The Truth About Aggressive Dog Breeds and Insurance Policies: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know
In the US, The American Kennel Club has registered 192 dog breeds, with more than 60 million households owning 90 million dogs.
Our furry companions are so diverse and each breed was historically bred for a certain job or role. Australian Shephards, for example. were originally bred to help with animal herding, while Pit Bulls were meant to assist hunters in restraining large game animals, like bears.
After centuries of breeding, these specific tasks influenced their genetic makeup and the influences on their behaviour still persist. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), dogs’ propensity to be aggressive doesn’t solely rely on their breed, but on their behavior which is most influenced by how much positive socialization they have with humans.
While a dog’s breed doesn’t determine their behavior 100%, dogs that were bred to be more aggressive will have a higher likelihood of attacking humans or other animals when isolated and not properly cared for.
Due to this propensity of some certain breeds to be involved in dog-bite-related accidents, renter’s insurance and homeowners insurance instituted policies limiting or even excluding certain dog breeds from their coverage.
Dog Breeds Restricted
With a huge list of homeowners and renters insurance companies. the list of restricted dogs varies from one insurer to another. Some breeds are, however, frequently listed on restricted insurance policies. They often include:
1. German Shepherds
Why They Are Considered Aggressive: Known for their protective instincts, German Shepherds can sometimes become aggressive. This happens when they are not properly trained or they don’t socialize the right way. As working dogs, they have a natural instinct to protect their territory and family.
Insurance impact: They are seen as a risk due to their protective nature. When these dogs feel threatened or they are not properly socialized, they can become defensive, which can lead to bites. German Shepherds are often included on the restricted breed lists.
2. Pit Bulls
Why They Are Considered Aggressive: The American Bull Terrier, particularly, has a reputation for being aggressive, as they have a history of fighting dogs. They are built to be powerful and they have a high energy making them capable of serious harm when they bite. Pit Bulls are involved in severe bite incidents because of their tenacity and their jaw strength.
Insurance Impact: With their history and potential for severe injuries, these dogs are frequently excluded from coverage or they come with higher premiums. Insurance companies are concerned about their higher likelihood of being involved in serious attacks.
3. Staffordshire Terriers
Why They Are Considered Aggressive: Often confused with Pitbulls, this breed was originally created for bull-baiting and as fighting dogs. Their strength and determination can make them a serious threat when they become aggressive. Many of them are friendly and gentle, but their breed history and physical abilities can lead to higher insurance risk.
Insurance Impact: Because of their fighting background and physical strength, Staffordshire Terriers are often included on exclusion lists and high-risk categories. Insurance companies associate them with aggressive incidents, especially in cases when they are not properly trained.
4. Chows
Why They Are Considered Aggressive: Known for being independent and aloof, sometimes, these tendencies can lead to aggression, if they feel threatened or cornered. They have strong guarding instincts and they are more territorial than other breeds, a fact that can contribute to their aggressive behavior.
Insurance Impact: Because Chows can be unpredictable and are less social, insurance companies consider this a risk of biting, Their strong territorial instincts make them a higher risk for bite-related incidents.
5. Rottweilers
Why They Are Considered Aggressive: Natural protectors. Rotweillers can become aggressive if they perceive danger around their family or territory. These powerful and confident dogs can use wrong their protective instincts if they are not properly trained or they lack socialization from an early age.
Insurance Impact: They are often included on restricted breed lists because of their strength, size, and potential for aggression. If they are not properly managed they are more likely to bite and their force can cause severe injuries. This is what makes them a high-risk breed for insurers, who may exclude them or increase premiums for homeowners or renters.
6. Siberian Huskies
Why They Are Considered Aggressive: Siberian Huskies are not inherently aggressive, but they can be terrible and they have a natural independence, thing that can lead to defensive or aggressive behavior when they feel threatened. With a string prey drive, they can become unpredictable if they are not getting enough attention or exercise.
Insurance Impact: Huskies are seen as high-energy dogs, which can make them a risk given their size and strength. Even if they are less likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies, they are still considered a high risk due to their unpredictable behavior.
7. Any wolf-dog hybrids
Why They Are Considered Aggressive: A mix of wild wolves and domestic dogs, they are believed to be inherently unpredictable and difficult to train. Their wild, wolf lineage can be a contributor to a high prey drive and a more aggressive behavior. especially if they feel threatened or if they are untrained.
Insurance Impact: Most insurance companies won’t cover them due to their wild ancestry and they are often seen as a serious liability. It’s difficult to assess their behavior, as well as the risk of aggression and attacks on humans and other animals.
Dog owners of these breeds are put at the risk of having a dog bite liability that is not covered by their assurance, making them face higher premiums or having the entire policy canceled.
Some cities, additionally, have local ordinances that ban certain dog breeds and if a dog bite incident that involves a restricted breed occurs, insurance companies usually cancel the policy and refuse to cover the injury. This happens because insurers won’t cover an illegal act.
How can you take action as a victim?
If you or a loved one suffered from a dog bite accident, keep in mind that you can get help. Reach a law firm specializing in dog bites and you can get a free consultation. These types of firms only get a part of the commission after you win the trial intended and in case you don’t win, you won’t be charged. A dog bite attorney will make the most out of the damage sum you can get, so you will make sure that all the struggle you need to suffer will be covered, from hospitals to the mental issues caused.
How Dog Bite Insurance Works in New York
The location where the victim’s residency is or where the incident occurred has a great impact in how insurance companies will handle the claims involving aggressive dog breeds.
States like Michigan or Pennsylvania cannot deny or cancel coverage based on the dog breed only, while Ohio requires dog owners to have at least $100,000 in liability assurance if their dog’s breed is vicious-classified.
New York insurers are allowed to exclude or limit their coverage based on the dog’s breed. According to the New York State Department of Financial Services, insurers can discriminate against certain breeds and aggressive behaviors when they determine their insurance policies.
The One Bite Rule of New York
Amusingly, there is a One Free Bite rule, meaning that a dog owner is not held liable for their dog incident if it’s the first time. While the law doesn’t automatically hold the owner accountable, the victim can prove that the owner knew or should have known about their dog’s aggressive potential and still failed to take responsibility for preventing the bite.
Owners of certain breeds should take extra precautions to prevent harm, especially if they know their dog has aggressive tendencies.
With an established liability, the victim is entitled to various types of compensation:
- Medical Costs
- Loss of Earnings
- Emotional Trauma
- Physical Injuries
- Pain and Suffering
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
If you want to have a dog, this is a guide that might help you: The Perfect Pup: A Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Breed for First-Time Owners. You can order it via Amazon and make sure you get a puppy that’s aligned with your personality.
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