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, family-owned Shih Tzu breeding program in Northwest Indiana. Our puppies are raised in our home with loving care, gentle daily handling, and thoughtful socialization from birth.
Radar — the little dog who started it all.
Before Shih Tzus became part of our lives, Rob spent many years training Border Collies for golf course goose management. During that time, he met a local Shih Tzu breeder named Patty while working at a forest preserve where she regularly walked her Shih Tzu moms and dads.
What began as a chance meeting eventually became a meaningful friendship. Once Radar came into our lives, that friendship grew even closer. Over time, we came to know Patty well and were impressed by her thoughtful approach to breeding. Her dogs were not simply dams and sires; they were beloved family members.
We visited Patty’s home often 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. That tradition began in Patty’s home and continues in ours today: when puppies are old enough for snuggles, they are often part of the conversation.
One day, Patty asked if we would consider hosting Radar. 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. Radar became known as the “Gateway Dog” in our family, and our love for Shih Tzus only grew from there.
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 about running a small, ethical, responsible breeding program. Her mentorship helped shape the standards that guide Rhythm & Tzus today.
Thanks to Patty’s influence, Radar’s place in our family, and our love for this wonderful companion breed, Rhythm & Tzus was born.
Today, Rhythm & Tzus is a small, home-based breeding program in Northwest Indiana focused on health, temperament, socialization, and placing puppies with families who will love them as much as we do. Stevie — Radar’s daughter — remains an important part of our story. We invite you to learn more about Stevie, Leo, Georgie, and Tuuli on our Meet the Parents page. 🐾
