15 Dog Breeds That Spike Your Home Insurance Rates

A big dog with no manners can easily bowl someone over, leading to injuries and, you guessed it, costly insurance claims. Yep, dog bites are a major factor behind those hefty insurance bills. Some insurers might even hike up your rates or cancel your policy if your dog has a biting incident. In fact, in 2022 alone, liability claims from dog bites and other related injuries in the U.S. racked up over $1 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute. So, here are 15 breeds that could make securing home insurance a challenge.

Akita

As an Akita owner, it’s important to know that these dogs were originally bred in Japan for hunting, making them independent and strong-willed. They may show aggression towards strangers, including children. Hence, if your Akita bites someone, you could be liable for any injuries or damages.

Boxer

Boxers are inherently protective, stemming from their heritage as German big-game hunters. Their natural inclination to protect territory and owners places them on home insurance companies’ lists of aggressive dog breeds despite their historical role in hunting large game like bears and bison.

Chow Chow

Known for their free-spirited nature, Chow Chows can be fiercely protective of their families, which some insurers may view as a liability factor. While properly trained and socialized Chow Chows can be gentle and affectionate, their strong guarding instincts can sometimes manifest as aggression towards unfamiliar people or animals.

Doberman

Primarily raised in Germany in the late 19th century, Dobermans were guard dogs. Their sleek appearance and reputation for loyalty have made them popular pets, but their guarding instincts can sometimes be misunderstood. Due to their background as guard dogs, Dobermans can be wary of strangers and are naturally protective of their territory and loved ones. This protective instinct can sometimes manifest as aggression if the dog feels threatened or perceives a danger.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are highly popular in America due to their intelligence and versatility. However, their role as police and military dogs is of concern to some insurance companies due to their power and protective instincts. Unfortunately, this often leads to unfair judgments against their owners’ home insurance policies.

Great Dane

Without proper socialization, Great Danes may become wary of strangers, potentially leading to either aggression or shyness, both of which can be risky in such a large breed. When fearful, Danes might resort to defensive biting if they feel threatened or cornered.

Husky

Huskies are independent thinkers and may not always obey commands, especially if they are not properly trained or if their training is inconsistent. They are notorious escape artists and are known for digging under fences or finding other ways to roam. This trait can lead to potential issues if they escape and encounter other animals or people.

Pitbull

Statistics from various sources suggest that pit bulls are involved in 66% of dog bites and attacks compared to other breeds. Public perception of pit bulls as dangerous dogs has led to breed-specific legislation (BSL) in some areas. The legislation can mandate special requirements or outright bans on owning pit bulls, influencing insurance coverage and rates.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are large and powerful dogs, typically weighing between 80 and 135 pounds. Their physical strength can potentially cause significant harm if they become aggressive. Some companies may have specific policies regarding certain dog breeds, including Rottweilers. They may require higher liability coverage or even exclude coverage for incidents involving specific breeds.

Alaskan Malamute

While Alaskan Malamutes can be loving and loyal pets, their physical attributes, independent nature, and historical roles as working dogs contribute to perceptions of potential risk. Consequently, insurance companies often charge higher premiums for homeowners with Alaskan Malamutes in an effort to manage potential liabilities associated with the breed.

Mastiff

Like other large breeds, Mastiffs have sometimes been portrayed negatively in media and popular culture, perpetuating stereotypes of them as aggressive or dangerous dogs. While these portrayals may not reflect the majority of mastiffs, they can influence public perception and insurance policies. Insurers set higher rates for homes with mastiffs as a precaution against potential financial losses from liability claims resulting from dog-related incidents.

Cane Corso

There are many reasons why Cane Corsos are considered harmful, including their size, strength, protective instincts, and history. While individual dogs vary in temperament, the breed’s characteristics can influence insurance rates due to the perceived risk of liability for insurers. As long as Cane Corsos are properly owned and trained, they can be loving and safe pets. However, insurers and some authorities regard them as highly dangerous breeds because of their physical characteristics and historical role as working dogs.

Wolfdog

Wolves are natural predators with a strong prey drive. This drive can manifest in wolfdogs, leading to behaviors like chasing small animals, livestock, or even small children or pets. It poses a risk to household members, other pets, and neighbors.

Bullmastiff

Although individual temperaments vary, bullmastiffs are generally known for being vigorous, strong-willed, and aggressive. Without proper training, their protective instincts can lead to undesirable behaviors, such as viciousness toward strangers or other animals.

Perro de Presa Canario

Perro de Presa Canario, commonly known as the Presa Canario or Canary Mastiff, are often considered dangerous pets due to several factors related to their temperament, size, and historical use for guarding livestock and property. They can exert a very strong bite force, which can cause serious injury if they were to attack.