 The breed is prone to skin disorders . About a quarter of Westies surveyed are affected by atopic dermatitis , a heritable chronic allergic skin condition . A higher proportion of males are affected compared to females . An uncommon but severe breed @-@ specific skin condition , hyperplastic <unk> , may affect West Highland White Terriers , both juveniles and adults dogs . Affected dogs can suffer from red hyperpigmentation , <unk> , and hair loss . In the initial stages , this condition can be misdiagnosed as allergies or less serious forms of dermatitis . 
