ABOUT ME
A Lifetime Dedicated to the Golden Retriever | My name is Arnel Sauer, and I am the owner and Preservation Breeder behind Mochavulin Golden Retrievers, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. My journey with Golden Retrievers began in 2003 when I welcomed my first Golden Retriever, Ch Zillenberg Queenie of Goldenzauer ("Sasha"), into my life. Rather than rushing into breeding, I spent years learning everything I could about the breed, studying its history, structure, temperament, movement, health, genetics, and purpose. I immersed myself in the world of dog showing, education, and responsible breeding before ever planning a litter. My second Golden, “Wesley” (Ch Barleywood Autumn Lad of Goldenzauer), born in 2004, quickly made his mark in the show ring with multiple Best Puppy and Best Puppy in Group wins. In 2006, I imported “Tina” (Ch Giltedge Martina for Goldenzauer) from Giltedge Golden Retrievers in Australia, further shaping the foundation of my breeding programme. I am dedicated to responsible, reputable, and ethical breeding. I do not breed or produce puppies for the pet market or to meet demand. In 2009, I was privileged to import Max "Int Ch BIS BISS Naragold Colour Me Gold for Mochavulin (Import Aus) that still today, is part of the foundation of all my Golden Retrievers. Max has produced puppies of excellent health and temperament and continued to produce Golden Retrievers true to the breed standard. Since then, Golden Retrievers have become far more than a hobby—they have become my life's passion. | |
 | Today, Mochavulin is recognized as one of the top breeders in South Africa, founded on the principles of ethics, education, scientific health testing, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the future of the Golden Retriever. Throughout the years, Mochavulin-bred and owned Golden Retrievers have consistently achieved success at the highest levels of conformation competition under both South African and international judges. These achievements are the result of careful planning, selective breeding, dedication to the Breed Standard, and an unwavering commitment to quality rather than quantity. My dogs have earned numerous prestigious titles and awards, including multiple:
While championships and awards are milestones that I am incredibly proud of, they have never been my ultimate goal. Every title represents independent recognition that the dogs I breed possess the sound structure, movement, temperament, and breed type expected of a quality Golden Retriever. For me, success in the show ring is not about collecting trophies—it is about demonstrating that my breeding programme consistently produces Golden Retrievers that exemplify the internationally recognized Breed Standard while remaining healthy, sound, and true to the temperament for which the breed is cherished around the world. |  |
My Philosophy | I firmly believe that breeding should never be driven by demand or financial gain.
Every breeding combination is researched extensively, often months or even years before it takes place. | |
My Approach | Responsible breeding begins long before puppies are born. Every breeding dog undergoes comprehensive health testing appropriate for the breed, including hip and elbow evaluations, annual eye examinations, and extensive DNA screening for inherited diseases affecting Golden Retrievers. Health testing is not simply something I do—it is the foundation upon which every breeding decision is made. When you welcome a Mochavulin Golden Retriever into your family, you are not simply buying a puppy. My commitment to every puppy lasts for its entire lifetime. I remain available to provide guidance, support, and advice whenever it is needed, because I believe every puppy I breed remains my responsibility long after it leaves my home. | |
Education and Mentorship | Over the years I have had the privilege of assisting many breeders, exhibitors, and Golden Retriever owners by sharing knowledge, mentoring newcomers, promoting ethical breeding practices, and encouraging responsible health testing. I believe that preserving the breed requires collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning. The success of the Golden Retriever should always come before individual recognition. I have proudly supported many breeders—new and experienced—by sharing knowledge, offering mentorship, and helping raise the standards of ethical breeding in South Africa. My guidance has included:
I have also assisted in showing and campaigning dogs from other breeders to championship titles and have shared my lines selectively, contributing to improvements in conformation, health, and temperament across several programmes. | |
The Reality of Breeding | Breeding is incredibly rewarding, but it is also emotionally demanding. Breeding is a journey of immense joy and profound heartbreak. It requires dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering love. There are moments of deep sorrow—like holding a fragile two-day-old puppy after days of sleepless care, only to lose them despite every effort. Those losses stay with you. Behind every healthy puppy are months—or even years—of planning, countless veterinary visits, health testing, research, sleepless nights, celebration, disappointment, joy, and sometimes heartbreak. There have been moments of incredible success and moments of profound loss. Every puppy represents hope, responsibility, and a piece of my heart. And then there are the moments that make everything worthwhile: Watching a Mochavulin puppy leave with their new family after eight weeks of round-the-clock care… feeling your heart stretch and ache… and then receiving photos of that same puppy living their best life—swimming, playing, cuddling, exploring, winning in the show ring, or simply being adored. Those moments are pure magic. | |
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Late last year, I was approached for an interview by a magazine in India, which was planning a special Golden Retriever issue for January 2026. DV Sudarsan sent me a list of questions, and I completed them without expecting much—assuming they would be featuring breeders from all over the world. Sadly, earlier this year, Mr CV Sudarsan passed away. May he rest in peace. My interaction with him was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and something I will always treasure. To be honest, I never thought the magazine issue would continue—let alone that my interview would be included. So you can imagine my surprise (and excitement!) when I was informed that the issue had been published… and that I was featured in it! Although the magazine is currently only available in India, I was fortunate enough to receive a copy—and I must say, I was absolutely blown away. The Indian Kennel Club has produced something truly special. This issue not only includes interviews with Golden Retriever breeders from around the world, but also a wide range of articles celebrating everything Golden Retriever. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to the Indian Kennel Club for creating such an incredible publication—and for including me in this beautiful tribute to our beloved breed. If any Golden Retriever enthusiast can try to obtain a copy of the magazine - its one of those "books" that you keep on top of your shelf and keep as a reference guide for anything "Golden Retriever" Below is a scanned version of my interview.
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