What is a Golden Retriever??? I have been asked this many times and how to look for a quality bred one.
I put together this very brief summary of what a Golden is!
I hope you like it!

Golden's are a sporting dog meaning they were bred to be a hunters companion in the field while the hunter shot down his game birds. The golden would then be sent to Retrieve the birds. They were so named Golden for their coloring and retriever for the job they performed.
Golden's were also bred to be the hunter's companion not only in the field but at home too with the family.
Their sweet nature and beautiful look & intelligence has made them one the most sought after breeds now for a family and it's an excellent choice too. In my opinion. :)
If the Golden's was properly bred then you will have a wonderful new addition to your family.
Golden are easily trained as pups but do need obedience training to ensure you don't have a bored and distructive dog.
Golden's do need a fair amout of excersise too. Golden's are a mouthy breed meaning they love to carry things in their mouths. This is part of their nature. They need to taught what is and what isnt approiate to chew on and to be taught that nipping and mouthing of our hands and feet is not allowed. This is where puppy obedience plays a very big role.
If you ever consider a Golden for your family it is very wise to look for a very reputable breeder who does all the right health testing on both the dam and the sire. Test include OFA hips & elbows, heart screening, thyroid screening, & eyes. A breeder who does temperment testing on their pups to help you when choosing exactly the right pup for your family.
A breeder who does all this and probably even more will bring the cost of a well bred pup up but in the long run will be very much worth the extra money spent in future vet bills.

Golden do go through a 2 sheds a year when an adult. One in the spring and again in the fall. if your very good about brushing the dog then these can even be handled quite easily. Good nutrician play a big role in the amount of shedding you will see with this breed!
Golden excell in swimming, as a hunting dog, Therapy dog, also as a service dog, agility dog, or just to be your best friend.

Golden come in various shades of Goldens from a very dark Golden coloring to a very light coloring.
The Golden is my avatar is considered a Med.Colored Golden. I also own 2 other Golden who are much lighter in coloring than my boy in the Avatar. It's all a matter of personal preferance.
I have owned/showed/bred (now retired) and loved these dogs for over 30 years now. I find them very intelligent, eagar to please, loyal to their owner and family, and as for compaionship well they in my opion are the best.

Male golden will be between 75 and 85 pound when an adult,
Females a bit smaller at 65 to 75 pounds.

NOTE: I put this summary together from my experience to help others.
If you wish to cross post this then I ask to be given the courtesy of being posted as
it's Author.
This took ME time to write. Thank you!