Description: Known for its lustrous coat of resilient quality and medium length, the breed has a friendly and intelligent expression with perfect symmetry.

Behavior: Extremely intelligent with an intense desire to please, Goldens make superb candidates for fieldwork, dog shows, obedience competitions and providing assistance to the disabled.

A very popular breed, Goldens are gentle and highly compatible, ideal for families. They are not fussy eaters and grow very quickly, sometimes faster than their bones can support. As retrievers, they attempt to drag, pull or carry anything they can fit into their mouths – and sometimes more than can fit.

Goldens are also worriers, with highly sensitive natures, and they can be harmed by harsh treatment. They must be regularly brushed and trimmed. The length of its coat attracts mud, but this can easily be cleaned off.

Tendency to bark: Medium

Level of aggression: Low

Suitability as guard dog: Low

(Candidate photo by AP; sketch by Susan Donley, petspictured.com; breed photo by AP)

(To see the full Dog Lovers' Guide to the Presidential Election, click here.)