The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed and is described in the standard as kindly, friendly and confident. They are not one man dogs and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them. Their trusting, gentle disposition therefore makes them a poor guard dog.Any form of unprovoked aggression or hostility towards either people, dogs or other animals, whether in the show ring or community, is completely unacceptable in a Golden Retriever and is not in keeping with the character of the breed and as such is considered a serious fault. Nor should a Golden Retriever be unduly timid or nervous.
The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, with an exceptional eagerness to please. They love pleasing their owners as well as getting along with strangers.
