Which Dog Breeds Affect Homeowners Insurance? An Insightful Guide
Article updated: 04/2026
Many homeowners don’t just have a pet dog, they treat the animal as a member of the family. But when it comes to homeowners insurance coverage, not all dog breeds are treated the same. Certain breeds may be perceived as much more aggressive than other breeds.
These aggressive dog breeds may affect your homeowners’ insurance policy rates and coverage limits. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know when it comes to how certain dog breeds may impact your insurance rates.
Understanding Insurance Concerns with Certain Dog Breeds
Insurance companies will often classify certain dog breeds as higher risk based on historical data and statistics related to dog bite claims and other related claims. Breeds of dogs that are often considered to be higher risk include:
- Pitbulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Siberian Huskies
These breeds are viewed as having a greater potential to cause harm based on their size, strength, and historical incident rates.
How your homeowners insurance is affected by dog breeds
- Premium Increases: If you own a breed of dog that is deemed high risk, you might find yourself paying higher premiums. Insurers will tend to charge more to cover the increased risk of potential claims.
- Exclusions: If you own a high-risk dog breed, some insurers will exclude liability coverage for dog bites, meaning you’ll have to cover the costs out of pocket if your dog bites and injures someone.
- No Coverage: In some rare situations, insurance companies may refuse to insure you in your homeowners insurance because you have a specific breed of dog that they consider high-risk, or they may ask you to sign a liability waiver if anything happens with your dog.
What are you going to do?
- Shop Around: Shopping around for homeowners’ insurance policies can be easier when comparing multiple insurance carriers through an independent agency.Insurance policies are very different from one provider to the next. Certain insurance companies focus on providing pet-friendly homeowners insurance with no breed restrictions.
- Training & Socialization: If your dog is trained and properly socialized, and you can prove it, insurers may offer better terms in some cases
- Secure Liability Coverage: If your dog isn’t covered under your homeowners’ insurance, consider purchasing additional personal liability protection if your existing homeowners policy has breed-related exclusions.
Choose Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance for All of Your Homeowners Insurance Needs
Owning a high-risk dog breed may complicate your homeowners’ insurance policy search. It’s important to understand how your dog’s breed affects your homeowners’ insurance options. Taking the right steps to reduce risks, such as obtaining adequate training for your dog, or exploring different insurance providers, could be a great idea if you want to have a few options to choose from when it comes to selecting a homeowners insurance policy.
You’ll always want to be upfront about owning a dog, especially a high-risk breed of dog, when purchasing or renewing your homeowners’ insurance policy. Obfuscating details about your dog may lead to a denied claim or even policy cancellation in the event of an incident. If you’re seeking out homeowners insurance and have a dog, you’ll want to contact us to learn more about how we can help you find the right policy for your needs. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
FAQs
1. Which dog breeds commonly affect homeowners insurance eligibility?
Direct answer: Some insurers may place restrictions on breeds they consider higher risk, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Siberian Huskies. Breed lists vary by insurer, so one company’s restriction does not automatically mean another will make the same underwriting decision.
2. Can homeowners insurance deny coverage because of my dog breed?
Direct answer: Yes, some insurance companies may decline to offer homeowners coverage or exclude dog-related liability claims based on breed guidelines. This depends on the insurer’s underwriting rules, claims history, and sometimes state regulations, which can influence whether breed restrictions are allowed.
3. Does homeowners insurance cover dog bite liability claims?
Direct answer: Standard homeowners insurance often includes personal liability coverage that may help cover dog bite claims, legal costs, and medical expenses if your dog injures someone. However, exclusions may apply if your insurer restricts certain breeds or if prior incidents involving your dog have been reported.
4. Will my homeowners insurance premium increase if I own a high-risk dog breed?
Direct answer: Possibly. Some insurers may charge higher premiums if they believe a dog presents a greater liability risk. Pricing decisions often consider breed, bite history, training background, and overall underwriting factors rather than breed alone, depending on the insurance company’s internal guidelines.
5. Myth vs. Fact: If my dog has never bitten anyone, breed does not matter.
Direct answer: Myth. Even if your dog has no history of aggression, some insurers still use breed-based underwriting guidelines when evaluating liability risk. Other insurers place more emphasis on the dog’s actual behavior, training, and history rather than making decisions based solely on breed classification.
6. Do mixed-breed dogs affect homeowners insurance the same way as purebred dogs?
Direct answer: It depends. Some insurers may assess mixed breeds differently, especially if the dog appears to include breeds they classify as higher risk. In some cases, documentation from a veterinarian or breed assessment may help clarify underwriting decisions during the application process.
7. Should I tell my homeowners insurance company that I have a dog?
Direct answer: Yes, you should always disclose dog ownership when applying for or renewing homeowners insurance. Failing to mention a dog could create coverage issues later, including denied liability claims or policy cancellation if an incident occurs and the insurer discovers undisclosed risk information.
8. Can dog training help me get better homeowners insurance coverage?
Direct answer: Sometimes. Some insurers may view professional obedience training, behavioral certifications, or proof of responsible ownership favorably when reviewing liability risk. While training does not guarantee broader coverage, it may support a stronger application depending on the insurer’s underwriting approach.
9. Myth vs. Fact: All insurance companies ban the same dog breeds.
Direct answer: Myth. Insurance companies do not all follow the same breed restrictions. One insurer may exclude certain breeds while another focuses more heavily on bite history, temperament, or liability claims data. Working with an independent agency can help you compare different underwriting approaches.
10. What if my homeowners insurance excludes my dog from liability coverage?
Direct answer: If your policy excludes dog-related liability, you may need to explore other coverage options such as umbrella insurance or a different insurer with more flexible underwriting guidelines. Reviewing alternatives early can help avoid unexpected coverage gaps if an incident occurs.