Greyhounds and Children: Setting Everyone Up for Success

Here at Greyhound Homing UK, we know what wonderful pets greyhounds make. Calm, affectionate, and gentle, greyhounds regularly surprise families with how well they settle into home life.

One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether greyhounds can live happily with children. The answer is yes - many greyhounds can make excellent family dogs - but success is all down to the individual dog, the children involved, and how introductions are handled.

Every Greyhound Is an Individual

No two greyhounds are the same. Just like people, dogs have unique personalities, preferences, and comfort levels. Some greyhounds are confident and relaxed, while others may be more sensitive to noise, sudden movement, or busy environments.

This is why working closely with a homing centre is so important. Homing centre volunteers take time to understand both the greyhound and the family, helping to match households with a dog whose temperament and needs are a good fit for family life.

Meeting a Greyhound at the Homing Centre

The first meeting is an important step, especially for families with young children. At the homing centre, introductions take place in a calm, safe, and supervised environment, allowing everyone to feel comfortable. During the visit, staff or volunteers will guide families on:

• How children should approach the dog calmly and quietly
• Letting the greyhound come to the child, rather than the other way around
• Keeping voices low and movements gentle
• Watching for relaxed body language, such as a loose posture or wagging tail

This visit helps to assess whether a particular greyhound may be suited to a family home and gives children a positive, respectful first experience with the dog.

Understanding Greyhound Temperament

Although greyhounds are famous for their speed, they are sprinters rather than endurance athletes. This means they often enjoy short bursts of activity followed by long periods of rest. Inside the home, many greyhounds are calm, quiet, and happy to relax, which can work very well for families. Children may notice that greyhounds:

• Enjoy sleeping or resting for much of the day
• Prefer calm affection rather than rough play
• Like routine and predictability

Helping children understand that every dog has their own personality encourages empathy and respectful interactions.

Preparing Your Home Before Your Greyhound Arrives

A little preparation goes a long way in helping a greyhound settle in smoothly.

Before bringing your dog home, it’s helpful to:

• Set up a quiet, comfortable resting space where the dog won’t be disturbed
• Explain to children that the dog’s bed is a “no-go zone”
• Remove potential hazards and ensure toys are stored safely
• Plan calm routines for feeding, walks, and rest time

Creating clear boundaries from the start helps both children and dogs feel secure.

The First Few Days at Home

The first few days in a new home can be overwhelming for any dog. Greyhounds may need time to adjust to new sights, sounds, and routines.

Keep introductions gradual and supervised, allowing your greyhound to explore their new environment at their own pace. Short, positive interactions with children help build trust, while quiet time allows the dog to rest and decompress.

If there are other pets in the household, introductions should also be slow and carefully managed.

Child-Friendly Training and Learning Together

Training can be a wonderful opportunity for children and greyhounds to bond.

Children can safely help by:

• Practising simple commands with an adult present
• Learning to reward calm behaviour
• Using “gentle hands” when interacting

Teaching children to recognise signs that a dog is happy, unsure, or needs space helps them build confidence and understanding. Making training a shared, positive activity reinforces respectful relationships.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

It’s completely normal for families to experience challenges during the settling-in period.

Some common situations include:

• A shy greyhound needing extra quiet time around energetic children
• Children becoming over-excited when interacting with their new dog
• Feelings of jealousy as routines change

In most cases, these challenges can be managed through supervision, clear boundaries, and support from your homing centre. Patience and consistency are key.

Fun Ways Families Can Bond With Their Greyhound

Greyhounds may not need endless activity, but they do enjoy spending time with their people.

Family-friendly activities include:

• Calm walks together
• Helping with feeding routines under supervision
• Quiet time reading or relaxing nearby

These moments help children build empathy, responsibility, and a strong bond with their dog.

Ongoing Support and Helpful Resources

Adopting a greyhound doesn’t end on the day they come home. At Greyhound Homing UK, we’re here to support you at every stage of your adoption journey.

Whether you have questions about introductions, behaviour, or helping your greyhound settle in, our team and your local homing centre are always happy to offer advice. 

If you’re thinking about adopting, visit our adoption platform to meet greyhounds looking for homes near you, or email [email protected]🐾