How Much Do Westies Shed? Vet-Approved Facts & Grooming Tips
By Misty Layne
Updated on
Westies, or West Highland White Terriers, are small dogs with huge personalities. These pups are fun-loving, active, and make fabulous pets for pretty much anyone! But adopting a Westie means knowing what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to things such as care, potential health issues, and grooming. And knowing just how much a dog sheds is a very important piece of information in your day-to-day life.
So, how much do they shed? They are considered medium shedders. While Westies do shed, they don’t shed much or often. They usually shed in the spring and fall for their summer and winter coats, respectively. Their coats do require a bit of grooming, though, so be prepared to spend plenty of time brushing your pet. What else should you know? Keep reading!
Are Westies Hypoallergenic?
The first thing to know about so-called hypoallergenic dogs is that no canine is truly hypoallergenic. All dogs produce allergenes, the substances that can trigger allergies in susceptible people. Dog allergens are carried out by dander (dead skin cells) and hair, so even hairless dogs can cause allergies. That said, breeds that shed very little are often considered by some as hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this is simply not true.
The Westie Coat
Westies have a double-layered white coat. The bottom layer is incredibly soft, short, and close to the skin and is there to keep them insulated against cold weather. The outer layer is the one you see and is longer and coarser. A Westie’s outer layer is typically about two inches in length.
This breed is considered to be in the middle of the shedding scale as opposed to the lowest shedding dogs, such as the Shih Tzu and Poodle. But why do some dogs shed less? One main factor in how often and how much a pup sheds is the hair growth cycle. Essentially, the longer that hair remains in the growth cycle, the longer it takes to grow and fall out. So, in dogs that shed less, this growth cycle takes longer than in dogs that shed more.
Grooming Your Westie
Your Westie will need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy (and to help reduce shedding even more). Daily brushing with either a pin brush or slicker brush is recommended to keep your pet’s coat mat- and tangle-free, as well as to remove dead fur.
As far as haircuts go, you’ll likely want to go to a groomer for that (unless you’re confident in your grooming skills!) about three times a year. You can also hand strip some Westies, though this is a time-consuming process as you’re literally plucking old hair from its coat with a hand-stripping tool; a groomer should be able to do this, too, if you prefer it over clipping. Not all Westies will have a coat that can be hand-stripped, though!
Other than that, your Westie will only need the occasional bath with an excellent quality shampoo. Just remember not to bathe your dog too often, as this can strip their coat of natural oils, resulting in dryness, skin irritation, and more shedding!
Keeping your pet's skin and coat clean and healthy is very important, but finding a great shampoo can be harder than the actual grooming! We love our Hepper Pet Shampoos because they makes grooming so much easier. These pH-balanced formulas are made with natural ingredients like oatmeal, cucumber, and aloe. They are free of phthalates, sulfates, and soaps and very gentle on your pet's skin. Now you just need to decide which formula is best for your fur baby! Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pet’s next bath!
 Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo |
 Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo |
|
|---|---|---|
| Natural cucumber & aloe scent |
Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
 |
Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
|
| Safe for cats & dogs |
Safe for cats & dogs:
|
Safe for cats & dogs:
|
| Rinsing required |
Rinsing required:
|
Rinsing required:
 |
| Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients |
Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients:
|
Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients:
|
| Lathers easily |
Lathers easily:
|
Lathers easily:
|
Final Thoughts
Westies make wonderful pets. While these pups aren’t considered hypoallergenic, they do not shed a lot, so there’s less hair to worry about compared to other breeds.
Westies require a bit of grooming, though, to keep their coats healthy and help reduce shedding even more. Most of that grooming will consist of daily brushing to remove dead hair, mats, and tangles, but visiting the groomer a few times a year for clipping or hand stripping will be necessary, as well. If you don’t mind the daily brushing, though, you’ll find yourself with one friendly pup that loves to have fun!
Featured Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock
