Are Lagotto Romagnolos Good with Kids, Cats, and Other Pets? Real-Life Insights from Our Families

If you’ve ever searched for “Lagotto Romagnolo with kids,” “Lagotto Romagnolo and cats,” or wondered how well this breed fits into a multi-pet or family household, the answer is: very well — when raised thoughtfully. At Northwest Lagotto, we’ve seen dozens of our puppies grow up thriving alongside children of all ages, resident cats, other dogs, and even smaller pets. In this post, we share what makes Lagottos such adaptable companions and why our upcoming litters are being prepared to fit beautifully into busy, loving homes.

The Lagotto Temperament: Gentle, Patient, and People-Oriented

Lagotto Romagnolos were bred to work closely with humans, which shaped a

temperament that is:

• Affectionate and loyal

• Gentle with people (including children)

• Intelligent and responsive to training

• Moderately social — they bond strongly with family but are usually polite (not overly exuberant) with strangers after proper socialization

They are not naturally dominant or pushy, and they rarely show aggression when properly raised. This makes them one of the more family-friendly sporting breeds.

Living with Children: Playful Companions with Supervision

Lagottos typically do very well with kids. Their medium size (25–35 lbs), moderate energy, and patient nature make them excellent playmates.

What families tell us:

• They love fetch, tug, and running games with school-age children

• Many become calm cuddle buddies for younger kids after playtime

• They often show restraint when toddlers are loud or grabby — especially when socialized early

Key tips for success:

• Supervise interactions with toddlers and preschoolers (as with any dog)

• Teach children gentle petting and “leave it” rules

• Start socialization early — expose puppies to calm, positive child handling from 3–8 weeks

Our puppies are raised with regular, gentle exposure to children of different ages so they learn to stay relaxed around little hands and voices.

Lagotto Romagnolos and Cats: Peaceful Coexistence Is Common

Many of our puppy families have cats — and the vast majority report peaceful (and often affectionate) relationships.

Why it works so well:

• Lagottos have a moderate prey drive — lower than many terriers or hounds

• Their truffle-hunting background makes them more scent-curious than chase-driven

• With proper introductions, most Lagottos learn to respect cats quickly

Successful strategies we recommend:

• Slow, controlled introductions (baby gates, leashed meetings)

• Reward calm behavior around the cat

• Provide vertical space and safe zones for the cat

• Redirect any initial curiosity with toys or scent games

We’ve had multiple families report their Lagotto and cat napping together or playing chase in the house after a few weeks of adjustment.

Other Pets: Dogs, Small Animals, and More

• With other dogs: Lagottos are generally very social and playful with other dogs, especially similar-sized breeds. They do well in multi-dog homes and at dog parks when socialized.

• Small pets (rabbits, birds, guinea pigs): Caution is needed. Their scent focus can trigger interest. Secure housing and supervised interactions are essential. Many owners successfully manage this with training and boundaries.

Digging note: Their truffle-hunting heritage means some love to dig. This can be redirected to a designated digging pit or sandbox to keep yards and flower beds intact — and to keep peace with feline housemates!

Why Our Upcoming Litters Are Being Raised for Family Harmony

Both of our current litters come from parents with exceptionally gentle, easygoing

temperaments — the perfect foundation for multi-pet and child-friendly homes.

Repeat Litter: Mousse × Ginger

Expected birth: February 24, 2026 Only a couple of spots left!

• Mousse: White with brown spots — gentle, affectionate, loves people

• Ginger: Orange roan — calm, gentle, thrives on attention without being demanding

This repeat breeding produced puppies last time that families described as “perfectly balanced” — playful with kids and respectful around other pets. We expect the same beautiful temperaments again.

Ready to go home: Mid-April 2026

New Litter: Mousse × Tia

Breeding expected: Today or tomorrow (February 1–2, 2026) Only 5 spots available!

Mousse’s sweet, patient nature pairs beautifully with Tia. We expect another litter of calm, adaptable puppies who will thrive in homes with children, cats, dogs, and thoughtful training.

Ready to go home: Early June 2026

Ready to Bring Home a Family-Friendly Lagotto?

A well-socialized Lagotto Romagnolo from Northwest Lagotto can become the gentle, loving companion your family has been dreaming of — whether you have young children, resident cats, or a multi-pet household.

Our application process:

1. Email us at NWLagotto@gmail.com to request an application

2. After vetting, we send a deposit contract

3. Return the signed contract with your $500 deposit to join the waitlist

4. At 8 weeks, we match puppies to families and complete the final puppy contract at pickup

   
   

Spots are limited and moving fast — especially with only 5 remaining in the Mousse × Tia litter.

Contact us today at NWLagotto@gmail.com to apply or learn more about:

• Our February 24 litter (Mousse × Ginger repeat – only a couple spots left!)

• Our spring litter (Mousse × Tia – only 5 spots available, expected to go home early June 2026)

We’d love to help you welcome a wonderful Lagotto into your home!