Dog Breeds vs Homeowners Insurance

One of the most common home insurance liability claims comes from dog bites and other pet-related injuries. Insurance companies paid $854 million for nearly 17,000 dog bite and injury claims in 2020, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). 

Depending on the type of dog you have, you may have a harder time finding homeowners insurance that covers you in the event of a dog bite, according to Janet Ruiz, spokesperson 

for the III. 

Common homeowners insurance dog breed restrictions include:

  • Pit bulls

  • Rottweilers

  • German shepherds

  • Doberman pinschers

  • Alaskan malamutes

  • Siberian huskies

  • Chow chows

  • Akitas

  • Great Danes

  • Wolf hybrids

It’s important to keep in mind that each case is examined on its own unique merit, and some factors may make it more difficult to obtain insurance or file a claim successfully, Ruiz said. For example, it may be a challenge to find home insurance liability coverage if your dog has a history of aggressive behavior or you’ve filed a claim for a dog-related injury in the past.