Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca. Westies, or West Highland White Terriers, are small white dogs that hail from Scotland and have distinctive white fur that gives them heaps of character. But are they hypoallergenic? The short answer is no, because no dog breed is hypoallergenic. The skin is a weak area in Westies. In a recent study, 66% (two-thirds) of the breed were affected by some form of skin disease by 3 years of age. Allergies (which cause itchy skin and often lead to pyoderma) are very common in all terrier breeds. Other skin diseases in Westies include seborrhea, and a very serious disease: epidermal dysplasia. The West Highland Terrier is considered hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for people with mild allergies. The West Highland Terrier produces minimal fur and dander and is relatively low-shedding. As long as you take proactive steps, you can avoid dandruff and hair. The plant that Westies seem to be most allergic to (in New Zealand, anyway) is Tradescantia fluminensis - known more commonly as "wandering jew". It likes growing in dark, shady places and it is really hard to get rid of. This is what wandering jew looks like: A weed called "wandering jew" causes allergies in Westies. As a topical skin disease common in approximately 25% of all West Highland white terriers, the discomfort comes from severe irritation and skin damage. If not treated, Westies can be prone to severe skin irritation and infections. Vay Nhanh Fast Money.

west highland terrier skin allergies