According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they are also the most popular dog breed in the United States.
Connecting with Animals" Sally Morgan, "many children have grown up sleeping with their heads nestled against these family-friendly breeds,"
"Their gentle demeanor and genuine fondness for people make them ideal therapy dogs."
Morgan explains that these dogs "love to play fetch in the yard, love to swim, and love to romp with children" .
Although it is difficult to determine the order of most popular dog breeds, golden retrievers are towards the top.
The golden retriever was also mentioned as one of the nicest dog breeds by almost every professional we consulted.
"Goldens seem to never quite grow up and always keep the happy-go-lucky attitude of young puppies."
The golden retriever is Jim D. Carlson's favorite dog breed after 21 years as a veterinarian.