Welcome to Rafter JM Aussies!!! Located in Southeastern Oklahoma we are close to both Texas and Arkansas. We are preservation Miniature Australian Shepherd breeders that register with IMASC (International Miniature Australian Shepherd Club) and ASDR (American Stock Dog Registry). We strive to produce only the finest quality dogs who not only have outstanding confirmation but have matching personalities. Our dogs are an essential part of our cattle operation and our lives. We use the Bio-Sensor Super Dog Program to promote neurological and immune system health and have started using an adapted version of Puppy Culture and AviDog! Whether you are looking for a companion, a working dog, a service dog or a champion, you can find it here at Rafter JM Aussies!


































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Who We Are

My name is Jenny Dow and my husband, Justin, and I are

cattle ranchers raising red and black angus commercial beef,

living in a small town in Southeastern Oklahoma.

We met at a college rodeo and the rest...well, its history!

We are proud to say that after six years of marriage
we welcomed our first living child, a son, Logan Elliott in
September 2014.  In May of 2018 our family grew again

with the birth of our twin girls, Maddison Paige and

McKinley Brooke.  In April of 2021 we welcomed another

set of twins, two boys, Watson Creed and Wyatt Oliver!

And in February of 2024, we welcomed one more little boy, 

Lawson Everett! To say we are blessed is an understatement! 

Our roots are grounded in our faith and our love for Jesus

Christ and our for agriculture and this way of life.

Rodeo has played a huge role, living on both sides of
the fence so to speak. From competing to contracting, we
have done it all.  I have put thousands and thousands of
miles on blacktop and I couldn't have done it without my
companions, my partners in crime, my best friends, my dogs.

I have had my fair share of fairground mutts, Labs, Heelers, 

and Catahoulas.  The breed that stood out to me in all

aspects as being "The One" was the Miniature  Australian Shepherd.  Don't let the word Mini scare you.  Breed standard says to be classified as a Mini they must wicket (measure) between 14" and 18" at the withers. If you don't have a measuring tape on you, they typically  weigh between about 20 lbs and 40 lbs and stand below the knee. Approximately the size of heelers. I actually find them very comparable to heelers in drive, with the exception they are much more emotionally driven and responsive. 

The "Mini Aussie" temperament is different for each dog. Some are extremely hyper, energetic dogs that require alot of attention and exercise.  Some are laid back couch potatoes that love everyone.  Then there are the dogs that tend to be reserved, a one-person-dog, but with their person (or family) they are loyal cuddle bugs!  Several Mini Aussies, including some of our pups, have gone on to become working Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs.  

However, Mini Aussies are NOT FOR EVERYONE!  They aren't generally aggressive by nature but have phenomenal herding instinct. They are stock dogs. Working dogs. Service Dogs. They MUST have a job or be able to keep their mind busy! They need to run and exercise ALOT!  Some have laid back dispositions and will become couch potatoes if you let them, but the majority need to get out and move. 


Are they house dogs? Aussies can make great house dogs, but they have to have ample free time to be outside and run! I can't stress this enough! They are first and foremost working dogs by nature, you can't change their DNA.  Not all aussies are social butterflies.  Some don't like strangers and don't want too much attention.  Some don't even want to leave home, while others you have to pry out of your vehicle because they load up the second they hear the keys jingle. 

 I have owned all sizes of Aussies; Standard, Miniature, and even a Toy!  The Mini's fit our needs perfectly! Whether it be the cattle, or chickens, their herding instinct shines through and their size is their advantage. Not too big and not too small. We strive to keep around only dogs with an off switch. If I can't call them off, I don't want them! That's just asking for trouble!  I try not to borrow trouble if I don't have to. 

My dogs are my best friends, my ranch help, and champions!  I have been adamant since day one about having only the best quality.  I don't make it a habit to breed any dog that isn't champion quality! If I acquire a dog that isn't championed, you better believe it will be!  But enough about me! Lets get back to talking about the Mini's! 


Miniature Australian Shepherds are just that; a smaller version, a size variety, of the Australian Shepherd.  They are 100% Pure Bred! We have produced several "standard" size aussies out of two minis.  The mini size variety was adapted by breeding two smaller  aussies.  By taking the smallest aussies and breeding them to small aussies you get....Minis! Its pretty simple folks! That is why our minis are on the large scale (as far as minis go).  The original Australian Shepherd was actually the size of our minis.  They were sheep dogs.  Americans started breeding them larger for cattle and for show.  AKC has recently created a NEW BREED for smaller aussies (aka minis) BUT they have named Miniature American Shepherds.  We do NOT agree with this.  They are in every way AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS!  Some of our breeding stock is actually out of two standard sized AKC registered Australian Shepherds.  Why would we divorce their heritage and pedigree and become a new breed?  We are proud of our Australian Shepherds! This is not negotiable for us!   


Visit some of these sites to learn more about the Miniature Australian Shepherd.

 http://mascaonline.com/breed-info/history/


http://mascaonline.com/breed-info/breed-standard/

http://www.americanstockdog.org/breeds.php

http://www.australian-shepherd-lovers.com/new-puppy-care.html

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniatureaustralianshepherd.htm







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