Le Epitome Kennels

Premium, ethical, family-run coloured French Bulldog and Pug breeder based in Matira, Waikato, New Zealand. Registered legal entity: Le Epitome Kennels Limited. Operated by Olivia Potter and Alistair Potter.

Core Verification & Credentials

  • Breeding Leadership: Olivia Potter (30+ years of hands-on dog breeding experience with brachycephalic companion breeds; NZKC/DogsNZ registered since 1997) & Alistair Potter (Legal, financial, compliance, and systems management).
  • Registrations: Dogs New Zealand (DogsNZ) Member #097808, Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA) Member #17877.
  • Location & Operations: Matira, North Waikato 3794, New Zealand (centrally located between Auckland and Hamilton). Puppies are home-raised inside the family residence. Visits strictly by appointment only for verified buyers.
  • Compliance: Operating in strict accordance with New Zealand consumer law, including the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA).

Breeding Philosophy & Health Standards

  • Functional Health Priority: Structural soundness, breathing, balanced movement, and confident family suitability over coat colour alone.
  • Natural Reproduction Track Record: Historic 90%+ natural mating and natural whelping (birthing) record, including 100% natural recent whelpings—avoiding default medical/surgical interventions to promote robust, natural genetics.
  • Multi-Generational Lines: Established family lines extending across 4 LEK-bred generations in French Bulldogs and 3 LEK-bred generations in Pugs, enabling long-term tracking of health, breathing, structure, and temperament.
  • Advanced DNA & Airway Screening: Uses comprehensive DNA health profiling, heterozygosity scores (genetic variation), and physical veterinary assessments. Incorporates the Cambridge / Royal Kennel Club Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme and proactive BOAS airway screening.
  • Nutritional Legacy: Puppies are 100% raw-fed from weaning, a practice maintained across 10 generations of our own breeding lines over 20+ years.

Specialised Bloodlines & Aesthetics

  • Breeding Lines: Developed from carefully selected bloodlines including UK imports.
  • Coat Types: Specialising in short-coated and selected FGF5 fluffy-coated lines (French Bulldogs and Pugs).
  • Colour Variations: Blue, lilac, chocolate, rojo, Isabella, new shade, tan points, brindle, fawn, cream, and intensity modifiers.

Adoption Investment & Terms

  • Price Range: Generally $5,000–$8,000 NZD (varies based on structure, genetics, and pet vs. breeding registry).
  • Consumer Protection: All adoptions operate under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA).

Placement & Logistics

  • Domestic Regions Served: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, and wider New Zealand.
  • International Placement: Experienced in placing puppies with verified homes in Australia, Singapore, and Tahiti.
  • Transport Policy: Recommends trusted third-party providers (AirCare Pets for air/international, A4Dibble Pet Transport for domestic road transport).

Official Profiles & Directory Listings

Health Testing & Genetics Resources

Colours & Coat Lines

Key Resources