Dog Breed Insurance Restrictions: 7 Critical Facts Every Texas Pet Owner Must Know
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Your dog may be part of the family. However, your homeowners insurance company may view your pet as a liability risk. Certain breeds can lead to restrictions, exclusions, higher premiums, or even a policy denial.
Your Dog Is Family — But Insurers See Liability
Many Texas homeowners assume their insurance automatically covers injuries caused by their dog. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
Some carriers restrict certain breeds. Others may exclude dog-related liability or refuse to write the homeowners policy. As a result, owners need to understand their policy before a bite or other incident occurs.
The issue can also be expensive. According to the BundleBee guide, U.S. insurers paid $1.86 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2025. In addition, the average claim reached $65,450.
Dog Bite Claims: The Numbers Behind the Risk
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$1.86B
Dog-related injury claims paid by U.S. insurers in 2025
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28,450
Dog bite claims filed in 2025
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$65,450
Average cost per claim in 2025
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7 Critical Facts About Dog Breed Insurance Restrictions
1. Every Insurance Carrier Can Have a Different Breed List
There is no single restricted-breed list used by every insurance company. Instead, each carrier can have its own underwriting rules.
Therefore, a breed that creates a problem with one carrier may receive different treatment from another. This is one reason shopping multiple carriers can matter.
2. Several Breeds Commonly Appear on Restriction Lists
The BundleBee guide identifies several breeds that frequently appear on carrier restriction or exclusion lists.
However, being listed below does not mean every carrier will deny the breed.
Dog Breeds Commonly Restricted by Insurance Carriers
| Breed | Why It May Appear on Carrier Lists |
|---|---|
| Pit Bull / Bull Terrier | Frequently appears on restricted-breed lists. |
| Rottweiler | Commonly restricted because of size and liability concerns. |
| German Shepherd | Appears on many lists because of size and bite history. |
| Doberman Pinscher | Frequently appears on carrier exclusion lists. |
| Chow Chow | Commonly included on breed restriction lists. |
| Akita | Restricted by a number of carriers. |
| Wolf Hybrid | Often faces some of the strictest carrier restrictions. |
| Siberian Husky | Appears on some restricted-breed lists. |
| Mastiff / Bull Mastiff | Size and strength can affect carrier eligibility. |
| Great Dane | Some carriers restrict the breed because of its size. |
| Alaskan Malamute | Appears on some carrier restriction lists. |
| Presa Canario | Frequently faces carrier restrictions. |
3. A Restricted Breed Does Not Always Mean a Full Policy Denial
A carrier may refuse the entire homeowners policy. However, that is only one possible outcome.
In other cases, the company may issue the policy but exclude liability connected to the dog. Some carriers may also charge more, limit coverage, or review the individual dog’s history.
What Can Happen When an Insurer Restricts Your Dog?
Full Policy Denial
The carrier may refuse to write the homeowners policy. As a result, you will need to find another insurance company willing to accept the risk.
Dog Liability Exclusion
The carrier may insure your home while excluding liability related to your dog. Therefore, a dog-related injury could leave you responsible for costs that the exclusion removes from coverage.
Higher Premium or Limited Coverage
Another carrier may accept the dog but charge more or limit dog-related liability coverage.
Case-by-Case Review
Finally, some carriers may focus more heavily on the individual dog’s history instead of making a decision based only on breed.
4. A Dog Liability Exclusion Can Leave You Paying the Bill
A policy exclusion can create a serious financial gap. If an excluded dog injures a visitor, neighbor, or another person, your homeowners liability coverage may not respond to that incident.
Consequently, you could face medical bills, legal expenses, settlements, or other costs yourself, depending on the circumstances.
The Financial Reality of a Dog Bite Claim
Dog-related injuries can become much more expensive than many owners expect. According to the BundleBee guide, the average national insurance payout for a dog bite claim reached $65,450 in 2025.
In addition, a serious claim can exceed the liability limit on a homeowners policy. Once available insurance limits run out, the remaining costs may become the owner’s responsibility.
5. You Should Tell Your Insurance Company When You Get a Dog
Always provide accurate information about your dog when an insurer asks about pets, breed, or bite history.
