Ralph Sowers was born on a livestock farm. He began milking cows at the early age of four years old.

Ralph is an avid reader and judicious line breeder of farm animals. His cows are bred for miniature size and docile nature.

Ralph Sowers was born in 1935 during the Great Depression on a Knasas livestock farm. He was the 7th of 8 children. His father died in 1937 and Ruby Sowers was left with 8 hungry children to raise on a mortgaged farm and times were tough but life was very good.

Ralph has been involved with animals as far back as he can remember. He was milking Shorthorn cows at the age of 4 years. His father had imported a fine Percheron stallion from France a few years previous. He vividly remembers the work horses occassionally crunching his bare toes but that didn't keep him away from them and driving teams was a real pleasure.

His first "pay" for helping with chores was two runt Duroc pigs, which he hand fed.Next there was an orphan lamb from a neighbor's flock of Hampshire sheep. Parting with these first pets at market time was tough. But there were many others down through the years.

In high school he showed Suffolk sheep and Tamworth hogs at county and state fairs. Later he had a small select herd of Santa Gertrudis cattle. He was an active member of the Future Farmers of America and served on a livestock judging team.

Ralph has always been an avid reader of all kinds of livestock magazines, breed brochures, etc. He has been a keen observer of the growth and development of several breeds of livestock including Quarter horses, Appaloosa, Pony of Americas, Santa Gertrudis, Beefmaster and Brangus cattle.

He has watched the influx of "exotic" breeds of cattle and the introduction of many different types. He has closely observed the results of famous bloodlines which were developed by the judicious use of linebreeding, such as Anxiety 4th Herefords, King Ranch Santa Gertrudis, Hank Weiscamp quarter horses, John Yeleb Milking Shorthorns and O'Briens Hampshire hogs.

Ralph was intrigued by the very small stature of his first miniature Zebu bull. Seeing first hand the results of crossing him with other breeds gave him the impetus to create a new breed of diminutive cattle having similar characteristics to Santa Gertudis or Beefmaster type along with extraordinary docility and small size.

Ralph Sowers' Sundog toy cattle are descended from "Sundog" the foundation sire. People who know them will attest to their personality appeal. The public's acceptance of these wonderful little bovines is the fulfillment of his dream.