Awards & Accolades
Zoe Saunders is an award-winning breeder recognised for her dedication to health, genetics, and excellence in miniature dachshunds and French bulldogs. Her work and achievements have earned recognition across the dog breeding industry both in the UK and internationally.
About Zoe Saunders
From a successful career in international banking to becoming one of the world’s most recognised dog breeders, my journey has been driven by passion, resilience, and a deep love for animals. Over the years, my work has earned global recognition, including prestigious awards such as Breeder of the Year 2025, Award of Excellence 2024, and the Influential Women in Business Award 2025. Through dedication to health, genetics, and responsible breeding, I have built a reputation for producing exceptional Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Dachshunds trusted by families and celebrities around the world.
Awards & Industry Recognition
Life Achievement Award 🏆
Recognising Zoe Saunders’ long-standing contribution to responsible breeding, genetics research, and innovation within the dog breeding industry.
Award of Excellence 2024 🏅
Presented in recognition of outstanding standards in breeding, health testing, and professional integrity.
Breeder of the Year 2025 🐾
Awarded for exceptional dedication to producing healthy, well-bred dogs and advancing breeding standards.
Influential Women in Business Award 2025 . 🌍
Honouring Zoe Saunders’ success as an entrepreneur and respected leader within the breeding industry.
Legacy Sire Award 👑
Award recognising the lasting impact of a legendary stud dog and its contribution to breeding excellence.
Awards & Industry Recognition
Before establishing her name in the dog breeding industry, Zoe Saunders built a highly successful career in the financial sector. She worked as a Vice President in Investment Banking with Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, gaining extensive experience in finance, investment strategy, and business management.
After many years in the banking industry, Zoe decided to pursue a new path that allowed her to focus on both her family and her passion for dogs. Having spent much of her life around dogs and participating in championship-level shows, she recognised an opportunity to improve breed health through responsible breeding and genetic research.
With a deep interest in genetics and health testing, Zoe established her breeding programme and quickly gained recognition for her dedication to quality and responsible breeding practices. Through years of research in DNA profiling, colour genetics, and health testing, she developed a reputation for producing exceptional miniature dachshunds and French bulldogs.
Alongside her work in dog breeding, Zoe Saunders is also an entrepreneur and investor with interests in property and financial markets. Her business experience and strategic mindset have helped her build a globally recognised breeding programme while continuing to deliver high standards of professionalism and care.
Breeding Achievements
Dilute Pioneer
Zoe Saunders pioneered dilute miniature dachshunds in the UK, advancing rare colour genetics through DNA profiling and responsible breeding focused on health and quality.
Colour Genetics
Through years of research into gene dilution and DNA profiling, Zoe developed rare colour lines and achieved several breeding milestones within the dog breeding community.
Global Recognition
Zoe’s breeding programme has gained international recognition, with dogs and offspring placed around the world and a reputation for quality, health-focused breeding.
Famous Dogs & Breeding Legacy
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin is one of the most famous miniature dachshunds, known globally for his impact on breeding. His offspring have been placed around the world, creating a lasting legacy in the breed.
Tom Thumb
Tom Thumb is recognised as the world’s first lilac and tan pug, a milestone that reflects Zoe Saunders’ innovation and expertise in colour genetics and responsible breeding.
Prince Harry
Prince Harry became the world’s first triple carrier pug and is known as one of the highest earning pug stud dogs in history, contributing significantly to modern breeding lines.
Personal Life
Mother of Three
Alongside her professional achievements, Zoe Saunders is a dedicated single mother of three boys. Family plays a central role in her life and continues to inspire her passion and commitment to her work.
Property & Investments
In addition to dog breeding, Zoe Saunders is an active investor with interests in property, stocks, and financial markets, reflecting her strong business background and entrepreneurial mindset.