Leona's Maltese
- Chicago, IL
- Responds within a day
Available puppies
Lucy
Ready now
5 months old · Female
Louis
Ready now
9 months old · Male
Meet the breeder
I'm Ilija L., the breeder behind Leona's Maltese located in Chicago, IL. Our Maltese live in a loving, clean, indoor home environment, and every puppy is hand-raised in our home with daily socialization, playtime, and training.
Q. & A. with Ilija
Why did you start breeding?
In the summer of 2005, our Maltese journey began when we welcomed our beloved boy, Duffy, into our lives. Duffy was not just a pet, he was family. Duffy's presence served as a daily reminder of the incredible bond that exists between humans and dogs. With Duffy, we discovered the true essence of the Maltese breed, and our hearts were forever captivated.What makes your program special?
At Leona's Maltese, quality is our focus. We breed on a hobby scale, ensuring each of our dogs receives the individualized care and attention they deserve. We provide lifetime breeder support and guide each family, ensuring they can provide the care and commitment that our Maltese deserve.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Leo
Went homeMale
Milo
Went homeMale
Mochi
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Ilija
Ilija has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Connect with Ilija to learn more details about pricing.
Contract & health guarantee
Ilija may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Ilija offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ilija directly.
Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more
What’s included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- Basic obedience & manners
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Food & treats
- Toys
- Initial potty training
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Ilija.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Chicago, IL
574 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Chicago Midway Airport
573 miles away
·
Meet in Dayton, OH
362 miles away
·
More about Ilija
Ilija has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years
Ilija was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Ilija is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Leona's Maltese meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
Ilija L.
Litter update on 28 Sept. •Milo ❤️
Elvis and Zanna's litter
Ilija L.
Litter update on 24 Sept. •Milo
Elvis and Zanna's litter
Ilija L.
Litter update on 22 Sept. •Milo ❤️
Elvis and Zanna's litter
Parent dogs
Lenka, mom
Maltese
About Lenka
Lenka is a female Maltese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ilija decided to make her part of their program. Ilija has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Nurf, dad
Maltese
About Nurf
Nurf is a male Maltese. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Ilija decided to make him part of their program. Ilija has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Zanna, mom
Maltese
About Zanna
Zanna is a female Maltese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ilija decided to make her part of their program. Ilija has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Lena, mom
Maltese
About Lena
Lena is a female Maltese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ilija decided to make her part of their program. Ilija has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Molly, mom
Maltese
About Molly
Molly is a female Maltese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ilija decided to make her part of their program. Ilija has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Lea, mom
Maltese
About Lea
Lea is a female Maltese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ilija decided to make her part of their program. Ilija has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Pearly, mom
Maltese
About Pearly
Pearly is our clever companion, always ready for a playful game of fetch. Her intelligence shines through in every interaction, making her the perfect partner for fun and laughter.
Holly, mom
Maltese
About Holly
Holly is the graceful star of our pack. She's a picture of elegance, whether in the show ring or lounging on the couch. Holly's poised and composed demeanor is balanced by her playful spirit that comes alive when the toys appear. She's the epitome of grace with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Nina, mom
Maltese
About Nina
Nina is a female Maltese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ilija decided to make her part of their program. Ilija has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Elvis, dad
Maltese
About Elvis
Elvis is a beautiful Maltese boy who had a spectacular show career! Elvis is the epitome of what we are striving for at Leona's Maltese, representing the perfect blend of beauty, grace, and charming Maltese temperament.
Shiro, dad
Maltese
About Shiro
Shiro is outgoing and happy. His movement is breathtaking. He is very confident, focused, and intelligent. Shiro, also known as the talking Maltese, has gained fame on social media for his charming personality.
Dolly, mom
Maltese
About Dolly
Dolly, the sweet smiler, has a grin that can brighten even the gloomiest of days. Her playful antics and joyful demeanor make every day feel like a celebration. With a wagging tail and a heart full of love, Dolly brightens our lives and the show ring with her radiant personality.
Maggie, mom
Maltese
About Maggie
Maggie, our cuddlebug queen, knows that life's most cherished moments happen in the warm embrace of a good cuddle. She's the gentle soul who'll steal your heart with her affectionate nature. When not winning hearts, you can find her stealing cozy spots around the house, ready for a snuggle.
Parent health testing
Leona's Maltese reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Maltese.
Hip Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Ilija to bring home their puppies.
Meredith M.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
I had a wonderful experience getting our dog, Mochi. Ilija was very responsive to my emails, answered my many questions, and was very accommodating on where I wanted to meet to pick up Mochi. Mochi came with all of his health records, and Ilija gave complete instructions from what foods to eat to grooming care and supplies. Mochi was in perfect health at his first vet appointment and has been going strong since. He has the biggest personality in such a small body. He is the perfect new family member who gets along with our two cats, two kids, and visitors to the house. He is very interested in the dogs he meets in our neighborhood, never barking, always curious. We couldn’t be happier that we went through Ilija at Good Dogs and found Mochi.
