"After 7 months, our family is officially complete <3"

Bottom line up front: If you want a quick transition to add a well-trained dog into your life, you are most likely not a good fit for the amazing brilliance Ruidoso Malinois offers. Just breathe, be patient, and TRUST the team at Ruidoso Malinois.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day.” As clique as it may sound, Ruidoso Malinois are experts in their trade and strive to fit the right dog for the right person, and vice versa. While I have waited with painstaking anxiety for months, but “Little Max” was well worth the wait.

As an Air Force Veteran, High school teacher, and mother to a 1.5-year-old I wanted to have a dog that fits perfectly into the mix. My requirements were to have a protection dog that was friendly with children, could perform PTSD service work, love loves, and is fierce when needed. Little Max is the PERFECT fit. Irene will tell you, I was impatient and nervous because of the wait, and I sincerely apologize! Not every dog could fit what I was looking for, and I did not understand that at the time.

When the day finally came to attend Handlers Training, I was nothing but impressed. I met my match, Little Max, and we bonded over the five days. Tony, our trainer is amazing. He was patient with me and answered every question thrown at him with the knowledge, precision, and application of a true professional. All I can say is thank you to the amazing team- Irene, Tony, and Hans- for training and caring for Little Max.

"Our Mal is now 2, review after 8 plus months of knowing RM"

Our family has known Irene for almost a year, we own one of her incredible male Belgium Malinois. We couldn't have been more pleased with our dog, he is absolutely amazing, the training in NM was so rewarding and beneficial to my entire family.

Since owner our Mal, we have been in close touch with Irene, she has been a great wealth of knowledge and helps with our Mal.

These dogs aren't for everyone, the effort needed to keep them healthy and happy is high, but so are the rewards!

If you're looking for a Mal, I would highly recommend her. She supports our vets and the breed.

"Unique Gal with a Mal"

As parents of a Unique Gal with a Mal...we have been pleasantly satisfied by the relationships we have formed with Irene and the trainers of Ruidoso Malinois! We have a daughter with a chronic illness that is 12 years old. As she has faced many challenges with her illness, she has also had to transition into the phases of being confined from society and unable to attend school outside of our home. As parents in this position, we felt that having a service and protection dog would give her the confidence that she needed to conquer the world. We have some friends that also have a Mal and when our daughter was introduced to him, she instantly fell in love with that breed. As a mom, with my hands pretty full with her medical situation, I was reluctant to embark on the adventure of adding an additional family member. When my husband and I decided that our daughter needed a companion, he contacted Irene. Within 5 minutes of him explaining the medical situation and our concern regarding the purchase of a companion for her, Irene confidently told my husband that she had the perfect dog for our daughter and her name was Lucy! We left Texas the next day headed to Ruidoso to meet Irene, tour the facility, and meet Lucy. First we met with Irene, who was very thorough and open during our conversation. Irene gave me comfort in my reservations. She asked if she could speak directly to our daughter, as we were still at the table with them, she commended us all for our daughters participation as Irene was very impressed that she had been researching the Belgian Malinois breed and had a list of questions that she and Irene directly discussed. They also discussed the care and responsibility of having a service dog and Irene asked her how she felt that this would be beneficial for her, at which they discussed in great detail, why they believed Lucy was the dog we should meet. Irene was able to get our daughter to open up about the trials she faces, and that, in itself, was very impressive to us as parents. Our daughter felt she could trust Irene, and at that moment, we trusted that Irene was very sincere in her choice of companions to match the handlers personality. We went out to meet Lucy, and the immediate connection between our daughter and Lucy, was undeniable...Irene had chosen the perfect companion! We met 2 other dogs, both excellent dogs, just not the match for our daughter. We toured the facility and the training center, and we were able to watch one of Irene's trained dogs in action. Everything was clean, neat and tidy and each staff member and trainer we met, was beyond friendly and welcoming. Irene had explained our daughters medical situation and everyone was so accommodating, putting the safety of her health first. One of the trainers happened to be sick that day, and he made it a point not to make contact with us due to her health. Seeing all of this and the interaction, helped us make an important decision, not only were we obtaining a companion and new family member, but we were gaining a new family within Ruidoso Malinois, that cared about the health and safety of our daughter. Fast forward to February 3, 2020, when we were able to go pick up our new family member, Lucy,
and go through our handler training. This was a very pleasant experience, Tony and Hanns were very thorough, answered all of our questions in great detail and at all costs kept the safety of both our daughter and Lucy as priority! We could not recommend Ruidoso Malinois enough! Like other reviews we have read, words can't express how pleasant and rewarding this experience has been! We are now home with Lucy, and the difference she has made already, is unexplainable! We've had several incidents occur with sickness with our daughter since obtaining Lucy, and Lucy is very attentive and alert! Our daughter doesn't get out of her sight! As parents, our appreciation can't even be described as to how positive of an impact this has been for our Unique Gal with a Mal!

