West Highland Terriers have lots of personality, despite being small dogs. They also have a lot of other great qualities, but are westies hypoallergenic?
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This is a breed that wants to please its owners and be with them but also has its own pursuits. It’s an independent dog.
Table of Contents
What Is A Hypoallergenic Dog?
Overall, hypoallergenic dogs (also known as low allergy dogs) are those that:
- Don’t shed — this means, they produce much less dander with a coat that doesn’t shed.
- Don’t have hair which means that less dander can cling to the dog’s coat.
It’s important to remember that no dog is actually hypoallergenic. Rather, they are just less likely to set off an allergic response. That’s because the main physical feature of this type of dog is not shedding or shedding very little.
What Benefits Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Bring?
Saves Time On Cleaning:
Want to save on the time and effort of cleaning up? Consider adopting a hypoallergenic breed or individual dog as they shed less. As an example, dogs shed fur more regularly than humans do, and their hair hardly ever falls off.
Clothes Are Cleaner:
Hypoallergenic dogs rarely shed, but when they do, the strands of hair don’t float in the air, unlike fur. This means that allergens won’t spread throughout your home and stick to your clothes.
Reduce The Risk Of Allergies:
One of the advantages of getting a hypoallergenic dog is that you can reduce the risk of your allergies flaring up. If you know that you’re allergic to fur, you might want to choose a fluffy dog breed with short hair instead.
These types of dogs rarely shed, but when they do, the strands of hair don’t float in the air, unlike fur. This means that allergens won’t spread throughout your home and stick to your clothes.
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About The Westie:
Westies have black, beady eyes and a button nose. These dogs have an overall fox-like appearance with the hair that grows around the nose along with the short pointy ears.
These really cool dogs have long legs and feet that point inward, making it easier to stave off dirt on the ground. Their tails are thick at the base.
This breed is confident and independent. They are loyal, loving family members and always take the initiative to protect loved ones if necessary. Westies also love a good run and are up for anything.
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Do Westies Shed a Lot?
No dog is completely free of shedding, as mentioned above, but the Westie comes pretty close. When they do shed, their dander levels are low and their shedding frequency is less than other breeds.
A Westie’s coat doesn’t blow as the seasons change, but they might shed a little bit. Brushing and stripping or trimming their coat will help keep loose hair at bay and reduce the amount of hair you pick up at home.
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Do Westies Have a Lot of Dander?
The West Highland Terrier’s coat is a hypoallergenic double coat that is made up of a coarse outer coat, and a soft undercoat. They shed very little and have low dander levels, which makes them perfect for those with allergies or asthma.
The most common cause of pet allergies is what is known as “dander” and “shedding”. The dander is the dead skin cells that fall off the animal and then mix with their saliva. The shedding is just hair that falls out of the animal’s coat or fur.
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What Other Types of Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?
If you’re affected by pet allergies here are some other breeds which are low allergy.
Portuguese Water Dog:
Portuguese Water Dogs are a hypoallergenic dog breed and produce the least amount of dander and shed. This makes them popular as a pet for those with allergies.
It originates from the Algarve region of Portugal. Today they exist all around Portugal’s coast, helping with fishing by herding fish into fishermen’s nets and retrieving lost tackle or broken nets.
Bichon Frisé:
This Bichon Frisé dog also produces little dander. This dog has a coat that is long and fluffy and sheds very little. These are cheerful, small dog breeds, pure breeds with a love of mischief and a lot of love to give.
The breed is believed to be descended from the Water Spaniel and it became popular in Mediterranean countries during medieval times.
Maltese:
The Maltese dog is very affectionate, happy, and loves resting in their family members’ laps. It is one of the smaller hypoallergenic breeds. These dogs require less shedding than many other breeds but will still require grooming if you decide to keep their coats long.
Poodle:
The Poodle sheds little of its curly, tight locks. This in turn helps to retain the dander.
The poodle is a very intelligent, energetic, and friendly dog that originated in Germany. The three sizes are toy, miniature, and standard.
While the Poodle isn’t typically thought to be an old breed, some believe that the breed originated in the Canary Islands and was brought to Europe by sailors.
Miniature Schnauzer:
This lovely Miniature Schnauzer loves plenty of play and sheds little. One of the most popular breeds in the U.S., this intelligent dog is typically black, brown, gold, silver, or sable in color with a distinctive white blaze on its chest.
The Miniature Schnauzer is small in size and weighs between 10-17 pounds. They are very devoted to their owners and are good with children, but they require human interaction to stay happy and healthy.
They were developed in the late 1800s in Germany and became a popular breed of dog and come from Affenpinschers and Schnauzers. They make great pets for those who love playful, curious canines.
Not only is the mini-schnauzer the smallest, but it’s also among the most popular.
Yorkshire Terrier:
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed originating in Yorkshire, England. One of the terrier breeds, they are known for their playful nature and intelligence. They make great pets for people with allergies because they don’t shed or drool.
Loving Yorkies are the most popular dog breed in the US, because of their loyalty and intelligence. You can also live easily with your Yorkie if you live in an apartment.
Kerry Blue Terrier:
Kerry blue terriers are one of the most unique-looking breeds and have coats that come in a shade of blue. They make excellent dogs to accompany your family; always alert and adaptable.
These are dogs that don’t shed but they do require regular grooming and trimming. They are also one of the larger breeds of hypoallergenic dogs making them great watchdogs.
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Conclusion:
Hypoallergenic dogs, including the westie, come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s up to you to decide which breed is right for you.
How you’ll use the dog, what kind of coat it needs, how long a dog can be expected to live, and its size and personality are just some of the factors that need to be considered.
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Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only. It may not be construed as medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information. Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals or veterinarians on any matter relating to their pet’s health and well-being. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.
