Donna Kelly, Founder of The Kellys Maltese, began breeding purebred AKC registered dogs for show and sale in 1967. Originally a breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs, or "Shelties," Donna turned her attention to the Maltese breed in 1986 after learning of their unique qualities and loving nature. The toy breed was better suited to her lifestyle, and she found the fact that Maltese have no undercoat and do not shed to be a godsend. Of course, after owning her first Maltese, she fell in love with the breed and her life was changed forever. In 1995, Donna's son David joined in and has been involved in all aspects of the breeding program ever since. Sadly, Donna passed away in December of 2011 (see the Memorial Page), but 'Dave' continues with her legacy.

The extraordinary care and techniques in our breeding and raising of Maltese produce healthy, happy and beautiful puppies. All of our puppies receive at least 3 broad spectrum vaccinations, and are kept at home here until they are at least 12 weeks old and have reached a weight of at least 2 pounds. All of our dogs and puppies receive a specially formulated diet, designed to promote health, strength, vitality and immunity.

Please read what some of our customers, and their Vets, have said about us and their Maltese pets:

"Hi Donna,

"I wish I knew the words to tell you how much these two little babies [Samson & Delilah] are loved and how much love they shower on me constantly...24/7. That is no exaggeration! To see them upside down at night with those adorable paws up in the air and snuggled in between a bunch of down pillows would make anyone's heart melt. They are absolutely beautiful...very very clean, extremely smart and...the most adorable pets imaginable. I want to thank you for all your hard and devoted work on breeding only the finest qualities in your Maltese dogs. It was my lucky day when I found your web site.

"Much love,"

Jean

"Hi Donna,

"I purchased a boy from you ... naming him Tiger if you can recall. He has been the best blessing in our house since our son was born 19 1/2 yrs. ago! He has brought so much joy and love and is the best dog we have ever had. ... He is just so good and a calm dog--everyone falls in love with him!

"We are so glad we were referred to you ... You are a wonderful breeder!"

Julie

"...I thought I should...let you know how wonderful she [Dixie] is. ... Donna, she is wonderful. She's a year now or a little over actually. She has been to obedience classes, beginning puppy, and intermediate. She took to them like a duck to water. Her best friend was Morgan, a giant Great Dane. [:o)] Dixie sits, lays down, stays, waits at the door,...and I have to say "treat" and then she comes a running.

"Dixie has brought such joy into all of our hearts. She's gentle with the youngest of children. Loves to romp and play with the older ones. Everyone in the family adores her. Even old Jake the Lab. ... My husband Ed keeps saying "she's worth every penny we paid for her!!!!" He too has been taken in by her. So all in all Donna, we all want to say Thank You."

Jan

"Hi Donna,

"... I am working from home so today i had the luxury of a very capable & willing assistant named Peanut. She is kind & sweet & smart & playful & now the greatest pleasure of our life!

"Thanks sooooo very much for all that you do, we love you."

Gary, Maggie & Peanut :)

"Greetings...!

"Here's a picture of Eliza [Doolittle], now seven months old, and Blair.

"She's a wonderful baby and the star of the...Peninsula...kid you not!"

Paulette

"Dear Donna,

"These two [pups] have changed our lives for the better. My husband and I love them more than words can describe and we love you so much for giving us such lovely beings. I wish that I lived closer to you so that I could visit every once in a while and give you a big hug, but I want you to know that you are the best and we are forever thankful to you.

"Keep up the amazing work!"

Asal

"Donna,

"Thank you so much for your ongoing support and help with my raising of Hondo.

"He's taken a very important place in our lives and we want to keep him as healthy and happy as possible. Thanks for helping us achieve that."

Diana
"P.S. Isn't he gorgeous?"

"Hi Donna,

"We adopted 'Prince' [from your customer who was hospitalized] over 3 yrs ago when he was 2 1/2 yrs. old. ... I just have to tell you to this date we get so many compliments on how beautiful he is and well-behaved. He still is the love of our lives and follows me like a shadow. ... We just adore him!

"Donna, you breed beautiful, well-cared for Maltese dogs. Thanks for suggesting we adopt the older dog when we were looking for a Maltese puppy few years back."

Mari

"Donna,

"...[We] can't think of enough words to express what a treasure this little puppy is. Everybody that sees her falls in love with her."..."We...[got] her into the vet today for her checkup and he said that she appears to be in excellent condition...

"...We would love to see Cassidy's pictures on your web-site"..."She is a healthy, peppy, little character that has us laughing many times a day. She is curious and intelligent and full of personality. We can't take her anywhere without adoring comments and lots of smiles from passersby...

"...We know that you had a lot to do with how lovable and sweet she is"..."Thank you, thank you for the little girl that is bringing so much sunshine into our lives"..."thanks for our best present of the year!"

Sharey & Fred

"Hi Donna,

"I just had to write and let you know how thoroughly happy and pleased [I am] with the puppy I got from you. I named him "Officer Max," because he is the greatest little watch dog"..."he gives me a soft bark, then runs and stands by the door like he's going to attack"..."When someone enters they get attacked with happy feet and kisses."..."He is the easiest puppy I have ever trained."..."I was shocked at how easily he adjusted to everything here."..."thank you so very much. I love Max as much as one of my kids. He is so precious. Honestly I never knew I could love a puppy as much as I do Max...."

Joyce

"Hi Donna,

"I'm still shaking my head and saying I can't believe how cute this little guy [Winky] is--and lovable. Since he joined the family, everyone's spirits have soared"..."We just love him soooo much. He's looking especially cute now"..."He's eating well and growing and looking great..."

Connie

"Dear Donna,

"Alfie is the sunshine of our lives! You could not have brought a more loving puppy into this world.

"He's a wonderful companion! He loves going to work with us everyday. He spends half of his day in my lap and the other half amusing our co-workers. He's been coined the office mascot." ..."we absolutely love him. Thank you for showing him so much love so early on. I know that he is the sweet pup that he is, largely because of you and your efforts."

Amy & Ben

"Donna -

"I wanted to drop you a quick line and tell you that Sweeney is absolutely wonderful. He's got an amazing disposition - is so much fun. I bring him with me to the office and my entire staff has adopted him."

Sheila

"Dear Donna,

"I can't begin to tell you how blessed I feel that little Bean Ptolomea Ballantine is in my life"..."She has the most amazing personality"..."I am amazed at her intelligence"..."She is delightfully well-mannered and is behaving wonderfully in all areas of the house and yard"..."She has lovely fine features and a thoughtful expression. She somehow manages to be playful and dignified all at once. Her coat is really pretty--very straight, silky and white"..."It's very exciting to me because Bean is the first purebred animal I have ever owned. I'm filled with pride! Thank you again Donna..."

Portia