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BY: KEVIN VOLZ | INSURANCE AGENCY PRINCIPAL
Dog bites are responsible for about 33% of all payments that insurance companies make for homeowners insurance liability claims. In 2015 alone, homeowner’s insurance companies paid out over $570 million in dog bite-related claims, with the average payout being just over $37,000. According to the World Animal Foundation, through 2022 the claims payout figure had swelled to over $1 billion with an average claim eclipsing $64,000.
This means that if you live in a state with a lot of dog bites, your homeowner's insurance rates are likely to be higher. Colorado is one such state.
Below are the 10 dog breeds that raise the cost of homeowners insurance in Colorado the most, based on the number of claims paid out by insurers in the state.
The most dangerous dog breed in the U.S. is the pit bull. Pit bulls were responsible for 284 deaths in 2016.
While pit bulls make up only 6.5% of the dog population in the U.S., they were responsible for 65% of fatal dog attacks in 2016. Believe it or not, that's actually an improvement from 2015 when pit bulls were responsible for 74% of fatal dog attacks.
Insurance companies view pit bulls as a liability, and they charge homeowners insurance premiums accordingly. If you own a pit bull in Colorado, you can expect to pay a little more per year for your homeowner's insurance.
Rottweilers are the second most dangerous breed of dog in the U.S. Rottweilers were responsible for 45 deaths in 2016.

Rottweilers make up only 2.3% of the dog population in the U.S., but they were responsible for 10.4% of fatal dog attacks in 2016. Although this dog breed is not as dangerous as pit bulls, they are still considered to be a liability by insurance companies.
Characterized by their thick fur coats, Siberian huskies are one of the most recognizable dog breeds. They were responsible for 13 deaths in 2016.
Huskies make up only 1.3% of the U.S. dog population, but they were responsible for 3% of fatal dog attacks in 2016.
You don't want to get on the bad side of a husky. They were originally bred as working dogs, and they have a reputation for being aggressive. Insurance companies view huskies as a liability, and they charge homeowners higher insurance premiums for owning them.
A wolf hybrid is a cross between a domestic dog and a wild wolf. They are not common, but they are dangerous. Wolf hybrids were responsible for 17 deaths in 2016.
Many times, wolf hybrids are bred for the purpose of making them more aggressive. While they are a great addition to many families, wolf hybrids are considered to be a liability by insurance companies.
This is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and they are also one of the most dangerous. German shepherds were responsible for 20 deaths in 2016.
Primarily used as working dogs, German shepherds are bred to be aggressive. They are one of the most popular breeds of dogs for law enforcement and the military.
Insurance companies don't take German shepherds lightly, and they charge homeowners higher insurance premiums.
The American bulldog is a descendant of the English bulldog. They were originally bred for bull-baiting, but they are now used as working dogs. American bulldogs were responsible for 15 fatalities in 2016.
Although they are not as dangerous as other dog breeds, American bulldogs are still considered to be a liability by insurance companies.
The bullmastiff is a cross between an English bulldog and a mastiff. They were originally bred for the purpose of guarding estates. Bullmastiffs caused 14 deaths in 2016.
Many owners of bullmastiffs view them as gentle giants. Their ability to intimidate makes them good guard dogs.
However, their size and strength also make them dangerous.
The boxer is a German breed of dog, and they are known for their signature square heads. They were originally bred for the purpose of bull-baiting, but they are now used as working dogs and companion animals. Boxers caused 7 deaths in 2016.
Cases of fatal boxer attacks are relatively rare, but they are still considered to be a liability by insurance companies.
Labrador is a breed of dog that is known for its loyalty and obedience. They are also easy to train and do not require a lot of exercise. Labradors are originally from Newfoundland, where they were used as working dogs on fishing boats. Today, Labradors are still used as working dogs in many different professions. Labradors caused 9 deaths in 2016.
Although they are relatively gentle, having a Labrador is likely to increase your homeowner's insurance premiums.
The Chow Chow is a Chinese dog breed that is often recognizable by its blue-black tongue. Though the breed is known for its unusual appearance, it is also prized for its loyalty and independence. Chow Chows are any size from medium to large, and they have a thick coat of fur that can be either smooth or rough. The breed is generally healthy, but they may be prone to hip dysplasia and other joint problems.
The downside to owning a Chow Chow is that they are considered a liability by insurance companies.
Dangerous dogs are a liability to homeowners, and insurance companies charge higher premiums accordingly. If you're thinking of getting a dog, be sure to do your research to make sure you're getting a breed that is right for you.
Even if you have a dog that isn't on this list, your homeowner's insurance premiums could still go up. It all depends on the individual dog and the insurance company's evaluation of the risk.
Nonetheless, you don't have to get rid of your dog if your premiums go up. You can always shop around for a new homeowner’s insurance policy that better suits your needs. We help
homeowners
throughout Colorado find the right insurance for their needs and budget.
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