ok, so after some research, i think i've narrowed down my search to labs and golden retrievers.
What i would like to know is, are there any tempremental differences between the two?
To be honest, the appearnce of the dog is not so important to me. If the pup i choose turns out to be a goldie then i'll be able to handle the grooming, if it's a lab, then great, less work ;) At the end of the day i just want a heathy, happy pup who will fit in.
Another question i have is why are there much more lab breeders than the goldens??
Thanks again :)

Remember there are two different strains of Labs - working and show types. The large number of working lines may account for the greater number of breeders. There are not so many working Goldens around, although what there are are very nice indeed.

Also note that Labradors moult like the devil! You'll have two carpets at moulting time if you keep your dog in the house. Yellow hairs show up worst. Blacks maybe aren't so bad, but I don't know about chocolate. I only mention this because it is an issue with some people. Goldens also moult, but maybe not quite so much.

Re: Temperaments, there are good and bad in all breeds, but most labs and goldens are likeable dogs with happy temperaments. I would think it would boil down to personal choice.

P.S. Chocolate Labs are 'fashionable' at the moment - don't pay a premium price just for colour.