Restricted dog breeds and insurance: What you need to know

Puppy parents often treat their furry friends like family. But even if your dog is almost always calm and loving, it’s important to understand the realities of dog bites. Each year, about 4.5 million people get bitten by dogs — and many are young kids. 

You might be surprised to learn that your dog’s breed can impact your home insurance. If your dog is on the insurer’s restricted breed list, you might be limited to certain types of coverage, or you could be denied coverage altogether.

Read on to learn why insurers have a restricted dog breed list, which breeds are typically restricted, and what to do if your dog is preventing you from getting the insurance coverage you need. 

Why are some dog breeds excluded from home insurance coverage?

Some dog breeds are excluded from home insurance because they’re more likely to bite, show aggression, and cause injuries, which could trigger a liability insurance claim.

Dog bite liability claims are some of the most expensive losses that insurance companies face. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per dog bite claim in 2024 was $69,272, up from $58,545 in 2023.

Because liability claims can be incredibly costly for insurance carriers, dog owners with restricted breeds can face challenges getting home insurance. Insurers may exclude the dog from the customer’s liability coverage, refuse coverage altogether, or charge higher premiums.

The most common restricted dog breeds

Every home insurance company has its own list of restricted dog breeds. But in general, these are some of the most common dog breeds that insurance companies restrict:

• Akita

• American Staffordshire terrier

• Bullmastiff

• Chow chow

• Doberman pinscher

• German shepherd

• Great Dane

• Pit bull

• Rottweiler

• Siberian husky

• Staffordshire bull terrier

Behavior-based pet restrictions

Your dog’s behavioral history can also affect your home insurance eligibility, regardless of its breed. If your dog has a history of aggressive behavior or has bitten people in the past, it could make it harder for you to get home insurance coverage.

If an insurance company asks about your pet’s past behavior, it’s important to respond truthfully. Lying to your insurer can have serious consequences. If the insurance company finds out that your dog doesn’t have a good behavioral history, it could cancel your policy. 

How breed restrictions affect homeowners insurance

Owning a restricted dog breed can affect your home insurance in a few ways, even if your dog has never shown aggression. These are some of the most common scenarios you might face when shopping for home insurance with a restricted dog breed:

• Higher insurance premiums: Some home insurance companies will sell you a standard home insurance policy — but at a higher cost. The amount you’ll pay can depend on the type of dog breed you own and the dog’s behavioral history. 

• Limited liability coverage for dog bites: The insurer might agree to issue you a home insurance policy, but your liability insurance will exclude coverage for your dog. Meaning, if your dog bites someone, your insurance company won’t cover it. You would be responsible for any legal fees and the other person’s medical expenses if you were sued. 

• Denied coverage: Homeowners insurance companies could deny home insurance coverage altogether if you own a restricted dog breed or if your dog has a history of aggressive behavior or biting. 

What to do if your dog’s breed is restricted

If you own a restricted dog breed, know this — it may not automatically prevent you from getting home insurance coverage. In some states, home insurance companies are no longer allowed to restrict breeds. And not every insurer will ask about your dog’s breed.

When you’re applying for home insurance, be honest on the application if there’s a question about dog ownership. Lying will do more harm than good, and it could jeopardize your policy if the insurance company finds out. 

If you have a commonly restricted dog breed, be prepared for your home insurance shopping process to take slightly longer than it would otherwise. You may need to shop around to find a homeowners insurance company that is willing to insure you with the type of dog you have. 

You can also consider adding riders (optional extended coverage) to your home insurance policy, or purchasing alternative coverage to fill in any gaps. For example, if you’re unable to get liability insurance through your home insurance provider, you could potentially get animal liability insurance or umbrella insurance, which can help cover your financial responsibilities if your dog bites someone or damages their property. 

Reducing the risk of dog liability claims

As a dog owner, it’s important to recognize that dog bites do happen, even if your dog is friendly. If your dog is a restricted breed and bites someone, it may or may not be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. But there are certain measures you can take to reduce the risk of a dog liability claim:

• Pay attention to your dog’s body language: Dogs don’t bite for no reason. Typically, a dog bites because it feels scared, provoked, defensive, or overexcited. Paying attention to your dog’s body language can help you sense when the dog is more likely to bite, so you can prevent it. 

• Socialize your dog from a young age: It’s a good idea to introduce your dog to other people and animals, especially at a young age. Socializing your dog can help it feel more comfortable around other people and in new environments, which can reduce the likelihood of biting or aggression. 

• Invest in dog training classes or behavioral therapy: Training your dog can help prevent aggressive behavior and biting. By teaching your dog appropriate reactions and social behavior, the dog is less likely to act out. If your dog is professionally trained, make sure to prioritize training at home for consistency.

• Keep your dog leashed: It’s generally a best practice to keep your dog leashed around other people, whether you’re on a walk or at a dog park. Leashing your dog can prevent it from escaping or getting into a situation where it might act aggressively.