The golden is probably making a lot of the difference. Chows are usually one-person dogs. They, and a lot of the asian breeds, are also typically more independent than the european breeds. This combination of basic traits can result in problems with strangers, especially if the dog is not well socialised. I used to groom a chow at the vet hospital where I once worked. She 'trusted' me and I *still* had to muzzle her to work with her. But if anyone not-me came by she would lunge and snarl, and once that muzzle was off and she was in a kennel? No one but the owners could get near her.