Home Insurance Companies Continue to Ban Certain Dog Breeds Amid Ongoing Debate

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The average homeowners insurance claim involving a dog bite now costs $69,272, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). As dog-bite claims grow more expensive, many home insurance companies continue to restrict or deny coverage to households that own certain dog breeds.

Some insurers maintain formal “banned breed” lists that exclude coverage altogether, while others evaluate dogs on a case-by-case basis. An analysis of banned-breed lists from 42 homeowners insurance companies nationwide shows that certain breeds are repeatedly targeted.

Dog Breeds Most Often Banned by Home Insurance Companies

• Doberman Pinscher — 100%

• Pit bull — 100%

• Rottweiler — 100%

• Chow Chow — 95%

• Wolf dogs and wolf hybrids — 93%

• Presa Canario (Canary dog) — 86%

• Akita — 79%

• German Shepherd — 45%

• Husky — 38%

• Mastiff — 29%

Insurance companies generally define “pit bulls” broadly, including Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and mixes of these breeds.

Other dogs frequently excluded from coverage include:

• Mixed breeds related to banned dogs

• Guard dogs

• Dogs with a prior bite or attack history

• Dogs that have attacked people or animals with force

• Dogs deemed to have a “vicious temperament” by an insurer

How Insurers Enforce Breed Restrictions

Not all insurance companies publish official banned-breed lists, but those that do typically include them in filings with state insurance departments. These filings often state that policies will not be issued—or renewed—if a restricted breed is discovered in the home.

Major insurers frequently cite safety concerns and liability risks, arguing that certain breeds are more likely to cause severe injuries. Pit bulls, in particular, appear most often on restricted lists, followed by Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.

Pushback From Dog Advocates

Animal welfare organizations, including the American Kennel Club, Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society, and the Animal Defense League, strongly oppose breed-based insurance exclusions.

In a formal request to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), these groups argue that breed bans harm:

• Uninformed consumers, who may not realize their dog choice affects insurance eligibility

• People of color, due to perceived associations between certain breeds and specific communities

• Low- and moderate-income households, which may face higher premiums or loss of coverage

The groups have called for a nationwide moratorium on banned-breed insurance lists. An NAIC spokesperson said the request would be reviewed at a future meeting.

The Cost of Dog Bite Claims

Insurance companies defend their policies by pointing to rising claim costs. Dog-bite claims peaked in 2017 at 18,522 nationwide. In 2020, claims fell to 16,991, but the average cost per claim rose to $50,245, pushing total payouts close to $800 million.

Karen Collins, vice president of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), says children account for roughly half of dog-bite victims. She also notes that medical and legal costs related to dog attacks increased about 15% in a single year.

Dog advocates counter that dog-bite claims represent less than 2% of total liability losses for insurers, calling the issue overstated.

Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)

Breed-based discrimination is not limited to insurance. Many states and municipalities enforce Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), which restricts or bans certain dog breeds regardless of an individual dog’s behavior.

BSL laws began in the 1980s following several fatal dog attacks. Critics argue these laws unfairly punish dogs based solely on appearance and fail to account for training, temperament, or purpose—including service and therapy dogs.

Advocates also challenge the data behind BSL, citing flaws in older studies that relied heavily on media reports and inconsistent breed identification.

A Different Approach: State Farm

Some insurers reject breed-based policies entirely. State Farm, the nation’s largest homeowners insurer, does not ask applicants what breed of dog they own.

Instead, the company evaluates a dog’s history. “Any dog, regardless of breed, can bite,” says State Farm spokesperson Heather Paul. “Most bites result from circumstances and human behavior, not breed.”

State Farm focuses on dog-bite prevention education and behavior-based risk assessment rather than breed exclusions.

The Impact on Pit Bulls

Pit bulls remain the most affected by insurance restrictions and BSL laws. Animal advocates say insurance denials and housing restrictions often lead to pit bulls being surrendered to shelters.

An estimated 1.5 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the U.S., including at least 400,000 pit bulls. Shelter overcrowding remains a major concern, particularly in large states like California.

Practical Advice for Dog Owners

Experts recommend contacting your insurance company before bringing a dog into your home. Coverage rules vary widely, and some insurers may cancel or refuse to renew policies based on breed or bite history.

Most homeowners and renters insurance policies include $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage for dog bites. The Insurance Information Institute also recommends a personal umbrella policy, which can add $1 million or more in additional protection.

Dog owners should:

• Keep vaccination and veterinary records up to date

• Report serious bites to animal control and their insurer

• Consider canine training programs such as the AKC Canine Good Citizen test

While breed restrictions remain controversial, insurers and advocates agree on one point: responsible ownership, training, and supervision are key to preventing dog-bite incidents.

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