Researchers followed 108 West Highland White Terriers from puppyhood throughout their first three years and evaluated them for clinical signs of atopic dermatitis.

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the dogs was 52%. Most affected dogs (60%) developed signs of disease during their first year of life and males were over-represented. The location of clinical signs mirrored those of previous descriptions. The severity of disease was mild in 36% and severe in 13% of affected dogs. Dogs with atopic dermatitis often exhibited other atopic diseases, but only gastro-intestinal signs were significantly different between dogs with and without disease. Adverse reaction to foods was diagnosed in 24% of dogs.

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Atopic dermatitis in West Highland white terriers - part I: natural history of atopic dermatitis in the first three years of life.