Westies shed very little compared to most breeds, and they’re widely considered hypoallergenic. But “hypoallergenic” doesn’t mean allergen-free, and “minimal shedding” doesn’t mean no grooming. If someone told you westies don’t shed at all, they oversimplified it. The Short Answer Westies have a double coat – a soft undercoat and a harsher outer coat. The … Read more
Bath your westie every 4-8 weeks when their skin is healthy, and as often as weekly during allergy flare-ups. That’s the short answer. The longer answer is that bathing a westie is more complicated than bathing most dogs, because their skin is more reactive than most dogs. When Sami’s allergies were at their worst, I … Read more
Most westie owners walk into a grooming salon and say “just the usual” – and then wonder why their dog comes back looking nothing like they wanted. The problem isn’t the groomer. It’s that westies have a specific coat structure that can be cut in very different ways, and if you don’t communicate what you … Read more
Hand stripping pulls dead outer coat hairs out by the root, allowing new growth to come in with the correct harsh texture. Clipping cuts the hair but leaves the root, which over time softens the coat and can shift its color to a yellowish tone. For show westies, stripping is required. For pet westies, it’s … Read more
Your westie’s face and ears need more attention than the rest of their body. The facial hair traps food, moisture, and allergens right against the most sensitive skin on their head. The ears are one of the three spots where allergy flare-ups appear first. If you’re only grooming these areas every six weeks at the … Read more
Most westie puppies are ready for their first professional grooming session at 12-16 weeks old, after they’ve had their initial vaccinations. But the grooming routine at home should start the day you bring them home. Home Grooming: Start Immediately The goal in the first few weeks isn’t a perfect coat – it’s getting your westie … Read more
Summer changes the grooming equation for westies. Higher temperatures, more outdoor time, pollen, grass allergens, and hot pavement all affect the coat and skin differently than winter. The grooming routine that works in November probably needs adjusting by June. Go Shorter, But Not Shaved A shorter summer cut makes sense for most westies. Less coat … Read more
A westie’s coat is not like other dogs’ coats. If you treat it like one, you’ll end up with matting, skin problems, and a groomer who gives you that look every six weeks. I learned this the hard way with Sami. Westies have a double coat – a soft, dense undercoat and a harsher outer … Read more