List of Dangerous Dogs that Require Insurance

Certain dog breeds may increase their owners' insurance premiums and limit where they may buy or rent a home. Local laws and private community regulations can restrict ownership of dangerous breeds but extend permission to owners who have insurance coverage. While no state or federal standard exists, regulations tend to censure owning any one of a small number of breeds.

  1. Rottweiler

    • First recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931, the Rottweiler has been bred to be a robust and powerful guard dog. The breed thrives with lots of exercise and is believed to trace its ancestry to dogs of the ancient Romans.

    Pit Bull

    • Well-known as an aggressive breed, the pit bull, or American pit bull, has been bred for generations to become an ideal fighting dog. Pit bulls share some qualities with the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. While fervently defended by their admirers, the breed frequently receives negative press for dog-bite incidents.

    German Shepherd

    • German Shepherds are valued for courage, loyalty and keen senses, making them common among police forces. They have unusually independent dispositions, though with time they can become excellent family dogs. German Shepherds have been recognized as herding dogs by the American Kennel Club since 1908.

    Doberman Pinscher

    • Doberman Pinschers, also known as "Dobermans," have a characteristically slender but strong build. They are an extremely reliable and intelligent breed. However, because of their strength and breeding as guard or attack dogs, experts advise that any prospective owners only buy Doberman Pinschers if they can dedicate themselves to thorough training.

    Akita

    • Only registered with the American Kennel Club since 1982, the Akita was first bred and trained in Japan to hunt bears. It continues to be used in Japan for aggressive jobs, trained as either a police or guard dog. Helen Keller has been credited with bringing the first Akitas to the United States.

    Siberian Husky

    • The Siberian Husky indeed comes from Siberia. It was first introduced to North America in the early 20th century and was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1930. Siberian Huskies are playful and friendly dogs with a tendency to explore, sometimes running off. It is similar to the Alaskan Malamute, with a somewhat smaller frame.

    Wolf Hybrid

    • Wolf hybrids, or wolfdogs, have both wolf and dog parentage. Wolfdog advocates point out that wolfdogs are typically the same species as any full-bred dogs, granted that as of 1993 the domestic dog was reclassified as a sub-species of wolf. Of all dog breeds, wolf hybrids are the most widely prohibited and most hotly contested. Defenders cite their warm companionship while detractors point to their violent nature.

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    • The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is recognizable from its lean and muscular build, somewhat similar to a pit bull. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are affectionate and very intelligent. They also have extremely powerful jaws and can cause serious injury if provoked to violence. They have been recognized by the American Kennel Club since just 1974.