They are a big dog and with that happy, swishing tail that is just coffee table height they can seem a lot bigger. So you need room in your home for a Golden Retriever, they are a people loving dog and this means they follow you everywhere around the home, always wanting to be by your side, which in a small space could become annoying so you need lots of room, they are not going to be happy unless they are part of the family so if you want a dog just for the backyard don't get a Golden Retriever.