Our experience with Ruidoso Malinois… Our experience with Ruidoso Malinois was exemplary. Irene asked a lot of questions during her screening process. Irene has a serious nature and seems very passionate about her work. My brother is disabled. Irene took the time to ensure she matched up the dog with his needs and abilities. Irene is overly cautious in the safety department. Irene made special accommodations so that we could stay as long as needed to become confident handlers. Her staff were all very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. We were especially impressed with how well the grounds where the dogs are housed and trained were kept. The kennels were clean and disinfected. Dogs have clean water and food daily on a schedule. Ayko has become a very important part of our daily lives and family. We are so grateful for him. He is highly intelligent and well trained. Thank you Irene for the love and passion you have for your work. The Elledge family

Don't touch Irene Howcroft and her… Don't touch Irene Howcroft and her kennels with a barge pole. She talks the talk, but don't be fooled. Good reviews are either coerced or written by employees. She and her kennels are a sham. I have spent time with one of her dogs and found this dog over excited, difficult to control, nervous and hungry for love and attention, probably from being locked up for so long. I feel very sorry for these dogs as they appear to be bred for nothing more than the money. Be careful she is not as she appears.

Our Two Cents Worth ... We are among those Belgian Shepard dog owners who think Irene chooses the right dog for each perspective owner. While we haven't met Irene in person yet, she has been helpful considering her very busy schedule. And she has staff members who are knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you, Irene and staff. There is one thing that we didn't expect -- our Malinois pup apparently carries recessive genes that have resulted in a Belgian Shepard with long, relatively thin hair. Also, much of his coat is darkening to sable or black, but his hindquarters remain fawn. No one we have met so far thinks he is Malinois, which can be irritating. Appearance aside, the dog we bought from Ruidoso Malinois is intelligent, protective, curious and he learns commands easily. Again, thank you, Irene. Oh, another aside, when we went to pick up our puppy, the all of the outdoor puppy pens were spotless and there were no flies or other insects to be found. Caring for so many animals is hard, sometimes thankless work and so another thank you. Best, Robert C Brown and Barbara Staley Brown

I highly recommend Ruidoso Malinois I highly recommend Ruidoso Malinois, Irene and her team. She is direct and honest, which I appreciate. She matched me with Zimba and what a perfect match it is. Zimba responds best when I do what the trainers instructed me to do during our 5 day training sessions. It's pretty simple. The animals are educated and we have to get on their level. This particular dog is amazing. He's loving, he communicates and he really just wants to please me and work. Trust the high ratings as you'll notice that the lower ones have less to do with the animals and more to do with being told "no"

Satisfied Retired Army SGM I am a retired Army SGM and disabled combat veteran; I have long admired the Belgian Malinois breed but became slightly obsessed with the breed after seeing them in action during my combat tour in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, post combat, I was diagnosed with PTSD that left me constantly in a state of hyper vigilance; a feeling that there was an endless threat of unknown harm to myself or my Family. This affected my quality of life severely; as a single woman of a certain age, I no longer felt safe taking walks alone, traveling alone. Even attending church was problematic; that strong sense of being vulnerable to a threat I couldn’t name but my brain held me hostage over. I avoided crowded events like the plague. I couldn’t sleep soundly and felt that I constantly needed to be alert and watching for danger. I was wintering in Mexico when I happened upon Ruidoso Malinois during a Google search and I called the owner, Irene Howcroft the next day. From our first phone interview, Irene understood my plight and actually identified one of her Mals, Larry, that she said would be perfect for me. Larry would be ready in a few months; however, I explained I needed to get my knee replaced and heal before I could pick him up and attend the 5-day handler training. Irene, without hesitation, kept Larry for me, until I was healed and able to come for him; she felt that strongly that Larry was my dog. She was right! I traveled to NM to meet and train with Larry; the handler training was amazing. Chris, a Marine veteran, provided excellent training and upon our departure I felt equipped with all the knowledge and tools to bring Larry back to MT. I am so grateful I found Irene and Ruidoso Malinois! I cannot speak more highly of her business, expertise; I’m beyond grateful for Larry. He’s become my best friend; what a sweet disposition he has. I love him and trust him and I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual! We spend time taking long walks and he couldn’t be happier chasing after balls. He’s energetic and eager to please, loves car rides and is extra alert for any danger. I haven’t slept this well in years. I now feel confident to go anywhere as long as Larry is with me. I have no doubt he will protect me. I have the best companion, service dog and protector! Thank you, Irene!