Applications for our 2026 Litters are officially open. Apply Today!
Andy x Eloise
This carefully planned and deeply meaningful breeding has been completed.
If successful, puppies are anticipated around March 20, 2026.
%20copy.jpg)
Refining the Vision
It has been quite some time since a frozen semen breeding was attempted at FoxFire, but after careful planning, reflection, and a trip to Western Canada, this breeding finally took shape. When I stepped back and looked closely at the Beagles both within my own pack and in other kennels that most closely aligned with the direction I want to take FoxFire, a clear path forward for Eloise began to emerge.
​
Seeing many virtues expressed in one of my homebred youngsters, Twist, I used her pedigree as inspiration to explore whether I could achieve a similar blend using different, yet complementary pieces - ones that echoed the strengths that came through in the breeding she was produced from. Having retained four of Eloise’s puppies from her first pairing, I have a strong understanding of the traits she consistently offers, as well as the areas that benefit from thoughtful refinement.
This page breaks down the purpose, the vision, and my hopes behind one of the most exciting and intentional breedings I have done at FoxFire.
Remembering Andy
Andy, Daragoj Heaven on Earth, was imported from Finland in November 2009 by Bev Davies of Waskasoo Kennels, who is also the co-breeder on this special pairing. He was bred by Eeva Resko and came from her final Daragoj litter - a detail that has always carried special weight for me, knowing the legacy behind him.
When I first spoke with Bev about Andy, I asked her what felt like ten thousand questions. One of the very first things she shared was that she had originally hoped to bring Andy’s brother to Canada, but was advised that Andy was the better choice for the 15″ height and proved Eeva right by maturing out at 14.5". Bev received Andy at eight months of age, and because it was more practical for Eeva to fly with him, Andy made the journey to Canada alongside his breeder - a fitting start for a dog who would go on to leave such a meaningful impression in Bev's breeding program.
​
What stood out most to Bev when I asked what Andy was like to live with was his temperament. He was simply happy. He never met a stranger, was easy to live with, and brought a steady, joyful presence to her home. He was also known for sleeping on top of his doghouse like Snoopy and, according to Bev, came equipped with an alarm clock that was never a minute late - making sure everyone knew exactly when dinner was supposed to happen.
​
Before Andy was ever appreciated for what he produced, he made his own quiet mark in the ring. He finished his championship quickly, at a time when Grand Champion levels did not yet exist, and was recognized by judges who valued the virtues he consistently brought forward. Andy did not look like anything else in the ring - even then, he stood apart. With his distinctly European type, he contrasted the shorter-backed, cobbier North American style.
That said, the show ring was never where Andy’s greatest impact would be felt. He did however emerge as a lovely producer to the small amount of breeders who have used him, where his influence on movement, expression, balance,temperament and overall type would come to define the parts of him that mattered most.
​​
.jpg)
Preserving
Eloise’s Virtues
Years ago, through my own research, I began to notice Andy’s influence showing up repeatedly in dogs that reflected the style I am drawn to and hope to preserve in my program. He was known for his beautiful, long ears and was generous in passing them on to his offspring. He also had a wonderful way of “prettying up” a face, consistently producing soft, kind expressions - something I deeply appreciate in the breed.
​
Expression is one area I wanted to continue to thoughtfully refine in Eloise. While it was not the primary reason for choosing Andy, it was a place where I felt he could lend a gentle hand without compromising the strengths she already brings.
​
Ultimately, however, this breeding came down to one non-negotiable factor: Movement.​
I once listened to a podcast featuring longtime field beaglers, where one of them said something that has stayed with me:​
"
A bitch can only give you what you protect. Breed her to a dog without that strength, and don’t be surprised when it fades.
Eloise has already proven her ability to pass on her movement through her first litter, having been bred to a dog who was also a strong mover. I knew I did not want to take a step back in that department. For this outcross, I wanted to set her up for success by pairing her with a dog known for powerful, effortless movement and Andy, who was linebred on outstanding movers from the Daragoj lines, fit that vision.
​
The second best mover I have produced to date is Twist, whose grandfather is Andy. Watching her move with and effortless ground covering movement and the balance she carries, gave me a tangible template. Seeing those traits come together so successfully in her made me confident in revisiting that influence by blending Andy and Eloise directly, using similar pieces that had already proven to work well together deep in those pedigrees.
Of course, as with all breeding, outcomes can only ever be thoughtfully predicted through pedigree study and a deep understanding of how dogs have produced in the past. But Andy is a dog I have long wanted to use, particularly because I believe strongly in the importance of a solid dam line. This breeding reflects my commitment to building on that foundation while honestly evaluating my own dogs, recognizing both their strengths and areas for improvement, and moving forward with intention and care.
Who This Litter May Be Best Suited For
This pairing is well suited for homes seeking an outgoing, energetic Beagle with a true lust for life - qualities that both Andy and Eloise embodied so naturally. Eloise herself is, through and through, the ultimate showman. She is always eager to work and engage with me for as long as I’m willing to ask… provided she’s being paid, of course.
​
I anticipate bold, confident personalities paired with ground-covering movement, offering an interesting blend of European style alongside the strengths found in our North American pedigrees. My Eloise puppies to date have been sweet, silly, busy little go-getters, and I expect this litter to be no different by being full of character, humor, and presence, with no shortage of the charm both Andy and Eloise brought to the table.
​
Andy has produced wonderful performance dogs, and branches of Eloise’s pedigree are connected to the same. Because of this, I believe this litter should offer active, engaging companions and hounds capable of excelling in performance venues while also thriving as involved, adventurous family members.
​
Show prospect placements will be prioritized for myself and my breeding partners. However, should availability allow, I am open to working with knowledgeable breeders who have a clear, thoughtful plan for incorporating these lines into their breeding programs. Please feel free to reach out to me directly via private message on Facebook or by email to discuss further.
This potential breeding would not be possible without the generosity, trust, and support of Bev Davies of Waskasoo Kennels, who so graciously agreed to co-breed this special litter with me. I am deeply thankful for her willingness to share Andy’s legacy, her openness throughout this process, and the care she has always shown for both the dogs and the people behind them.
​
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Eeva Resko of Daragoj Beagles for her extraordinary influence on the Beagle breed. The dogs she bred and the line she created have long been admired by me, and bringing that influence forward as a foundational pillar within FoxFire is both an honour and a responsibility I take very seriously.
Honouring the Hands Behind This Breeding
