I'm mercedes R., the breeder behind Little Paws Nursery located in Demopolis, AL. Our puppies are trained from birth on an advanced puppy curriculum. What that means for us and our program and setting up your puppy for success from day one, desensitizing them of the human touch, and other situations that may occur in life. We are always with you along their journey.
Q. & A. with mercedes
Why did you start breeding?
Its a very long story but to shorten it, my partner & I lost a dog that was close to our hearts, & his grandmother had passed the next month. She adored the Maltese breed and lavished her home with all things Maltese. I had just welcomed a Yorkie into our home; a breed I have been passionate about my whole life. So we decided in honor of Mimi and Carlos the Maltese, we will continue their legacy.
What makes your program special?
We train our puppies from birth on a service/therapy dog curriculum, what that means for us and our program is we are setting them up to be ready for human touch and any situation life may take them. We share all the curriculum we do with your puppy via videos and photos so you have us with you along the whole way.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Maltese puppies are white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Ali
Went home
Female
Blonde male
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
August
Went home
Male
Zeta
Went home
Female
Orange collar girl
Went home
Female
JD green collar boy
Went home
Male
Tan collar girl
Went home
Female
Red collar girl
Went home
Female
Maverick
Went home
Male
red collar
Went home
Male
teal collar
Went home
Male
green collar
Went home
Male
grey collar
Went home
Male
blue collar
Went home
Male
Orange Collar
Went home
Male
Pink Collar
Went home
Female
Yellow Collar
Went home
Female
Purple Collar
Went home
Female
Green collar blonde
Went home
Male
Chanel
Went home
Female
Pink collar blonde
Went home
Female
Luna
Went home
Female
Willow
Went home
Female
Red collar blonde
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from mercedes
mercedes 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
Puppy prices include a $600 non-refundable deposit and between $1,000 - $2,900 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“our prices represent what we put into our program compare to others for more info on what we offer please do reach out. Pricing is based on the rarity of the puppies genetics, the deposit is taken to hold your spot on the waiting list. The final fee that will be due on go home day will be given once their eyes open.”
Contract & health guarantee
mercedes 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 mercedes 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 mercedes directly.
Little Paws Nursery 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
Parent dogs
All breeds
Morkie
Yorkshire Terrier
Maltese
Mac, mom
Morkie
About Mac
Mac is out up and coming damn, her first litter will fall- winter of 2026.
Ali, mom
Yorkshire Terrier
About Ali
Ali is a female Yorkshire Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, mercedes decided to make her part of their program. mercedes 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.
Dio, dad
Maltese
About Dio
Dio is a male Maltese about 5 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, mercedes decided to make him part of their program. mercedes 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.
Uploaded health tests
DNA Profile.
Parent health testing
Maltese
Morkie
Yorkshire Terrier
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Little Paws Nursery 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.
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.
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with mercedes to bring home their puppies.
Shannon S.
Verified owner · June 2024
When we lost our 13 yr old morkie, we knew we had to find another ball of fluff to love.. We are so, so grateful to have found Mercedes and our beautiful little girl Millie. Mercedes was so responsive.. answering every single message within minutes. She was informative about her pups - quickly sharing a same-day video when requested. She met my hubs at the airport, to ensure we were able to bring our girl home - she is perfect! We can't thank her enough for being reliable and reputable!
TN
Tina N.
Verified owner · May 2023
Mercy (owner) was very sweet to work with. She made little videos of Luna each Saturday so I could watch her as she grew. I appreciated the care she showed not only my baby, but all of the puppies. Mercy also took time to answer my questions and help me get Luna Mae from Alabama to Idaho. I HIGHLY recommend this business if you want a Morkie. Luna has been with me 6-days and she knows where here food is, where to potty and is amazing with basic commands. Her personality is too adorable and she is a "lover/snuggler". Thanks you!!!
Samantha F.
Verified owner · May 2023
I cannot say enough kind and wonderful words about Mercy and the Little Paws Nursery. She truly loves and cares for the moms, dads, and puppies she breeds. We first adopted Laszlo in 2022 and then got his biological sister (different litter) in March 2023. The entire process for both purchases was flawless. Mercy was very responsive and answered all our questions. Her website gave us TONS of helpful information. She posted photos on a regular basis and would send us photos when we asked. We picked up Laszlo and used an air nanny for Bella. Both puppies are thriving in their new home. Both are healthy, happy, and well mannered (even the one who is extra sassy - lol). I would recommend Mercy and Little Paws Nursery to anyone looking for a Morkie. With the ability to use an air nanny to get your puppy home, don't overlook her as a breeder if you live far away. You'll be getting a healthy, loved, and cherished member of your family.
Howard G.
Verified owner · Sept. 2022
After our furry friend of 15 years passed away, we began to miss the presence of doggie energy in our house. We had never worked with a breeder before and we were very cautious when deciding on one. We were very fortunate that we came across Little Paws Nursery only 2 hours from our hometown. From the very first communication with Little Paws Nursery I knew we had made an excellent decision. All transactions were done in a professional manner and as stated. Little Paws Nursery goes above and beyond in ensuring their dams and sires have been tested for genetic flaws. They posted videos and photos showing their facility and their dogs' environment. We were kept up to date during the pregnancy, birth and subsequent 3 months of puppy training. Any questions or concerns we had were answered in a timely manner and with detail. It was very obvious they are caring, conscientious people. They took the time to initiate sensory learning and basic behavioral training. We have nothing but high praise for Little Paws Nursery and their professional breeding service. We have recommended them to anyone who is interested in using a breeder for their next fur baby.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.