Italian Greyhounds and Children

Italian Greyhounds are elegant, affectionate, and sensitive dogs known for their strong bond with their humans. If you have children or are planning to grow your family, you may wonder — are Italian Greyhounds good with kids? The short answer is: yes, but with care and supervision.

These gentle little dogs can make wonderful family companions, but there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and happy relationship between your Italian Greyhound and your child.

Understanding the Italian Greyhound’s Personality

Italian Greyhounds (IGs) are loving, loyal, and often a bit shy. They crave attention and closeness and usually form a deep attachment to one or two people in the household. Their slim, delicate build and sensitive nature mean they don’t tolerate rough handling or loud chaos well — which makes their dynamic with children something that needs to be thoughtfully managed.

Can Italian Greyhounds Live with Kids?

Yes — in the right environment. IGs can live very happily with children, especially if:

• The children are calm, gentle, and respectful.

• The dog has been properly socialized.

• There are clear rules and supervision.

In fact, many IGs become best friends with kids in the home, following them around, cuddling during quiet time, and joining in gentle games. However, toddlers and very young children may unintentionally hurt the dog by being too rough, pulling on limbs or falling on them — and that can lead to injury or fear in such a delicate breed.

Tips for a Safe and Happy Relationship

1. Teach Gentle Handling

Always teach children to handle your Italian Greyhound with care. No grabbing, pulling, chasing, or shouting. Explain that this dog is not a toy and needs to be treated like a fragile friend.

2. Supervise All Interactions

Never leave small children and your IG alone unsupervised. Even the sweetest child can make a mistake, and even the gentlest dog can feel scared or threatened if overwhelmed.

3. Create a Safe Space for the Dog

Give your Italian Greyhound a child-free zone — a crate, dog bed, or quiet room where they can rest and retreat when they’ve had enough interaction.

4. Include Your Child in Care

Involving children in age-appropriate dog care builds a bond and teaches responsibility. Feeding the dog, brushing gently, or helping on walks (with an adult) helps form a positive relationship.

5. Train the Dog and the Child

Basic obedience training for your IG and “kid training” for your child go hand in hand. Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog how to behave around kids — and teach your child how to read dog body language, like when the dog wants to be left alone.

6. Be Careful with Rough Play or Running

Italian Greyhounds love to play, but their long, slender legs are prone to injury. Avoid games that involve too much jumping, rough tug-of-war, or fast chasing around the house, especially on slippery floors.

The Benefits of Growing Up Together

When a respectful bond is formed, the relationship between a child and an Italian Greyhound can be incredibly rewarding. IGs love to snuggle, share a blanket, and quietly keep your child company. They also offer a calming presence and can even help teach empathy and gentleness.

Final Thoughts

Italian Greyhounds can absolutely live and thrive with children — as long as there’s supervision, respect, and patience on both sides. They’re not the ideal breed for families with very young, energetic kids, but in the right environment, they’ll reward you with years of devoted companionship and tender moments.

Are you raising kids and considering adding an Italian Greyhound to your home? Or do your IG and child already share a special bond? Let us know in the comments — we’d love to hear your story!