Houston Texas Insurance Agency Blog

Top 10 Dogs Likely to Increase Insurance Cost

Written by Linda Kay | Sun, Jun 12, 2016

Here’s a different twist on the dog you choose to bring into your home.  The breed of dog you choose can make it more difficult to get Homeowners Insurance.  According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites (and other dog-related injuries) accounted for more than one-third of all Homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2015, costing in excess of $570 million.

Insurers are hesitant in offering coverage to homeowners who own breeds and mixes that insurers believe are more likely to bite and cause injuries. According to DogBites.org, more than 700 cities in the U.S. have adopted breed-specific laws since the mid-1980s, following the rise in popularity of pit bulls in the general population.

Einhorn Insurance, a San Diego, CA, agency has compiled a list of the 10 breeds most often deemed dangerous by insurance companies. Let’s take a look at them.

  1. Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers

Pit bull attacks make the news more than any other dog. The term “pit bull” comprises both the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier; the breeds were originally developed as fighting dogs, by breeding bull dogs and terriers together. Advocates from The Humane Society of the United States and other groups say the breeds, which have a reputation for being unpredictable and dangerous, are unfairly demonized.

  1. Doberman Pinschers

As the breed’s popularity grew in the 1970s.  The American Kennel Club (AKC), says Dobermans can be affectionate, obedient and loyal, however.

  1. Rottweilers

According to the AKC, Rottweilers make good police dogs, herders, service or therapy dogs and are very protective of their territory.

  1. Chow Chows

The breed is known for its scowling expression, black tongue and thick coat, and likes to hunt, herd, protect and pull. According to Animal Planet, the Chow Chow can be aggressive toward strange dogs out of a need to protect its human family and the other pets in its household.

  1. Great Danes

Great Danes are usually associated with the lovable Marmaduke from the comic pages and the 2010 movie.  Vetstreet recommends that the breed, which can weigh more than 100 pounds, receives early training against jumping or acting aggressively.

  1. Perro de Presa Canario

Also called the Presa Canario, the Perro de Presa Canario usually makes the list of banned breeds, in places where this is done.  A Presa Canario needs a leader who can develop and manage those characteristics by guiding the dog with firmness and consistency and without using force or cruelty.  This dog is large, powerful, intelligent, and headstrong.

  1. Akitas 

Akitas are popular show dogs, but have strong guarding instincts and temperaments ranging from calm to aggressive. The AKC advises constant supervision of this breed when they are around small children and other animals.  

  1. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes have become popular as family pets, but they were originally bred as sled dogs for work in the Arctic. Known for their strength, endurance, intelligence and ability to learn quickly, the breed also can be strong-willed.

  1. German Shepherds

The AKC says the German Shepherd is the world’s leading police, guard and military dog. According to The American Veterinary Medical Association, German Shepherds frequently appear in lists of dogs implicated in biting incidents.

  1. Siberian Huskies

The American Kennel Club describes the characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky as friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. He does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs.

Dean & Draper

We hope the dog information in our blog is interesting and helpful.  We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about making your insurance choices.  Please feel free to call with your questions. 

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

 

©2016 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.