"Irene Howcroft"

I just visited Ruidoso New Mexico and I walked away with a terrible experience. After talking to the trainers, who are awesome veterans, you really get ripped off on the prices and condition of the dog. I was even told to watch out for how shady the contract is to purchase a protection dog. I was very disappointed in the conditions of the facility having been to other trainers in the country. So many dogs I could tell were so high strung and angry and were not getting the basic attention they needed. Having a family and only working with the trainers, I worked with Kevin, for a few days I didn't feel comfortable keeping my dog because of the mistreatment. There is a lot of pain induced training specifically with the choke collar and my dog was very skinny for the money. I talked to the local PD and they told me to be wary especially about the condition of the dogs and they had legal trouble with Irene in the past. I can guarantee most of the 5 star reviews are Irene's fake accounts to pump up her stars and this will get buried with the rest of the accurate 1 star reviews. When I was there she would go on and on about getting into battles with former customers online. If a comment doesn't mention how hard Irene is to work with and how shady her methods are to hide information on the dogs then they likely are fake accounts.

"Response to Irene Howcroft"

If Lili was vaccinated how did she have parvovirus like OSU and other vet tests proved? I wouldn't have sued you if I believed you were capable of telling the truth Irene my lawyer obviously thought the contract was breached, I don't want to spend years trying to get payment from you so I am moving on but I think people looking for honest information should know the truth. I wish I had listened to the people from your town and your own trainers and refused to buy the dog. I would have vaccinated and treated the puppy if that's all you would give me for the replacement dog because I would expect it to have parvovirus like Lili did. How did Lili get parvovirus 2 and a half months after purchase? Anyone reading this should know there is no replacement dog because you can just decide it doesn't matter unless they pursue damages to the very end in court.

"These dogs become family"

My name is Vincent and I took the chance to drive from California to New Mexico to get a new dog. The trip was more than worth it and a year later the dog (Kasai) is very happy here at home as am I. When I first met Kasai he was very well exercised, well trained, and had a very good relationship with everyone there at Ruidoso Malinois. I honestly don’t believe that I could have gotten a better dog anywhere else.

"I have done alot of research before I…"

I have done alot of research before I purchased Nana from Ruidoso Malinois (Irene) she took the time and answered all my questions. I definitely would recommend that if you want top quality give Irene a call. Even now after several months have passed I can still call her with any questions. She has spent alot of years helping to perfect this breed and the standards. Call Irene if you are interested in purchasing a top quality Malinois.

"Best Experience Possible!"

The whole experience buying my girl was excellent from start to finish! I am so happy with her and very glad we chose Ruidoso Malinois. Being a former attorney I research everything thoroughly and when we decided to add a Belgian Malinois to our family this was no exception. We spoke to several highly regarded breeders but Irene was the one I liked best on the phone. She was interested in making sure the pups went to the right homes above all else. My main priority was a reputable breeder and it was clear to me this was what Irene was. She was very protective of the breed and her puppies just the way it should be! Information was sent on the litter with health details about the parents including hip xrays without even having to ask. The pedigrees and titles of the parents were impeccable. We visited the facility twice and were amazed at how clean and beautiful it was. The first time due an out of state emergency Irene’s staff did not know we were coming until we arrived and the facility was still spotless so it’s clearly kept that way all the time and not for show. We were able to see the momma who was beautiful and clearly loved and in great health and all the puppies. The facility was professional and the dogs all had plenty of space and you could tell each one was cared for. Shot records and AKC registration was all provided promptly and I was able to choose my pups registered name. Irene picked my puppy for me and she made the perfect choice. I received a highly intelligent, confident puppy. Irene and her staff had taken the puppy in vehicles and worked with her in a kennel so we had a very easy ride home (even though it was a long way) and we have had no issues at all at night or with accidents in the house. Irene provides written handouts on nutrition, equipment and even toys that makes the puppy’s transition to the new home as easy as can be. I’m just amazed every day how clever my puppy is and how fast she learns! I am so excited for my journey with her. Thank you so much Ruidoso Malinois!

"Excellent choice to purchase a Mal from!!!!! WOW!!!"

I went into owning the breed blind and for the very first time. Irene was so comforting and I was assured that we would be in heaven. Boy was she right!!!! He is protective yet sweet, smart and humble around family/children. An incredible strong and beautiful dog like nothing we have ever seen. We love our dog like none other. Life as we knew it has changed.....we will ALWAYS have one of Irene's dogs as long as it is possible.

"Outstanding"

Outstanding - Irene Howcroft is an excellent breeder and trainer - We love our dog Jessy