As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I know how heartbreaking it can be for someone to feel like their allergies prevent them from having a canine companion. About 10-20% of the worldwide population is allergic to dogs, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology[^1]. But for many people, life without a furry friend is unimaginable. So the question remains – are there really any dogs that are safe for allergy sufferers?
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is one breed that is often recommended for people with dog allergies due to their low-shedding coat. But as someone who has extensively studied canine allergies, I can confidently say that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. However, Westies do have several characteristics that may make them more tolerable for some allergy sufferers. Let‘s dig into the science behind pet allergies and take a closer look at the lovable Westie.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
First, it‘s important to understand what actually triggers dog allergies. Many people think it‘s dog hair or fur itself, but the real culprits are proteins found in dogs‘ skin cells (dander), saliva, and urine[^2]. These tiny proteins can become airborne and inhaled, or they can stick to surfaces and transfer to a person‘s eyes or skin, causing an allergic reaction.
So far, researchers have identified 7 different dog allergens, termed Can f1 through Can f7[^3]. The most common allergen is Can f1, which is primarily found in dog dander and saliva. Different dog breeds produce varying levels of each allergen. For example, one study found that Poodles had lower levels of Can f1 in their dander compared to Labrador Retrievers[^4].
[^1]: Pet Allergy Overview, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology[^2]: Vredegoor, D. W., Willemse, T., Chapman, M. D., Heederik, D. J., & Krop, E. J. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: Lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 130(4), 904–909. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2012.05.013
[^3]: Durner, J., Dávila, S., & Jensen-Jarolim, E. (2022). Part II Companion Animals. In Comparative Medicine (pp. 513-570). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86010-7_19
[^4]: Ramadour, M., Guetat, M., Guetat, J., El Biaze, M., Magnan, A., & Vervloet, D. (2005). Dog factor differences in Can f 1 allergen production. Allergy, 60(8), 1060–1064. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00855.x
Are Westies Lower in Allergens?
So what about Westies? A 2012 study actually measured the levels of Can f1 in the hair and homes of various dog breeds labeled as hypoallergenic, including Westies. Surprisingly, they found no significant difference in the amount of allergen compared to non-hypoallergenic control breeds[^2].
However, this doesn‘t tell the whole story. The researchers noted that even though Westies had similar Can f1 levels in their hair as other dogs, they likely release less dander into the environment overall due to their low-shedding coats. Less shedding means fewer allergens accumulating on floors and furniture over time.
| Breed | Can f1 in Hair (μg/g) | Can f1 in Home (μg/g) |
|---|---|---|
| West Highland White Terrier | 21.2 | 3.7 |
| Labrador Retriever | 7.5 | 4.7 |
| Poodle | 28.5 | 1.2 |
| Spanish Waterdog | 18.6 | 4.1 |
Table 1. Levels of Can f1 allergen in hair and dust samples from homes of various dog breeds. Adapted from Vredegoor et al., 2012[^2].
Anecdotally, I‘ve had several Westie-owning clients with mild dog allergies report that they tolerate their Westie well, as long as they keep up with regular grooming. One family said that their teenage son‘s allergies noticeably improved after they switched from a Golden Retriever to a Westie. But I‘ve also had clients say their Westie still triggered severe allergic reactions, and they sadly had to rehome them. It really varies from person to person.
As veterinary dermatologist Dr. Candace Sousa explains, "There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, and one person‘s ‘hypoallergenic‘ dog may still cause a reaction in another person. Allergies are very individually based immune responses."[^5] [^5]: Are There Hypoallergenic Dogs?, PetMD. Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/are-there-hypoallergenic-dogs
Westie Grooming Tips for Allergy Control
If you do decide to bring a Westie into your allergic household, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to their allergens:
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Brush your Westie at least 3 times per week outside to remove loose fur and dander. Use a pin brush or slicker brush on their thick double coat, followed by a steel greyhound comb to make sure you get down to the skin.
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Give your Westie a bath every 3-4 weeks with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo. Avoid over-bathing, which can dry out their skin and ironically lead to more dander production. Thoroughly rinse out all shampoo to prevent irritation.
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Wipe down your Westie with a damp cloth or disposable pet wipe after walks or playtime to remove pollen, mold spores, and other outdoor allergens that can accumulate on their coat.
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Have your Westie professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks. Their white coat will need trimming and tidying to stay clean and mat-free. A skilled groomer can also perform a de-shedding treatment to remove even more dead undercoat.
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Use a high-velocity dryer or air compressor (on a low, cool setting) to blow out any remaining loose hair after a bath or brushing session. This prevents fur and dander from falling off your dog and onto your floors and furniture.
In addition to coat maintenance, it‘s crucial to keep your home environment as allergen-free as possible. This means vacuuming carpets and upholstery frequently with a HEPA-equipped vacuum, running HEPA air purifiers 24/7, washing your dog‘s bedding weekly, and perhaps making certain rooms in your house off-limits to your dog.
Lastly, I always recommend chatting with your doctor about your allergy treatment options, whether that‘s an oral antihistamine, steroid nasal spray, or immunotherapy (allergy shots). Combining an allergen-reducing dog like a Westie with the right medication regimen and environmental controls can make dog ownership possible for many allergy sufferers.
The Bottom Line
As an animal lover, I completely empathize with the desire to share your life with a dog, even if you‘re allergic. And as a veterinarian, I want to help my clients make informed decisions about the best breed for their individual needs and sensitivities.
When it comes to Westies, they can be a good – but not perfect – choice for some people with dog allergies. Their low-shedding, single-coated hair may release less dander into the environment than heavy-shedding breeds with undercoats like German Shepherds or Huskies. With diligent grooming and in-home allergen control, many mild-to-moderate allergy sufferers do well with Westies.
However, it‘s important for anyone with dog allergies to spend time with an individual dog before bringing them home permanently, as each person‘s reaction can be different. You may find a Westie triggers you more than a Poodle, or that you can tolerate a Westie puppy but not an adult dog. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
If your heart is set on a Westie but your allergies are severe, you may want to look into other low-allergen pets like reptiles, fish, or even hairless cats. But if you‘re determined to make it work with a dog, rest assured that there are steps you can take to minimize allergens and maximize the joys of dog ownership. With open communication between you, your doctor, and your veterinarian – and lots of vacuuming – you may just find that a wonderful Westie can be the hypoallergenic dog of your dreams.
