Which Dog Breeds Are Restricted by Home Insurers?

Not all dogs are treated equally by home insurance companies. Insurers use historical claims data to assess the liability risk a dog poses, and certain breeds consistently appear on restricted or banned lists. Understanding which breeds trigger scrutiny — and why — is the first step to protecting your coverage.

The Most Commonly Restricted Breeds

While breed restriction lists vary by insurer, the following dogs appear most frequently across multiple carriers:

Note: "Pit bull" is a broad label often applied to American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers — meaning mixed-breed dogs that resemble a pit bull can also trigger restrictions.

Why Insurers Restrict Certain Breeds

Insurers are in the business of managing financial risk. Dog bite liability claims are one of the most significant loss drivers within homeowners insurance. In 2024, insurers paid out approximately $1.57 billion in dog bite-related claims across more than 22,600 incidents — an 18.9% increase from the year prior. The average claim cost hit $69,272 in 2024, up substantially over the past decade.

When a specific breed is statistically linked to more frequent or more severe injuries, insurers respond by restricting or surcharging policies. It's not always about aggression — it's about physical capability to cause expensive damage and the frequency with which that damage occurs.

How Dog Bite Liability Coverage Works

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage, and this automatically extends to dog bites and dog-related injuries — at least for non-restricted breeds. Here's what you need to know.

What Your Home Insurance Typically Covers

Standard liability coverage in a homeowners policy typically pays for:

• Medical bills for the injured party
• Lost wages if the victim cannot work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Legal defense costs if you're sued
• Property damage caused by your dog

This coverage applies whether the incident happens on your property or elsewhere — for example, if your dog bites someone at a park. Policy limits usually range from $100,000 to $300,000. If a claim exceeds those limits, you're personally responsible for the remainder.

What It May NOT Cover

Liability coverage may not apply in these situations:

• Your breed is on the insurer's restricted list
• Your dog has a prior bite history
• Your dog has been officially classified as "dangerous" or "vicious" by a local authority
• You failed to disclose your dog at the time of application

Liability Limits and Umbrella Policies

For most dog owners, the standard $100,000–$300,000 liability limit is sufficient. But given that average claims now exceed $69,000, high-risk breed owners — or those in high-litigation states like New York (where the average claim tops $110,000) — should consider a personal umbrella policy, which can extend your liability coverage to $1 million or more.

What Happens If You Own a Restricted Breed

Owning a pit bull, rottweiler, or another restricted breed doesn't automatically mean you're uninsurable — but it does mean you'll need to navigate your options carefully.

Possible Outcomes When You Disclose a Restricted Breed

Important: Never hide your dog from your insurer. If you fail to disclose a dog and a bite claim is filed, your insurer can deny the claim entirely — leaving you fully exposed to a lawsuit.

State Protections: Where Breed Discrimination Is Restricted

Several states have enacted laws that limit or prohibit insurers from making coverage decisions based solely on a dog's breed. These include:

If you live in one of these states and an insurer denies you coverage based solely on your dog's breed, you may have legal recourse.

Pet-Friendly Insurers That Don't Discriminate by Breed

Some of the most reputable home insurers evaluate dogs on behavior rather than breed. These are your best options if you own a restricted breed:

Alternatives: Standalone Dog Liability Insurance

If you can't get adequate coverage through a standard homeowners policy, standalone canine liability insurance (also called dog liability insurance) is a viable backup. These specialty policies:

• Cover third-party bodily injury and property damage caused by your dog
• Are available regardless of breed (though prices vary)
• Typically offer $100,000 in coverage for $75–$250 per year
• Are ideal for renters, condo owners, or those whose home insurer excludes dog-related claims

Costs increase for restricted breeds with bite history, but even a doubled or tripled premium of $500–$750/year is far less than a single uninsured dog bite claim averaging $69,000+.

Tips for Getting Coverage With a Restricted Breed

Here are practical steps to improve your chances of securing full liability protection:

1. Get a training certificate — Programs like the AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification demonstrate your dog is well-socialized and controlled. Many insurers look favorably on this.
2. Request a DNA test — If you have a mixed-breed dog that visually resembles a restricted breed, a DNA test from Embark or Wisdom Panel can document the actual breed composition. Some insurers will reconsider based on test results.
3. Document a clean bite history — Vet records, training logs, and neighbor references can support an individual behavioral assessment.
4. Shop breed-neutral insurers first — Start with State Farm, USAA, or Chubb before approaching carriers known for strict breed lists.
5. Consider an umbrella policy — Adding a personal umbrella policy on top of a liability sublimit can close significant coverage gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

Yes, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites under the personal liability section. Coverage typically applies to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal defense costs. However, if your dog's breed appears on your insurer's restricted list, dog bite claims may be excluded. Always confirm with your insurer whether your specific dog is covered.

What dog breeds affect homeowners insurance rates?

The breeds most likely to affect your home insurance rates or coverage include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, chow chows, Akitas, wolf hybrids, and Alaskan Malamutes. These breeds are flagged due to bite statistics, physical size, and the severity of injuries they can cause. Some insurers apply breed restrictions universally, while others evaluate dogs individually.

Can I get homeowners insurance with a pit bull?

Yes, but your options may be limited depending on your insurer. Companies like State Farm, USAA, and Chubb do not maintain breed restriction lists and evaluate dogs based on individual behavior and bite history. If your current insurer won't cover a pit bull, shop around for breed-neutral carriers or consider supplementing with a standalone dog liability insurance policy.

What happens if I don't disclose my dog to my home insurer?

Failing to disclose your dog — especially a restricted breed — is a serious mistake. If a claim is filed and your insurer discovers an undisclosed dog, they can deny the claim entirely and potentially cancel your policy. Always be upfront about all pets when applying for or renewing coverage. The consequences of non-disclosure far outweigh any perceived short-term savings.

Is there insurance specifically for high-risk dog breeds?

Yes — standalone canine liability insurance policies exist specifically for this purpose. These policies cover dog bite claims regardless of breed and typically cost between $75 and $250 per year for $100,000 in coverage, though premiums are higher for restricted breeds or dogs with a bite history. Specialty insurers and dedicated liability carriers offer these policies for both homeowners and renters.