Restricted dog breeds: How they affect your homeowners or renters insurance

Dogs are “man’s best friend,” so it might surprise you to learn that certain restricted dog breeds can affect your ability to get renters or homeowners insurance. Insurers and landlords often maintain lists of breeds they consider higher risk for biting or aggression. And those lists can affect your coverage options and policy costs.

That's where home insurance dog restrictions come in. In some states, breed-specific legislation regulates or outright bans certain breeds, largely due to liability concerns. It's not hard to see why insurers pay close attention. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) found that dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all home insurance liability claims paid out in 2021.

Common restricted dog breeds list

Lists of restricted dog breeds vary by state, but certain breeds appear often because they have a reputation — backed up by insurance claims data — for causing injuries. Some of the dogs commonly found on restricted breed lists include:

• Pit bulls (catch-all term for breeds including the American pit bull terrier and Staffordshire bull terrier) 

• Rottweilers

• German shepherds 

• Doberman pinschers

• Chow chows

• Akitas

• Dog-wolf hybrids

• Mastiffs

Mixed-breed dogs may also be restricted if they have a significant percentage of one or more of the above breeds in their lineage.

Why insurance companies restrict certain breeds

Being on a restricted list doesn’t automatically mean a dog is dangerous. However, insurers base their lists of restricted dog breeds for insurance on actuarial data, which shows how frequently certain breeds generate bite claims and how much those claims cost. According to Triple-I, in 2025, the average insurance payout for a dog bite was $65,450 — with more than 28,000 claims filed that year.

Personal liability insurance is the part of your homeowners or renters policy that covers your financial responsibility if you — or your dog — are found liable for another person's injuries or property damage, including medical bills and legal costs.

Depending on the insurer, if you apply for a policy and have a restricted dog breed:

• Your application could be denied

• Dog bite liability could be excluded from your policy

• You could face extra conditions for your policy, such as professional training for your dog or reinforced fencing

Restricted dog breeds for renters and landlords

If you are a renter, you may run into restricted dog breeds for apartments — separate from the restrictions that may apply to renters insurance. 

Your landlord, like your insurer, aims to reduce liability risks. To protect themselves, some landlords refer to an aggressive dog breeds list or implement the same breed restrictions as their insurance provider.

The following strategies may help you if you’re searching for a home with a restricted breed:

• Provide proof of training, such as the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen certification

• Offer a “pet resume” or a “pet interview” with references from previous landlords

• Agree to an additional deposit or pet-related fee

Service animals and emotional support animals are treated differently under the Fair Housing Act. In those cases, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations, even if the animal is a breed that would otherwise be restricted, as long as proper documentation is provided.

Banned dog breeds by state and local laws

Some states and even cities or counties have laws regulating certain breeds. These rules are called breed-specific legislation and can vary widely depending on where you live. 

In some areas, banned dog breeds by state or local ordinance may include requirements such as: 

• Mandatory muzzling in public

• Special licensing or registration requirements

• Specialized fencing or limitations on where the dog can be kept

• Higher insurance rates

States including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona have passed legislation that prevents local governments from banning specific breeds. These laws aim to shift the focus to individual dog behavior rather than generalizing by breed. 

Because rules can vary greatly from region to region, you may want to check the following sources to find out what’s allowed in your area:

• Your city or county’s municipal codes

• Your state’s laws

• Any homeowners association (HOA) rules that apply to your property

How to get insurance with a restricted breed

Owning a restricted dog breed doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options. While some insurers have strict policies, others offer a more flexible approach. 

Here are a few ways to find coverage:

• Look for breed-neutral insurers. Some companies evaluate dogs based on individual history, not breed. This can be a good choice if your dog is well-trained with no history of aggression.

• Consider a separate canine liability policy. Some insurers offer a standalone policy for additional financial protection for bite-related claims.

• Provide proof of training. Certifications like American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen program show that your dog has completed a structured training regimen focused on good behavior. 

• Consider an umbrella policy. Umbrella insurance layers additional liability coverage on top of your existing home or renters policy. Note that some umbrella policies may still exclude certain dog breeds, so make sure you read your policy details carefully.

No matter which route you take, being upfront and honest about your dog’s breed and history is essential. Misrepresenting your pet on an application can cause denied claims or cancellation of your policy.

Breed-restricted vs. breed-neutral insurance: What's the difference

Here’s a quick look at how insurers typically approach dog-related risk.

Frequently asked questions 

What are the top 10 restricted dog breeds?

The list of restricted dog breeds can vary by insurer, but some breeds tend to appear more frequently than others. The dog breeds most commonly cited include:

• Pit bulls (often used as a broad term for several related breeds)

• Rottweilers

• German shepherds

• Doberman pinschers

• Chow chows

• Akitas

• Mastiffs

• Wolf hybrids

• Cane corsos

• Great danes

These lists are based on broad trends, not individual behavior. Insurers often rely on general risk patterns when setting home insurance dog restrictions.

Can an insurance company deny you because of your dog?

Yes. In many states, providers can deny or limit coverage if you own a pet that is on their list of restricted dog breeds for insurance. Some states, however, limit breed-based rules and require insurers to consider an individual dog’s behavior instead. If you have a dog or are considering getting one in the future, it’s important to review your policy and ask questions before you purchase coverage.

How do I get around dog breed restrictions for apartments?

If you own a dog that is on a restricted breed list for apartments, consider the following to strengthen your rental application:

• Provide a “pet resume” that includes your dog’s age, training, and behavior history

• Show proof of training, such as the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen certification

• Offer references from previous landlords or your dog trainer 

• Agree to a higher pet deposit or additional fees

These steps don’t guarantee approval, but they can help demonstrate that your dog is well behaved and you take pet ownership seriously. 

Do insurance companies check what breed of dog you have?

Yes, insurers will usually ask you about your dog’s breed during the application process. In some cases, you may need to verify the information through registration papers, photos, or veterinary records. Misrepresenting your dog’s breed can be considered insurance fraud and may carry consequences, such as denied claims or policy cancellation.

What is the canine good citizen program?

Created by the AKC, the Canine Good Citizen program (CGC) is a certification program that evaluates a dog’s behavior in everyday social situations, such as walking on a leash, responding to commands, and interacting calmly with people and other dogs. Some insurers and landlords may view the CGC certification as a sign that a dog is well trained, which may make it easier for you to purchase affordable coverage.

Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites under the liability portion of your policy. This helps pay for covered medical and legal costs if your dog injures someone or damages their property. But claims could be denied if your policy excludes certain restricted dog breeds for insurance or if your dog has a history of aggression. It’s important to review your policy details so you know what’s covered and what isn’t.