You’ve discovered the ideal house. Your pet is prepared to move in after the inspection and mortgage approval. Then your insurance salesperson asks you the crucial question, “What breed of dog do you have?”
For millions of pet owners in the United States, the answer to that straightforward question might be the difference between cheap coverage and being turned down for a policy, paying higher rates, or being exposed financially due to liability exclusions. As 2026 progresses, the landscape of dog breed restrictions in house insurance is changing, with some states outlawing breed discrimination and others upholding long-standing prohibitions. This is all the information you need to safeguard your house and your four-legged family member.
Part 1: Why Insurance Companies Care About Your Dog’s Breed
Before diving into which breeds are restricted and where, it’s worth understanding why insurers ask this question in the first place. The answer comes down to one word: liability.
The Staggering Cost of Dog Bites
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm, dog bite liability payouts reached $1.57 billion in 2024—a staggering figure that reflects both the frequency and severity of these incidents . The number of claims jumped 18.9% year over year to 22,658, while the average cost per claim climbed 18.3% to $69,272 .
These numbers aren’t abstract statistics for insurers. Every dog bite claim represents a potential payout that could run into the tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. With medical costs rising and settlements growing larger, insurers have a powerful financial incentive to minimize their exposure to what they consider “high-risk” dogs .
New York’s Extreme Liability Exposure
Some states face even more staggering costs. In New York, the average dog bite liability claim in 2024 reached $110,488—roughly 60% above the national average . With numbers like these, it’s easy to understand why insurers in certain states scrutinize dog breeds more closely than others.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) notes that a dog’s propensity to be aggressive isn’t determined entirely by breed—early positive socialization with humans plays a crucial role . However, dogs bred historically for guarding, hunting, or protection may have a higher likelihood of biting when isolated or improperly cared for, which influences insurer risk assessments .
Part 2: The Most Commonly Restricted Breeds
While restrictions vary by insurer and state, certain breeds appear consistently on “banned” or “restricted” lists across the industry. According to U.S. News & World Report, these are some of the most commonly banned breeds :
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
- Doberman Pinscher
- Chow Chow
- Akita
- Wolf dogs and wolf hybrids
- Presa Canario (Canary Dog)
- Mastiff
- Bullmastiff
- Alaskan Malamute
- Siberian Husky
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Great Dane
Another survey of insurance companies identified the top 10 breeds most likely to be excluded as: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Chow Chow, Presa Canario, Akita, Doberman Pinscher, Wolf hybrids, Mastiff, Wolf, and German Shepherd .
Important Note: Lists Vary by Insurer
The specific breeds that trigger restrictions can vary significantly from one insurance company to another. Some insurers maintain strict breed lists; others take a more nuanced approach, evaluating individual dogs based on behavior rather than breed alone . State Farm, for example, explicitly states that “any dog can bite” and focuses on a dog’s individual history rather than its breed .
Part 3: A Patchwork of State Laws—Where Breed Discrimination Is Banned
Perhaps the most significant development in 2026 is the growing movement to prohibit breed-based insurance discrimination. Several states have enacted or are considering laws that prevent insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based solely on a dog’s breed.
States That Have Banned Breed Discrimination
Arizona stands as a notable example. Under Arizona Revised Statutes §20-1510, “The breed of a dog may not be the sole factor considered or used for underwriting or actuarial processes for determining risk, liability or actual or potential losses related to claims involving dogs under a policy of insurance” . The law applies to both homeowners and renters insurance policies.
New York took a significant step in 2021 when Governor Kathy Hochul signed Section 3421 into the state’s Insurance Law, prohibiting breed-based underwriting in homeowners policies . A loophole that allowed insurers to restrict coverage rather than deny policies outright was closed in March 2023. Now, New York lawmakers are considering extending the same protections to renters through Assembly Bill 10272 .
Colorado recently expanded its protections. Under House Bill 25-1207, the state’s restriction on breed discrimination in homeowners insurance now covers all occupied residential structure insurance policies, including commercial multi-family and renter policies .
Michigan is actively considering House Bill 5580, which would prohibit insurers from using dog breed information to make decisions about residential property liability insurance . The bill, reintroduced in February 2026 by state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, would take effect January 1, 2027 if passed .
States With Pending Legislation
Several other states have bills in the works:
- Vermont (H.536) would prohibit discriminatory practices by insurance companies based on dog breed
- New Jersey (A4746) would prohibit charging tenants additional fees for pets and address breed discrimination
- Minnesota (SF 5327) would prohibit breed discrimination by landlords who allow dogs
Washington, D.C. has also enacted legislation prohibiting breed, size, and weight discrimination in housing through the Pets in Housing Amendment Act of 2024 .
