A pet for a toddler?

My husband and I are thinking about buying our daughter a puppy for her 1 year birthday. Just a companion that she can grow with and play with. (I think its so cute when a child and a dog get attached and the dog is protective over the child) But whats a good dog for a 1 year old? I reallllly dont want a little dog like a chihauhau or a yorkie...theyre so spastic! lol The dog will be outside also. I was thinking about a golden retriever...what do you think?