What Types of Dogs Are Usually Not Allowed by Home Owners Insurance?

Depending on your insurer, you may have problems getting a good rate, or any coverage at all, if you own a certain dog breed. All dog owners need a homeowner's insurance policy that provides coverage for injuries inflicted by dogs or animals, with a limit of at least $100,000 for personal liability, according to Dog Bite Law. Whether or not your insurance company permits these breeds depends on the laws in your state.

  1. Pit Bull

    • The pit bull is the most popular dog breed choice of dog fighters. The word "pit bull" is used to describe a number of dog breeds, including the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier, according to Dog Bite Law. In a 2000 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pit bull-type dog breeds were responsible for almost 60 percent of fatal dog attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998.

    Rottweiler

    • Originally bred as a guard dog, the Rottweiler is a medium-to-large dog weighing between 85 and 100 pounds at adult weight, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. The 2000 CDC study found that Rottweilers were the most commonly reported breed involved in fatal dog attacks between 1993 and 1998, taking the lead from pit bull-type breeds.

    German Shepherd

    • According to the CDC, the German shepherd was the third breed, pure or mixed, to launch fatal attacks on humans. This places them on the banned breed list for many insurance companies. According to Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue, aggression in German shepherd is avoidable by thoroughly socializing puppies, covering as many situations as possible.

    Doberman Pinscher

    • The Doberman pinscher originated in Germany as a versatile dog, good at guard work, tracking, watchdog work, schutzhund and search and rescue, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. The Doberman pinscher has a reputation as a very aggressive dog, although if trained and socialized well it is known to be a good therapy dog.