11. Golden retriever
At an average of only 22 inches and a typical max weight of only 80 pounds, he's not quite as big as the Lab, but the golden retriever is a kind, smart, confident and loyal dog. Neither aggressive nor timid, the golden retriever is extremely patient, which is perfect for kids. While he does need a lot of exercise, his love of play makes this an easy thing to achieve.
They have the same life expectancy as the Lab, as well as similar health problems (mass cell tumors may limit their 10 to 12 years), and while they aren't considered large, smaller apartments probably aren't a great idea.
More: 12 Realities New Golden Retriever Owners Must Accept
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