Foster Update 8/7/10: Pepper is a big ol' hunk of love!  He would be a fantastic family dog or a great companion for an active single person.  He is definately a people dog-more interested in being with people (especially if they are eating!) than with other dogs.  He is 100% nonaggressive and very gentle and friendly.  He does bark at new people who come into the house, but is otherwise very quiet and calm in the house.  Pepper likes car rides and boat rides and LOVES to go for walks.  He does pull hard on the leash- he needs work on that.  Unfortunately, we do not have a fenced in yard.  It would be great for him to have one and be able to run around and explore.  He is great with the kids and our dog and is perfectly housetrained.  He has not tried to chew anything than the bones he has been given.  Pepper responds to his name and can "sit" and "shake".  He also sits up on his haunches and begs, which looks very funny for such a big dog!  Pepper is a sweet, handsome, big boy with a typical lab personality who deserves a great home!
 

Although pepper has done well in a home with kids we feel he would do much better in a home with older children. He can be a bit protective and we just want to make sure pepper is in a great home that fits his personality

 

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. In fact the breed was first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. The Golden is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden retrievers. The Golden is also a fine bird dog on both land and in the water. He has an excellent nose and has been used not only for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection. Because of his great desire to please and capacity for love and learning, the Golden Retriever is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and service dog for the disabled. These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. It is active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.