Most importantly, do not hide a dog’s breed or history to get coverage. Incorrect information on an insurance application can create serious problems when you later need to file a claim.
6. A Restricted Breed Does Not Mean You Are Out of Options
Insurance companies do not all use the same rules. Therefore, getting declined or restricted by one carrier does not necessarily mean every insurer will respond the same way.
An independent agency can compare different carrier guidelines and look for options that better fit your household and your dog.
What to Do if Your Dog Is a Restricted Breed
Shop Other Insurance Carriers
First, compare other carriers. Some insurers may evaluate an individual dog’s bite history rather than relying only on breed.
Ask About a Canine Liability Endorsement
Next, ask whether an available endorsement can provide additional dog liability protection. Availability and terms vary by carrier.
Consider Standalone Dog Liability Coverage
In some situations, specialty coverage may help address a gap created by a homeowners policy’s dog liability exclusion.
Review Umbrella Coverage Carefully
Finally, ask whether an umbrella policy can provide additional liability protection. However, do not assume an umbrella automatically covers an exposure excluded by the underlying homeowners policy. Review the actual terms and exclusions.
7. You Need to Review the Actual Policy Language
Never assume that your dog is covered simply because your declarations page includes personal liability coverage.
Instead, review the policy forms and endorsements for animal liability or breed exclusions. That way, you can identify a coverage gap before an incident happens.
Never Hide Your Dog’s Breed or Bite History
Trying to avoid a restriction by giving incorrect information can create a much larger problem later.
Instead, disclose requested information accurately and work with your insurance agent to find appropriate coverage. The goal is to know how your policy treats your dog before you ever need to file a claim.
Do Dog Breed Restrictions Affect Renters Insurance Too?
Breed restrictions can also appear in renters insurance. In addition, a landlord may ask a tenant to provide proof of liability insurance for a dog.
Therefore, renters with dogs should review both their lease requirements and their renters insurance policy rather than assuming they have automatic protection.
Dog Breed Insurance Restrictions: Frequently Asked Questions
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover a Dog Bite?
Personal liability coverage may cover a dog-related injury, subject to your policy terms, limits, and exclusions. However, a breed or animal liability exclusion can change the answer. Always verify your specific coverage.
Which Dog Breeds Are Commonly Restricted?
The BundleBee guide lists Pit Bulls and Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, Akitas, Wolf Hybrids, Siberian Huskies, Mastiffs, Great Danes, Alaskan Malamutes, and Presa Canarios among breeds that frequently appear on carrier lists. Restrictions vary by insurer.
Can a Mixed-Breed Dog Be Restricted?
Yes. According to the BundleBee guide, mixed breeds can also trigger carrier restrictions when they are identified as predominantly a breed on that carrier’s restricted list.
What Happens if My Policy Excludes My Dog?
If the policy excludes liability associated with your dog, you may have to pay covered-by-no-policy costs yourself after an incident. Review the exact exclusion with your insurance professional.
What Can I Do if My Carrier Restricts My Dog?
You may be able to shop another carrier, ask about an available canine liability endorsement, consider standalone dog liability coverage, or review additional liability options.
Should I Tell My Agent When I Get a New Dog?
Yes. Provide accurate information when your insurer requests details about household pets. In addition, ask your agent to verify whether your current policy has any breed or animal liability restrictions.
The BundleBee Buzz Bottom Line
Your dog is part of your family, but insurance companies may have specific underwriting rules for pets and certain breeds.
Fortunately, one carrier’s restriction does not necessarily mean you have no options. Different insurers can evaluate dogs differently.
Most importantly, find out what your policy says now. A coverage review can help uncover breed exclusions or liability gaps before a dog-related claim happens.
Not Sure If Your Home Insurance Covers Your Dog?
Call BundleBee for a policy review. We can help you check for dog-related exclusions and compare available coverage options across the carriers we shop.
Important Insurance Information
This article provides general insurance information only. Dog and animal liability coverage, breed restrictions, underwriting rules, exclusions, eligibility, premiums, limits, endorsements, and umbrella coverage vary by insurance carrier and policy. Coverage is subject to the actual policy language, declarations, endorsements, exclusions, limits, deductibles, and conditions. Review your specific coverage with a licensed insurance professional.