Are Westies Hypoallergenic?

First, What Are Westies?

(Short Background and History of the Westies)

The West Highland White Terrier, popularly known as Westies, is from Scotland's Highlands. Before the Westie was established, there were other white and tan terrier breeds that appeared, and the reddish terriers employed for hunting were frequently mistaken for foxes.

They were bred for their white coats, which allowed hunters to see them from afar. Their thick white coat is designed to protect them from the cold. Their short, strong limbs were developed for digging and chasing vermin down holes and burrows, and they were used to hunt small creatures like rats. The breed was given this name for the first time in 1908. Since then, the breed's popularity has skyrocketed in both Europe and the United States.

According to the  American Kennel Club,   this lovely dog has enchanted owners for over 300 years because it is smart, confident, and always amusing at play. This little but tough earth dog is one of the most popular small terriers. The Westie's looks are enticing, standing 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder with dark piercing eyes, a compact physique, and a carrot-shaped tail swinging with excitement.

Characteristics And Personality

They are small, stocky dogs that are quick and agile.

The dense, sharp white coats of West Highland white terriers make them easily recognizable. These are short coats that are robust enough to push through brambles and harsh enough to easily shed dirt. To remove the dead undercoat, the coat must be cut or hand stripped. Their guardians could spot them in the fields and distinguish them from the animals they were hunting because of their white complexion. These canines are not albinos, despite their white coats. They should have dark circles around their eyes, mouth, and nose.

This type of dog is known to be tough and self-sufficient. It is a wonderful companion, even if you're a busy person. They enjoy being with you, yet they do not need your full attention.

They're tough and adaptive, and they don't get rattled easily. They can easily transition between different living environments if they are well socialized.

What Do We Mean By Hypoallergenic Dogs?

It is a dog that causes fewer allergic reactions in people who are allergic to dog dander.

Because hypoallergenic dogs produce far less dander when wearing a coat that does not shed, and because they don't have hair, less dander can stick to the dog's coat. The fundamental physical characteristic of this breed is that it sheds very little or does not shed at all.

Our pets' coats come in two varieties: single-coated dogs with no substantial undercoat and double-coated dogs with a dense undercoat. Then there are dogs with no hair. Even hairless dogs, though, can create enough dander to cause an allergic reaction in someone.

The issue isn't with the pet's coat. The dander, or minute scales of dead skin that pets regularly shed, is the source of the problem.

So, Are Westies Hypoallergenic?

As labeled by the  American Kennel Club,   yes they are! No dog is fully shedding-free, but the Westie comes close. When they do shed, they produce less dander and shed less frequently than other breeds.

The coat of a Westie does not blow as the season changes, but it may shed a little. Brushing, stripping, or clipping their coat will help keep loose hair at bay and reduce the amount of hair you bring home.

The coat of the West Highland Terrier is a hypoallergenic double coat with a harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat. They shed extremely little and produce very little dander, making them ideal for people with allergies or asthma.

The two most common causes of pet allergies are dander and shedding. The dander is made up of dead skin cells that fall off and combine with the animal's saliva. Shedding refers to the loss of hair from an animal's coat or fur.

They are a fantastic choice for allergy patients or those who are allergic to dogs but desperately want one because they cause so few allergic reactions.

The Benefits Of Having A Westie As A Hypoallergenic Dog

One of the benefits of hypoallergenic dogs such as a Westie is that they lessen the likelihood of allergic reactions in their owners. If you know you're allergic to fur, you'll want to opt for dogs with hair rather than fur. The most common cause of allergic reactions is fur, although hair is more hypoallergenic.

Dogs' fur isn't the only allergen they produce; germs in their saliva can also cause allergic reactions. Hypoallergenic dogs salivate less and drool less than non-hypoallergenic canines. As a result, purchasing hypoallergenic dogs entails dealing with less shedding and drooling.

However, you can avoid allergic reactions to their saliva in your home or anywhere else.

The urine of a dog is another source of allergies. Even if your dog is potty-trained, urine can get stuck in their fur or hair, especially if they have long hair. It could then spread throughout your home, including your carpet and couch, causing allergy reactions later. Hypoallergenic dogs' urine, on the other hand, contains fewer allergens.

Another advantage of having a hypoallergenic dog is that you will spend less time cleaning up. Fur sheds easily and frequently, whereas hair sheds very infrequently. As a result, you won't have to vacuum as frequently as you would with a non-hypoallergenic dog.

Lastly, if you're allergic, the most obvious and best benefit of hypoallergenic dogs is that you can spend more time with them. In contrast, while you may desire to interact with a non-hypoallergenic dog, it could be harmful to your health. You'll start to feel uncomfortable, and you won't be able to play and cuddle with your dog as much as you'd like.

Westies are cheerful and amiable, with a dynamic personality that appeals to everyone. These affectionate and intelligent pups make excellent additions to any family living in any size home. You just have to simply ensure that you can provide adequate exercise and play opportunities for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are West highland terriers hypoallergenic?

Yes, it's true, you can safely choose a puppy for yourself and not worry about allergies.