Not necessarily. I have one who is wonderful (check out my profile page), but I also help out with a Golden Retriever rescue group. There are some mean ones out there, but not many. Due to the popularity of the breed, they are being over bred and poorly bred. The difference is that while a poorly bred golden retriever can bite, I have never heard of one mauling anyone. The breeds listed above will maul someone. They will not stop at one bite.