for a while. Of course we wouldn't trade them for anything.
I'm sure you will have plenty of people on here who will be glad to give you advice, but your son is right the Goldens are a wonderful dog.
Jackie