MEET RADAR: THE ‘GATEWAY DOG’ TO OUR SHIH TZU FAMILY
About Us
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 walking her Shih Tzu moms and dads at a local forest preserve, which she did every day of the week. Little did we know at the time that this introduction would be life changing.
Over time, we became close friends with Patty. We were intrigued and impressed with her small breeding pack and how she managed her breeding 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 social skills and wonderful for us as well. There’s nothing like Shih Tzu cuddle therapy! One day we were 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 to carry 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. Consequently, we knew with certainty at the completion of our contract he would not return to Patty; rather, he would be forever ours. Alas, Radar is known as the ‘Gateway Dog’ in our family — we now have six Shih Tzus!
Radar’s last engagement as a breeding male was with a sweet girl named Rosie, who we also later adopted. A litter of five was born, and the pups were named after the band members of Fleetwood Mac. Our girl Stevie is Radar and Rosie’s daughter.
Our friend retired after 16 years as a successful breeder. She taught us so much about the breed and how to ethically and responsibly run a small breeding program. Her influence led us to start our own journey of breeding these amazing companions. After hanging up the Croaking Toad shingle, Patty granted ownership of Stevie to our family. She also granted ownership of her male Leo. Check out our Meet the Parents page for more information about our breeding Shih Tzu moms and dads. We are blessed to be a small part of ensuring the continued excellence of this wonderful breed!
