RUIDOSO MALINOIS Specializing in Belgian Malinois for Police K-9, Personal Protection, Family Companion and puppies. Custom trained for your unique needs.
Ruidoso Malinois (ruidosomalinois.com) has 65 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5.
Also known as
ruidosomalinois.com
Website
ruidosomalinois.com
Category
Pet Stores
Location
Capitan, New Mexico
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
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The company replied to 18% of reviews.
Latest
Most recent review: October 2026.
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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.
SU
Susie
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!
Response from Ruidoso MalinoisFeb 16, 2020
It has been such a pleasure getting to know you, sharing time with you and facilitating this very special relationship with Lucy and your daughter. Lucy is a wonderful dog and the connection between your daughter and Lucy is profound and touching. I look forward to seeing you all again.
VW
Vincent W.
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.
KI
Ke In V.
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.
FL
Fay L.
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!
JE
Jenny
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.
JM
Jack M.
Outstanding
Outstanding - Irene Howcroft is an excellent breeder and trainer - We love our dog Jessy
KB
Kristi B.
If there were more than 5 stars...
If there were more than 5 stars, Ruidoso Malinois would get them! I am beyond pleased with my decision to purchase a trained dog from Ruidoso Malinois. And my dog—beyond my wildest expectations! He is wonderful, fulfilling his role as protector with absolute confidence, and is incredibly smart. He is a loyal companion and I have not had one moment of regret.