Why Are Some Breeds of Dog Excluded from Personal Liability Insurance?

This guide is part of our series on pet liability coverage and tenant insurance. 

When a dog bites a visitor, or causes damage to a neighbour or friend’s apartment, you may need to make a tenant insurance claim. This kind of incident can sometimes be covered by personal liability cover – but whether or not your circumstance applies can depend on the type of pet you own. 

This can go beyond the species of animal itself. Even different breeds of dog can be treated differently. Read on to find out why, as well as what kinds of dogs are often not covered.

Why are some dog breeds excluded from tenant liability insurance?

Breed-specific exclusions are a common feature of liability insurance. Insurers generally base these exclusions on aggregated claims data and industry risk assessments – mostly because certain breeds have historically been associated with a higher frequency or severity of liability claims, such as bite-related injuries.

These exclusions are typically based on breed as a category, not on the temperament or history of an individual animal. A dog from an excluded breed with no history of aggression may still be excluded from coverage, simply because of its breed classification. 

Exclusion lists and criteria can vary significantly from one insurer to another, so a breed excluded by one provider may not be excluded by someone else. 

What are some of the most commonly excluded dog breeds?

Commonly excluded breeds across the insurance industry often include breeds perceived as higher-risk, though the exact list varies by insurer. This will be different for everyone, but at APOLLO*, we exclude these breeds:

• American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or Staffordshire Bull Terriers, all commonly known as Pit Bulls

• Doberman Pinschers

• Rottweilers

• Chow Chows

• Presa Canarlos

• Wolf Hybrids

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Japanese Akita

• Cane Corso

• Tosa

• Dogo Argentinos

• Fila Brasileiros

• German Shepherds

• Huskies

• Boxer

• Bullmastiffs

• Labrador Retrievers

• Guard Dogs

Some insurers also apply exclusions to specific breed mixes or to dogs over a certain weight, in addition to named breeds. Because criteria differ so much between providers, renters might want to reach out to their providers or insurance brokers to find out if their dog is included in a no-coverage list. 

What are your options if your pet is excluded from coverage?

If your dog's breed is excluded from your policy's liability coverage, you may still have a few options available to you. 

• Ask your current insurer about alternatives. Some providers may offer modified coverage, additional endorsements, or higher premiums in exchange for extending liability coverage to an otherwise excluded breed.

• Shop around. Since exclusion criteria vary by insurer, a breed excluded under one policy may be covered under another. 

• Look into specialty or standalone liability coverage. In some cases, separate liability policies exist specifically for dog owners, independent of a tenant policy. While rare, these might provide an opportunity for some owners. 

• Review your policy's fine print carefully. Sometimes exclusions apply only under specific circumstances (for example, off-leash incidents), so understanding the full wording can clarify what is and isn't affected.

• Consider risk-reduction steps. Some insurers may be more flexible if you can demonstrate training certifications or a clean bite history, though this isn't guaranteed to change coverage terms.

What this can mean for tenants shopping for insurance

For renters with a dog that may fall into an excluded breed category, it's worth factoring insurance availability into the decision-making process early, rather than discovering a gap in coverage after signing a lease or adopting a pet. A few practical takeaways:

• Check exclusion lists before choosing a policy, not after. This can save time and prevent unexpected coverage gaps.

• Ask direct questions during the quote process about how a specific breed (or mixed breed) is treated under the policy.

• Understand that breed exclusions are separate from landlord pet policies, even if your landlord allows a breed, your insurer may not extend liability coverage for it.

• Factor this into your overall shopping process, since coverage availability may influence which insurer is the right fit for your situation.

The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice, a recommendation, or an offer to sell insurance. Every individual's insurance needs are unique and depend on personal circumstances. We encourage you to consult with an independent licensed insurance broker in your province who can assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate coverage. 

*Apollo Insurance Agency Ltd. o/a APOLLO is a licensed insurance intermediary operating across Canada (excluding Quebec and the territories). Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.