Homeowners insurance often restricts or excludes coverage for certain "high-risk" dog breeds, primarily powerful dogs with aggressive reputations, including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Chows, Akitas, and Wolfdogs/Hybrids, with lists varying by insurer but commonly featuring breeds like Presa Canarios, Mastiffs, and Huskies as well. These exclusions stem from bite statistics, leading companies to ban breeds rather than assess individual dogs, though some companies might cover them with specific conditions or higher premiums.

What dog breeds are not insurable?

These are some of the most commonly banned breeds:

• Doberman pinscher.
• Pit bull terrier.
• Rottweiler.
• Chow chow.
• Wolf dogs and hybrids.
• Presa Canario (Canary Dog)
• Akita.
• German shepherd.

What dogs are on the high risk list?

The most dangerous dogs are:

• Pit Bulls. The Pit Bull is actually an umbrella term for several different breeds, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. ...
• Rottweilers. ...
• German Shepherds. ...
• Bulldogs. ...
• Bullmastiffs. ...
• Siberian Huskies. ...
• Doberman Pinscher.

What dogs are not allowed for homeowners insurance?

Some homeowners insurance policies generally do not allow the following breeds:

• Akitas.
• Mastiffs.
• Chow Chows.
• Rottweilers.
• Great Danes.
• German Shepherds.
• Doberman Pinschers.
• Staffordshire Terriers and others in this family (classified as pit bulls)

Can a dog be uninsurable?

Pets may be covered under the liability limits of the owner's home insurance policy, typically between $100,000 and $500,000.

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What dogs are on the restricted breed list?

Canine Breeds with Dominate Traits toward Aggression:

• Alaskan Malamute.
• American Pit-Bull Terrier.
• American Staffordshire Terrier.
• Boxer.
• Cane Corso.
• Dalmatian.
• Doberman Pincher.
• German Shepherd.

Can I get homeowners insurance if I own a pitbull dog?

Pit Bulls Can Increase Your Home Insurance Rate

While you may find homeowners insurance that covers pit bulls, a pit bull can increase your home insurance premium depending on your insurance company. Many providers consider pit bulls a higher risk than other dog breeds.

What is the most expensive breed of dog to insure?

At the top of the list is the Bullmastiff, averaging £286 in annual insurance costs. Known for their loyalty and protective nature, Bullmastiffs tend to face health challenges including joint issues and heart problems, which makes them a high-risk breed for insurers.

What dog breed to avoid?

Five dog breeds a vet claims you should not have as a pet are dachshund, French bulldog, Belgian malinois, border collie and labrador retriever.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

Do I have to tell my homeowners insurance that I have a dog?

Yes — you should inform your homeowners insurance provider if you have a dog. While you don't “add” your dog the same way you would a listed driver on an auto policy, disclosing pet ownership is essential for liability protection. Dog bites account for a significant portion of homeowners liability claims.

What is an exempted dog?

If your dog is banned but the court thinks it's not a danger to the public, the court may put your dog on the Index of Exempt dogs and let you keep it. You'll be given a Certificate of Exemption.

What dog breeds make homeowners insurance go up?

The dog breeds that most often cause an increase in your home insurance premium include:

• Akita.
• Alaskan Malamute.
• American Pit Bull Terrier.
• Chow Chow.
• Cane Corso.
• Doberman Pinscher.
• German Shepherd.
• Great Dane.

What dog turns on its owner the most?

While statistics show Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are frequently involved in severe or fatal dog attacks, it's crucial to remember that any dog can bite, with training, socialization, and environment being key factors, not just breed; however, pit bull-type dogs consistently appear at the top of fatality lists due to their powerful build and tendency for severe injury.

What is the 80% rule in homeowners insurance?

The 80% rule in homeowners insurance requires you to insure your home for at least 80% of its total replacement cost value to receive full coverage for damages, preventing penalties for being underinsured. If you carry less than 80% coverage and have a partial loss, the insurer applies a "coinsurance penalty," paying only a proportionate amount (e.g., 80% of the claim) and leaving you responsible for the rest, even for smaller repairs. This rule ensures you have enough money to rebuild, so you must update your coverage after major renovations or with rising material/labor costs. 

What dogs does State Farm not cover?

Does State Farm Exclude Dog Breeds from Coverage? Some insurance companies will exclude specific dog breeds, but State Farm does not. If you were attacked by a dog breed that is known to be more dangerous than others, you may have concerns that the insurance company will not pay out on your claim.

How much does your homeowners insurance go up with a dog?

It's possible. Some dog breeds are classified by insurance providers as higher risk, meaning they're statistically more likely to be involved in liability claims. If your dog falls into one of these categories, you may see a higher annual premium, typically anywhere from $50 to $200 or more.

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