Owning a specific breed of dog might prevent you from accessing some home insurance policies. That’s because the insurer sees you — and your dog — as a liability.
Here is a selection of some of the dog breeds that most often show up on “banned” lists. Whether or not these breeds deserve the bad rep is still up for debate.
But if you want to get ahead financially, the following breeds are likely not an option for saving money on insurance.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Rhodesian ridgeback
The always-independent Rhodesian ridgeback, which comes with a strong prey drive, is sometimes excluded from insurance policies. This may come as a surprise to Rhodesian ridgeback owners who feel they have the perfect family dog.
However, it’s likely this dog’s strong need for training and ardent protectiveness make insurance companies worry that the beautiful brown hounds pose a bite risk.
Bullmastiff
As one of the most obvious choices for a guard dog, it may come as less of a surprise that insurance companies are nervous to accept Bullmastiffs.
The Bullmastiff — which is a combination of a bulldog and a mastiff, as its name would suggest — is a large dog that can weigh up to 130 pounds. It requires attentive training from puppyhood and is not a great fit for first-time dog owners.
Doberman pinscher
If you own a Doberman, you likely know it can be a highly affectionate dog that is great with young children.
Unfortunately, these dogs have a reputation for being ferocious, to the point that it scares off insurance companies — whether this comes from real data or from the dog’s history as a military and police canine.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Pit bull
If you understand a thing or two about dogs or just watch the news from time to time, you know that no dog breed gets as much bad press as the American Pit Bull Terrier, more commonly known as a pit bull.
Interestingly, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize pit bulls as a dog breed, emphasizing that most dogs we think of as pit bulls are, in fact, a mix of other dog breeds.
The fact that it is hard to determine which dog is a pit bull can make insurance-company bans a slippery slope, as any dog with identifying characteristics could be labeled a pit bull.
Great Dane
The most threatening aspect of the even-tempered Great Dane is its imposing size; they can stand up to 24 inches from the shoulder.
This is the most likely reason these gentle giants end up on an insurer’s naughty list. There is a fear that they could destroy property simply by existing in their gargantuan state.
Trending Stories
Akita
The Akita is a muscular dog originally from Japan. Like some other entries on this list, the Akita is a very large dog and can weigh up to 130 pounds.
Aside from being the target of insurance company bans, Akitas are banned from certain geographic locations, such as Singapore.
German shepherd dog
German shepherd dogs — as the AKC classifies them — are often seen by insurers as a liability. So, it might come as a surprise that they’re the fourth most popular dog breed in the U.S., beating out Australian shepherds, poodles, and beagles.
Unfortunately, they’re another breed with a reputation for being aggressive.
Chow Chow
There are big dogs, and then there are Chow Chows — although it could be argued that their fluffy coats are the real reason for this breed’s stature.
As a dog that dates back to ancient China, Chow Chows have been loyal companions to humans for thousands of years. Perhaps too loyal if you ask some cautious insurance companies.
Siberian husky
The Siberian husky is a born work dog that gets along well with children and other animals.
It surprises many owners that some insurers ban Siberian huskies from homeowners insurance, although some companies state that the reason is the breed’s bite frequency.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is known for being a very keen watchdog, which is likely why insurance companies are wary of the breed.
They can also easily weigh over 100 pounds, which makes them hard to manage.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Another ancient breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux hails from France and is known for its loyalty and affection.
However, this dog is also cited as one of the most stubborn breeds that will suffer from improper or inadequate training. These dogs find themselves on the occasional banned list.
Tosa
Although the Tosa is known for being quiet and warm with its own family, this large dog breed might act aggressively toward other dogs and sometimes people. A Tosa can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Boxer
Boxers are well-known as muscular dog breeds. Their protective nature makes some insurance companies think they are dangerous.
Boxers can be managed in terms of aggression levels if they're exposed to many different types of people and dogs early in childhood.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a bad reputation. This fact often makes their owners marvel in misbelief — there are many cuddly Rottweilers out there. However, insurance companies have noticed the stereotype.
And in truth, this muscular dog can be territorial.
Alaskan malamute
The Alaskan malamute is a cousin of the Siberian husky. Like huskies, the malamute is a natural sled dog, although it can become aggressive in adulthood if it doesn't receive early training.
Pro tip: Having trouble finding the funds to pay for your homeowners insurance? Check out one of these legitimate ways you can make extra cash.
Bottom line
If you’re a dog lover, you likely won’t let your insurance policy dictate which dog breed you own — you’ll simply need to shop around for another company that will cover you, even if you have to pay a higher rate.
Do your research when searching for an insurance company. Some companies, like State Farm, don’t ask for dog-breed information in their questionnaires. So, if you want to keep more cash in your wallet, you still have options.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details