Country Road Litter January 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions 〰️

Yes we allow visitors to our property on a strictly via appointment only. We do not allow visitors before the puppies are 5 weeks old.
No.
Despite what some breeders may claim, all Golden Retrievers shed. Shedding is a normal breed trait due to their double coat, and no genetic test can guarantee a low-shedding Golden Retriever.
You may have heard of the MC5R gene, which is sometimes marketed as the "low-shed gene." In reality, MC5R is simply one gene associated with coat and skin function. While it may have a minor influence on how much hair a dog releases, it does not determine whether a dog sheds, nor can it create a non-shedding Golden Retriever.
The truth is that shedding is influenced by many factors, including genetics, coat type, hormones, health, age, and environment. Selecting for MC5R alone does not produce a low-shedding dog.
If you're looking for a Golden Retriever, expect shedding. Anyone guaranteeing a "low-shedding," "non-shedding," or "hypoallergenic" Golden Retriever is making a claim that is not supported by current science.
At Oakover Retrievers, we believe in honest, transparent breeding practices and setting realistic expectations about this wonderful breed.
Yes and no.
In the past, we operated on a simple first deposit, first pick system. While straightforward, we've found that it doesn't always result in the best match between puppy and family.
For our upcoming litters, we will be trialling a different approach. Puppies will undergo temperament assessments using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, alongside our own observations and knowledge of each puppy's personality as they grow.
Our goal is to help match each puppy to the home and lifestyle that suits them best. Factors such as energy level, confidence, trainability, sociability, and family circumstances will all be considered.
This does not mean you won't have any input. Families will be invited to nominate their top three puppy preferences, and we will absolutely take into consideration your preferences regarding colour, gender, and the personality traits you are looking for. However, our priority is creating the best possible long-term match for both puppy and family.
We are always researching, learning, and looking for ways to improve our breeding program. While this is a new process for us and not something we have used in previous litters, we're excited to trial it and see how it benefits our puppies and their families.
Absolutely!
Our litters are typically given a theme, and each puppy is assigned a temporary name from birth. This simply helps us identify and differentiate the puppies while they are growing and allows families to easily follow their individual development.
Once puppies have been allocated to their new families, you are more than welcome to choose your puppy's permanent name. The themed names are only used during their time with us and are not intended to be their forever names.
In Australia, it is illegal to sell or rehome a puppy before 8 weeks of age.
Our puppies are ready to leave for their new homes from 8-9 weeks of age, once they have been microchipped, vaccinated, health checked, and have completed their early socialisation and enrichment with us.
In some circumstances, we may be able to hold a puppy for a little longer if discussed and arranged in advance. However, we encourage puppies to transition to their new homes as close to 8 weeks as possible, as this is an important developmental period for bonding with their new family and settling into their new environment.
If you require a later collection date, please contact us so we can discuss whether we can accommodate your request.
While we put a great deal of thought into every allocation, we understand that occasionally a family may feel their allocated puppy is not the right fit. If this occurs, please discuss your concerns with us. In some cases, an alternative puppy may be available. If not, we may be able to transfer your reservation fee to a future litter. Our priority is ensuring both puppies and families are set up for long-term success.
As ethical breeders, our primary responsibility is the wellbeing of every puppy. Allocating puppies solely by deposit order can:
- Prioritise speed over careful assessment
- Encourage selection based on appearance rather than temperament
- Increase the risk of mismatched placements (e.g., high-energy puppies in low-energy households)
- Create pressure to choose before personalities are fully developed