Hi, I’m Ashlee, and together with my family, we are the hearts behind Bear & Ru Retrievers, a small, family-based Golden Retriever breeder in the Illawarra, NSW.

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Our breeding journey began with two very special dogs—Harvey and Rosie. They are first and foremost our much-loved family pets, and every decision we make starts with their health, happiness and wellbeing. They live in our home, are part of our everyday lives, and have the wonderful temperaments that made us fall in love with the Golden Retriever breed.

 

Our goal isn’t to produce lots of litters—it’s to raise exceptional puppies that will become treasured family members. 

 

Raising Puppies the Family Way From the moment our puppies are born, they are raised inside our home where they are surrounded by everyday family life. They grow up hearing household noises, meeting children, and experiencing the sights and sounds that help them become confident, well-adjusted companions.

We spend countless hours with each litter, carefully monitoring their health, tracking their growth, introducing new experiences at the right pace, and ensuring every puppy receives individual love and attention.

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As they grow, they begin exploring safe indoor and outdoor environments, learning appropriate toileting habits, experiencing different textures and surfaces, and building confidence through gentle enrichment and play.