Say "perfect family dog," and the golden retriever comes to mind. Those soft brown eyes, floppy ears, and golden coat combined with a sweetheart personality make this breed huggable to young and old alike. It's no wonder they rank 4^th on the American Kennel Club's list of most popular breeds in the United States. Check out their stats.

Country of origin: First bred in the highlands of Scotland.

Coat: Medium-length fur that can vary from light gold to dark gold. Sheds year-round, so weekly brushing is suggested.

Size: Considered a medium-size breed, most are about 14–20 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.

Personality: Naturally eager to please and generally easy to train. Golden retrievers enjoy learning and showing off new tricks, and they're known to be a tough breed to beat in obedience competitions.

Interesting fact: Because they're so trainable, these people-oriented pups are often used as service dogs for the disabled.

Favorite pastimes: Goldens love being active and enjoy running, swimming, and, of course, playing fetch (also known as retrieving). Regular exercise helps minimize any hyperactive tendencies they may have.

Diet: Stick to a balanced, vet-recommended diet; golden retrievers are known to gain weight quickly if overfed.