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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 in 2026
While breed restriction lists vary by insurer, the following dogs appear most frequently across multiple carriers. Forbes data shows Doberman Pinschers, Pit bulls, and Rottweilers appear on 100% of banned lists, with Chow Chows on 95%, wolf hybrids on 93%, Presa Canario on 86%, and Akitas on 79%.
| Breed | Reason for Restriction |
|---|---|
| Pit Bull (all types) | High bite frequency; muscular build increases injury severity |
| Rottweiler | Strong jaw, protective instincts, large size |
| Doberman Pinscher | Perceived aggression, protective behavior |
| Chow Chow | Notoriously unpredictable temperament |
| Wolf Hybrid | Unpredictable wild traits; near-universal ban |
| Presa Canario | Bite force and size |
| Akita | Territorial, strong prey drive |
| German Shepherd | Territorial nature, police/guard dog history |
| Cane Corso | Increasingly added to lists due to size and bite force |
| Alaskan Malamute / Husky | Size and strength increase claim severity |
| Mastiff / Bullmastiff | Size leads to higher damage costs |
| Great Dane | Physical size leads to higher damage costs |
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, and dog bite liability claims are one of the most significant loss drivers within homeowners insurance. In 2025, U.S. insurers paid $1.862 billion in dog-related injury claims, up 18.6% from 2024. The number of claims rose to 28,450, a 25.6% increase in just one year and a 57% increase over the past decade. The average cost per claim in 2025 was $65,450.
The average cost per claim nationally has risen 209.2% from 2016 to 2025, due to increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments and jury awards. 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.
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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. For a deeper look at how this protection works, see our full guide on dog bite liability and home insurance.
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 $500,000. If a claim exceeds those limits, you're personally responsible for the remainder. To see how the standard $100K limit stacks up against higher tiers, our guide on home insurance liability limits walks through the tradeoffs.
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
You can also review our broader guide on common home insurance exclusions for other gaps to watch for.
Liability Limits and Umbrella Policies
For most dog owners, the standard $100,000 to $300,000 liability limit is sufficient. But given that average claims now exceed $65,000 (and serious cases regularly settle in the six- and seven-figure range), high-risk breed owners should consider a personal umbrella policy, which can extend your liability coverage to $1 million or more. California recorded the highest number of claims in 2025 at 2,830, while New York had the highest average cost per claim in the country, which makes the case for higher limits even stronger in high-cost states. Learn more about how umbrella insurance for homeowners fits into a complete liability strategy.
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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. If you're worried about being turned down, our guide on home insurance denial reasons walks through your next steps.
State Protections: Where Breed Discrimination Is Restricted
A growing number of states have enacted laws that limit or prohibit insurers from making coverage decisions based solely on a dog's breed. The National Council of Insurance Legislators passed the "Dog Breed Insurance Underwriting Protection Model Act" in 2022, and several states have since followed suit. As of 2026, seven states now have statutory or regulatory bans in force:
| State | Protection |
|---|---|
| New York | Section 3421 of the Insurance Law prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, cancel, or charge an increased premium for homeowner's policies based solely on the breed of dog owned. |
| Nevada | Prohibits insurers from using a dog's breed to deny coverage or charge higher premiums |
| Illinois | Effective Dec. 9, 2023: no insurer may refuse, cancel, or restrict coverage based solely on breed |
| Minnesota | Minnesota now joins New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Michigan in prohibiting breed-restrictive insurance practices. |
| Michigan | DIFS bulletin bars breed-based decisions; 2026 codification bill pending |
| Pennsylvania | Existing law bars liability policies from prohibiting coverage for any specific breed |
| Arizona | Prohibits insurers from refusing, canceling, or surcharging homeowners policies solely based on breed |
Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts ban breed-based insurance discrimination through insurance regulations rather than explicit legislation. Best Friends Animal Society reports that 11 states have either passed or have pending legislation addressing breed-based homeowners insurance discrimination. 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:
| Insurer | Breed Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | No breed restrictions | Does not ask what breed or type of dog a person owns when writing policies |
| USAA | No breed restrictions | Military members and families only; consistently listed as pit-bull-friendly |
| Nationwide | Generally flexible | Considers individual dog history rather than blanket lists |
| Allstate | Case-by-case | Doesn't restrict or deny coverage based solely on a dog's breed and determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis |
| Amica | Behavior-based review | May consider training records and bite history |
| AIG, Hippo, Encompass | Accept high-risk breeds | Coverage and pricing vary by state |
Alternatives: Standalone Dog Liability Insurance
If you can't get adequate coverage through a standard homeowners policy, standalone canine 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)
- Can start as little as $10 a month for a basic policy, with costs ranging from $10 to $100+ per month for restricted breeds or dogs with a past incident
- Typically run $40 to $80 per month ($480 to $960 per year) for restricted breeds with no prior bite history
- Cost $75+ per month (over $900 per year) for dogs with a documented bite
- Are ideal for renters, condo owners, or those whose home insurer excludes dog-related claims
For real-world pricing context, 2026 sample quotes from Dog Bite Insurance included $805/year for a pit bull in Maryland with one past bite ($50,000 limit), and higher premiums for dogs with multiple prior incidents. Specialty providers include InsureMyK9, F.I.D.O. / Dean Insurance Agency, Xinsurance, Einhorn Insurance, and Prime Insurance Company, all of which accept restricted breeds.
Even a doubled or tripled premium of $800 to $1,200 per year is far less than a single uninsured dog bite claim averaging $65,450.
Tips for Getting Coverage With a Restricted Breed
Here are practical steps to improve your chances of securing full liability protection:
- 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.
- 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.
- Document a clean bite history. Vet records, training logs, and neighbor references can support an individual behavioral assessment.
- Shop breed-neutral insurers first. Start with State Farm, USAA, or Nationwide before approaching carriers known for strict breed lists.
- Consider an umbrella policy. Adding a personal umbrella policy on top of a liability sublimit can close significant coverage gaps. See our guide on how much liability coverage you need for more.
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, doberman pinschers, chow chows, wolf hybrids, presa canarios, akitas, german shepherds, cane corsos, and alaskan malamutes. Forbes data shows pit bulls, rottweilers, and dobermans appear on 100% of insurer banned lists. Some insurers apply breed restrictions universally, while others evaluate dogs individually based on bite history.
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 Nationwide do not maintain blanket 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 from a specialty provider like InsureMyK9 or Xinsurance.
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 $480 and $960 per year for $100,000 in coverage, though premiums climb to $900 or more for dogs with a bite history. Specialty insurers like InsureMyK9, F.I.D.O., Xinsurance, and Einhorn Insurance offer these policies for both homeowners and renters.