UrbanAnimal

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Dear UrbanAnimal,

What are your thoughts about Westies and Wheatens for allergy sufferers? We are looking for a pet that is better for my 13-year-old son with allergies to dogs. Also, can you recommend good breeders?

Brenda A.

Dear Brenda,

It's wonderful that you're researching the subject! I wish more people would do the same as it would greatly reduce the number of mismatches between humans and animals.

The subject of hypo-allergenic dogs can be confusing for several reasons.

Human allergy sufferers can experience reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening depending upon many factors. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 10 per cent of the population is allergic to animal dander, urine or saliva. Your son's doctor should be consulted to discuss the exact source of allergens and management techniques and can also help you decide whether a pet of any kind would be safe for your son's health.

That being said, if the doctor is in agreement that a hypo-allergenic dog is within your son's tolerance levels, you're correct that a Westie (West Highland white terrier) and Wheaten (soft-coated wheaten terrier) should be included in your list of possibilities. Others thought to be hypo-allergenic include the poodle, airedale, chihuahua and xloitzcuintle (Mexican hairless) and Maltese. Breeds such as German shepherd, golden and labrador retriever and spaniel generally shed dander rapidly and profusely.

However, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a "non-allergenic" dog as all dogs shed hair and dander and all animals can trot outdoor allergens into our homes on their coats. Individual pups in a litter can shed at varying rates and even if your son shows no allergic reaction to the pups at the breeder's home, the symptoms may develop over time as pup grows in size and is living full time in your own home in close proximity to your son.

You can keep the allergens to a minimum by vacuuming and dusting your home regularly and you might also consider installing a good quality air cleaner to further assist. Keeping your dog well-groomed (bathed, brushed and clipped) can also go a long way in controlling allergens.

Your veterinarian and professional dog groomer can also help in deciding which breed of dog would be most suitable for you and you'll need to think about each breed's unique traits to determine which would be most suitable for your lifestyle.

Westies and Wheatens are both popular breeds with specific breed traits. The Westie grows to nine to 12 inches tall and can weigh between 13 to 22 pounds while a Wheaten is larger at 17 to 20 inches tall and 30 to 45 pounds.

Both are terriers with terrier personalities. They were both bred to hunt vermin, which means both are hard-wired to dig. The Wheaten played double-duty as a herder so when he's not digging, he may be looking for something to herd. Both breeds are considered highly trainable, however, and, as is the case with all dogs, early training with lots of patience and consistency will help ensure success in helping mould your dog's behaviour.

Your best resource to locate breeders of any type of dog is the Canadian Kennel Club at www.ckc.ca, which describes all registered purebred dogs and includes a listing of Canadian breeders. I hope you find exactly the dog you're looking for.

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.