Meet Radar: The “Gateway Dog” to our Shih Tzu Family
Every Rhythm & Tzus story begins with one little dog named Radar.
Rhythm & Tzus is a small, home-based breeding program in Indiana dedicated to raising healthy, well-socialized Shih Tzu companions.
Radar — the little dog who started it all.
We are Rob and Jean Ahrendt, a husband-and-wife team who began our journey with dogs decades ago. Many of those years were spent training Border Collies for golf course goose management.
Our Shih Tzu story begins with a little dog named Radar. Several years ago, we met a breeder named Patty while she was walking her Shih Tzu moms and dads at a local forest preserve — something she did every day of the week. Little did we know at the time that this chance meeting would be a life-changing introduction.
Over time, we became very close friends with Patty. We were intrigued and impressed with her small breeding pack and the thoughtful way she managed her program. Her dogs were more than dams and sires; they were family members.
We visited Patty’s home frequently and abided by her rule: “If we’re going to sit and talk, we have to hold puppies.” It was wonderful for the pups, who were learning important social skills, and wonderful for us as well. There is truly nothing like Shih Tzu cuddle therapy.
One day, Patty asked if we would consider hosting Radar. Without hesitation, we agreed to a six-month contract, and Radar came to live with us. Periodically he “went to work,” so to speak, carrying out his duties as a breeding male. We fell hard and fast in love with the little dog who was sometimes stubborn, but always a gentleman.
Long before our contract ended, we knew with certainty that Radar would not return to Patty — he would be forever ours. Alas, Radar is known as the “Gateway Dog” in our family — we now have seven Shih Tzus.
Radar’s last engagement as a breeding male was with a sweet girl named Rosie. A litter of five was born, and the pups were named after members of the band Fleetwood Mac. Our girl Stevie is Radar and Rosie’s daughter.
After twenty years as a successful breeder, Patty decided to take down the Croaking Toad shingle. She taught us so much over the years about the Shih Tzu breed and how to ethically and responsibly run a small breeding program, and her mentorship helped shape the standards we follow today at Rhythm and Tzus.
Thanks to her influence and guidance, we began our own journey of breeding these wonderful companion dogs. Patty granted ownership of Stevie and Leo — her champion-sired male — to our family and Rhythm and Tzus.
We are grateful to play a small part in preserving the excellence of this wonderful breed. Today, Stevie — Radar’s daughter — is an important part of the Rhythm and Tzus story. We invite you to learn more about Stevie, Leo, Georgie, and Tuuli on our Meet the Parents page. 🐾