What These Laws Mean for Pet Owners
In states with these protections, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based solely on your dog’s breed. However, they can still consider individual factors such as:
- A documented history of aggression or biting
- Prior property damage caused by the dog
- Lack of training or socialization
- Whether the dog has been designated as “dangerous” by local authorities
The key distinction is that the restriction must be based on the specific dog’s behavior, not on assumptions about its breed.
Part 4: States Without Protections—What You’re Up Against
In states without breed discrimination bans, insurers have broad latitude to set their own policies. Many maintain restricted breed lists and may:
- Deny coverage entirely if you own a breed on their list
- Exclude liability coverage for dog-related incidents while still insuring the home
- Charge higher premiums based on the perceived risk
- Require you to sign a waiver acknowledging that dog bites won’t be covered
New York’s Current Status (A Cautionary Tale)
Despite the 2021 law protecting homeowners, New York still allows insurers to discriminate based on breed in renters insurance—a gap the proposed AB 10272 aims to close . Additionally, New York employs a “one bite rule,” meaning owners generally aren’t held liable for a dog’s first bite unless they knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies . However, breed can be used as evidence that an owner should have been aware of the need for restraint .
Part 5: Your Options If Your Breed Is Restricted
If you live in a state without breed discrimination protections and your insurer restricts your dog’s breed, you still have options.
1. Shop Around for a Different Insurer
Not all insurance companies use breed lists. State Farm, for example, doesn’t consider breed in its underwriting decisions—they focus on a dog’s individual bite history . Other regional insurers may have similar policies. Work with an independent insurance agent who can shop multiple carriers on your behalf.
2. Consider an Umbrella Liability Policy
If your homeowners policy excludes dog-related liability, you may be able to purchase a separate umbrella liability policy that covers dog bites . Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage beyond your standard homeowners limits and can sometimes fill gaps created by breed exclusions.
3. Purchase Canine Liability Insurance
Specialized canine liability insurance policies are available specifically for owners of restricted breeds . These standalone policies cover dog bite incidents and can provide peace of mind even if your homeowners policy excludes coverage. Costs vary based on breed, location, and whether your dog has any bite history .
4. Negotiate with Your Insurer
Some insurers may be willing to provide coverage with certain conditions:
- Increased liability limits (at a higher premium)
- Agreeing to an exclusion for dog-related incidents (risky, but keeps the rest of your coverage intact)
- Providing proof of training or socialization to demonstrate responsible ownership
5. Document Your Dog’s Good Behavior
Even in states without breed discrimination bans, some insurers may make exceptions if you can demonstrate that your dog is well-trained and has no history of aggression. Obedience training certificates, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification, and letters from trainers or veterinarians can help your case.
Part 6: What You Can Do to Prevent Dog Bite Incidents
Regardless of your dog’s breed or your insurance situation, responsible ownership is your best defense against liability claims. Insurance companies—and the law—look more favorably on owners who take proactive steps to prevent incidents.
According to U.S. News & World Report, key prevention strategies include :
- Socialize your dog regularly with other pets and people so they’re comfortable in different situations
- Invest in obedience training to help your dog respond to commands and manage behavior
- Supervise interactions between your dog and others, especially children
- Provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behavior issues
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior
- Never physically punish your dog, which can stimulate fear and aggression
As one insurance professional noted, “Proper training, responsible ownership and providing a loving home for a dog are the best ways to ensure that a dog is well behaved” .
Part 7: The Disclosure Dilemma—What Happens If You Don’t Tell Your Insurer
Some pet owners, frustrated by breed restrictions, consider simply not disclosing their dog to their insurance company. This is a dangerous gamble.
If you fail to notify your insurer about your dog and then file a claim related to a dog bite or other incident, several consequences can follow :
- Your claim will likely be denied
- Your policy could be canceled for material misrepresentation
- You could face legal issues if the incident results in a lawsuit
- Future coverage may be difficult or impossible to obtain with a cancellation on your record
The risk far outweighs any short-term savings or convenience. Always disclose your pets to your insurer.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Know Your Options
Dog breed restrictions in home insurance remain a significant challenge for pet owners in many states. But 2026 has brought encouraging developments: New York is considering extending protections to renters, Colorado has expanded its anti-discrimination laws, and Michigan is actively working to prohibit breed-based insurance decisions.
If you live in a state with breed discrimination protections, you can rest easier knowing that insurers cannot penalize you based solely on your dog’s breed. If you live elsewhere, you still have options—from shopping for breed-friendly insurers to purchasing supplemental canine liability coverage.
The most important step is to be proactive. Know your state’s laws, ask your insurer about their breed policies before you need to file a claim, and take responsibility for training and socializing your dog. With the right preparation, you can protect both your home and your beloved four-legged family member.