Five First-Breed Teams Earn ARCHMX Titles

Paws ’N Effect teams set WCRL records in 2021.

Five dog-and-handler teams from Paws ’N Effect (Hamden, Conn.) earned their World Cynosport® Rally Limited (WCRL) ARCHMX titles in 2021, making history as the first dogs of their respective breeds to do so. 

Club owner Leigh Sylvester and her Shiloh Shepherd, Kingston, have earned multiple MX’s in their career together. According to Leigh, Kingston almost died when he was 1-1/2 years old from a reaction to a flea/tick preventative. Although he developed a lifelong neurological condition after surviving the reaction, he is the definition of a gentle giant and a sweetheart that everyone seems to love. 

 

Jessica Brauer brought Bingo, a cute Shiba Inu puppy from a pet store, up to the ARCHMX champion level. Shiba Inu are not known for their trainability and affection, but according to Leigh, Bingo is exactly the opposite. “A working Shiba Inu to his caliber is very rare, and Jess has learned to problem-solve training techniques throughout their journey,” Leigh said. 

 

Michele Houston and her rescue, Jeffrey, became the first pit bull team to earn their ARCHMX. The pair have done many things in Jeffrey’s life, including rally and therapy work, which seem to be his favorites. Jeffrey is also known as “Team Hippo Bounce” in WCRL because of his joyful personality. (Read more about Jeffrey’s journey to rally.)

 

Nancy Wentworth has worked hard helping her Australian Terrier, Livvie, through various times of stress. “Livvie is a wonderful working dog but can be extremely sensitive to noises and different environments,” Leigh said. “The two have become tremendous partners.”

 

Stephanie Buchanan and Liam are the first American Staffordshire Terrier team to earn an ARCHMX. Liam is most known in the WCRL world for his vast collection of bowties, and he has become a tremendous advocate for his breed both in and out of the ring. “He is also the most food-motivated dog you’ll meet and will chew through your pocket for a crumb,” Leigh said with a laugh.

 

The record-setting teams, left to right: Jessica Brauer and Bingo, Michele Houston and Jeffrey, Nancy Wentworth and Livvie, Leigh Sylvester and Kingston, and Stephanie Buchanan and Liam.