Pug Puppies for Sale
Pug Puppies Raised in Waikato, NZ
Pugs Bred for Health, Temperament and Character
Pugs are one of the world’s oldest companion breeds, with roots in ancient China and early associations with Chinese imperial households. Treasured for their affectionate nature, expressive faces and close bond with people, Pugs were bred first and foremost as companion dogs — little dogs with big character.
Compact, charming, playful and deeply people-focused, Pugs are happiest when they are part of everyday family life. They are known for their comic timing, loyalty and ability to make themselves the centre of attention without needing to try very hard. A good Pug is affectionate, confident, sociable and full of personality.
At Le Epitome Kennels in Waikato, New Zealand, our Pug breeding programme focuses on health, temperament, sound structure, confidence, breathing and standout character. We specialise in coloured Pug puppies, including both short-coated and fluffy-coated lines, built from carefully selected bloodlines from the United Kingdom and developed through our long-term breeding programme.
Our aim is not to produce ordinary Pugs. Colour and coat type are part of our programme, but they are never the whole programme. We are developing a thoughtful, selective breeding programme that values strong type, good breathing, balanced movement, confident socialisation, genetic diversity and dogs with real presence.
Health testing and breeding selection matter as much as colour. Our Pug programme considers DNA results, genetic diversity, breathing, structure, movement, patellas, temperament, family history and veterinary feedback before a dog remains in our breeding programme. We are progressively incorporating recognised brachycephalic respiratory assessment principles, including the Cambridge / Royal Kennel Club Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) framework, and we work with experienced brachycephalic veterinary practitioners when assessing breeding suitability.
Before dogs are brought into our breeding programme, we obtain a full DNA profile and review their results carefully. This gives us more than a simple pass-or-fail disease screen. It helps us identify known inherited disease risks, understand colour and coat traits, assess genetic diversity, and make more informed decisions about future pairings.
As a long-established kennel, we have had the opportunity to understand our lines over multiple generations. Our breeding decisions combine DNA results, genetic diversity, long-term knowledge of our own bloodlines, family history, structure, temperament and real-world observed health. This helps us continue developing coloured and fluffy Pugs with the distinctive Le Epitome look and temperament we are known for, while still working carefully to protect and improve the lines behind them.
Our Pug puppies are raised in a family home environment and introduced to the normal rhythm of daily life from day one. We focus on producing calm, curious, well-rounded puppies who leave us ready to settle into life with their new owners — preferably after a nap.
Like all brachycephalic breeds, Pugs require sensible care. They are heat-sensitive, should not be over-exercised in warm weather, and benefit from responsible weight management, good nutrition, suitable exercise, heat awareness and owners who understand the needs of the breed.
At Le Epitome Kennels, our puppies are raised on a raw feeding programme, with clear guidance provided to new owners. This covers feeding, care, settling in, toileting, health, early learning and practical support after your puppy leaves our home.
For those looking for Pug puppies for sale in NZ with personality, quality and something a little different, our kennel offers carefully bred companions with the confidence, character and charm that make the breed so loved.
Learn more about our French Bulldog and Pug health testing approach.
Pug Puppy Transport
Our Pug puppies are raised here in Waikato, but they have gone to suitable homes throughout New Zealand and beyond. If distance is an issue, we can talk you through safe transport options and what needs to be arranged before handover. Our Pug puppies have gone to homes throughout New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Timaru, and regional South Island homes where suitable transport can be arranged.
We couldn’t be happier with our beautiful pug Chloe from Le Epitome Kennels. She is such a perfect mix of protective, playful, and incredibly affectionate.
- Hazel Simons, Auckland (NZ)
