So, we have finally found someone who will write us a Homeowners Insurance Policy in Florida. It's higher than what we were paying BUT at least they are canine friendly. (Not too much higher, whew.)

The insurance company who canceled us refused our efforts TWICE. It was not because of the roof, even though that was mentioned, it was because of our dog. They stated this to our agent who was working on getting us reinstated. It was because our breed of dog is on the "blacklist," even though she's mixed.

They took a picture of her through our glass sliding doors and deemed her to be a chow. Her mother, we know for sure, was a Lhaso Apso. Her dad is unknown, but probably a chow. She has the disposition of her mom and is a sweetie. She is eight years old and we never had a problem. NOTHING. The neighborhood kids love her and she thinks she is one of them.

But she has been deemed "vicious" and therefore we were refused insurance. I had no idea this was a problem. I had never heard of breed discrimination.

If you think it's hard enough to get people to adopt from shelters now, wait until they find out their insurance might cancel them.

Here's part of an article. You can read the rest of it HERE

Insurance Industry Scams Dog Owners

The insurance industry is engaging in a new, deceitful practice that discriminates against dog owners and their dogs. Not bad owners or vicious dogs - Good dog owners and good dogs. Without any bite history or claims. This deceitful, insidious new practice has a name.

Breed Profiling

Breed profiling is racial profiling for dogs. That's when the insurance industry gets to blanket deem your dog dangerous, for no reason other than breed.

If you think it's just for people who own German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls, think again. And by the way, if think that it's OK to discriminate against those breeds anyway - think again. Because it's wrong for people and it's wrong for dogs. And your dog - even it it's not on the list below - could be next.

If your dog matches any dog breeds on the list below, then it's on "the list" - the insurance blacklist. Oh, and did I mention if your dog is a mix, but a mix of any of the breeds below - your dog is on the blacklist.

OK - ready? Here's the list:

Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, American Bulldogs, American Pit Bull Terrier, APBT, American Staffordshire Terrier, AmStaff, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boxers, Bullmastiffs, Chow Chows, Collies, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, Great Danes, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, Shiba Inus, Siberian Huskies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers

If your dog is on "the list" you may be forced to make an awful decision. Choose your dog or choose to keep your home insured. If they do offer you coverage - it may be so unaffordable, that you are forced to give up your dog.

[(JD)]

I saw where the governor just approved 4 more companies to sell insurance in FL.

Petunia, the really stupid part of this is that there are many ppl who own those dog breeds but haven't had to be reviewed by the insurance company in years! So they "get away" with it? It is certainly not an across the board fair policy, imo.

I must admit though, the number of incidences in South Florida that involve Pitt Bulls is really high, and the person who dies or suffers is usually a child. Miami Dade County outlawed them. A few cities in Broward County has also, with the petition going before the County to do the same.

I remember when I was young how the german shepards and dobies were singled out. That was because at the time those were the only dogs being used as attack dogs, and really nothing else. (That's how they were marketed, shall we say?) Now, Pitt Bulls are added to the list. They aren't marketed as being a family pet, but a family protector or a fighting/security animal. Sadly, that's the way they are being raised also, to be tough. It's abusive imo.

And people think that what they do has no effect on the world today? Everything is connected. Just come to FL and see for yourself

(((Petunia))) I'm waiting the increase from Tower Hill for these last 2 months of the current policy. They had me underinsured by $50,000 (meaning if I had lost the house to tornado, fire, hurricane, I wouldn't have been able to rebuild. Insurance companies in FL now don't have to pay you the money until you rebuild. Get the idea?)

I contacted our local NBC news, not so much to complain about the idiot company, but about the whole breed discrimination. I honestly had no idea this was going on. I told them they need to do a story about it.

[Gemstone]

We have this problem in the shelters I work with. We are now getting around the problem, but not naming those breeds even if suspected. Like now I have 2 pit bull / lab mixes, but we are advertising them as "Retiriever Mix". We wont mention the pit anywhere.

Its a big problem. At least here most of the companies will still insure you with those breeds. They just require a rider saying they wont cover dog related accidents. i think in Fl they are just looking for any excuse to cancel you.

[seeker1950]

I watch a lot of the Animal Cops shows on Animal Planet, and it is amazing the number of pitt bulls and mixes of that breed that end up in the shelters. On Animal Precinct Miami, they can't adopt these dogs out from shelters because they aren't allowed within city limits.

[lenjan]

I was surprised by the list. I owned a chow once. Dumbest dog in the history of dogdom, but as goofy and friendly as could be. Very good-natured. Some of those on the list I can understand, but a chow?!?!?

Sorry you're going through this, Pet. I have to say -- every time I hear what homeowners go through for this thing or that, I'm glad I rent!

[January]

Collies?????? Lassie is blacklisted???????

[kimmydawn]

Candy,

Once the dog warden was out here (unknown dog in area) and he took away a stray that was bothersome to a neighbor. He said the sad story is that it probably wouldn't be picked up by anyone because it was part chow. Now this was 10 or so years ago and it was considered a dangerous breed then. I was shocked. The warden said it was based on muscle mass for the "attack jump" and biting power in their jaws. He said something about the short, tight, strong muscle in their front haunches and biting power being above such and such (in general, of course).

Now, I know little of this (and I'm sorry Petunia. I think this is awful), but to classify a dog as dangerous due to "capability" is ludicrous to me. There are the odd circumstances, I know, but to classify an entire breed?

I think the whole thing is sad. They're damning good animals for the reputation of some or "capability". There has to be a better way.

KD

[silver_queen]

Some of those dogs on that list... collies... dalmatians... they're not exactly classed as 'dangerous' are they??? OK collies are nervous around children and strangers, but still...

My aunt used to own a German shepherd, in fact she's had two (not at the same time)... I don't remember the first very well but I do the second, and you could never find a more gentle dog. My dad used to playfight roughly with him because he knew the dog wouldn't ever turn vicious, he was always gentle. I've never come across home insurance being affected by a dog breed living in the house, but I'm sure it won't take long to catch on over here, anything to make extra money for them

((((((((((((( Petunia ))))))))))))))))

[Rhapsody]

<font color="purple"> ((((((( HUGS ))))))) ~ ~ ~ ~ ((((((( HUGS ))))))) </font>

I am sorry for the hassle you are being given by this company..... and I just wanted to let you know that I understand for I have a full blooded Brindle Pitbull and she is on the list for "Black List" and 'Higher Rates" just because of her breed.

.... BTW - she would not hurt a flea (well, maybe a flea, but not a fly), she has even been seen running from a little Chihuahua with tail tucked between her legs - lol.

I hate insurance companies.

[darkeyes]

In my heart, I think it's pathetic,that certain breed dogs are prejudiced,it's ridiculous!!
I believe all animals and people come into the world innocent and mild, it's the people who raise them and what sort of environment they live in that shapes their lives.
Just because certain breeds have physical attributes for training, does not mean that dog was born mean. It's ashame what humans have done that have caused these wonderful creatures on the "blacklist" of some insurance companies. Any dog can be turned into a viscious dog due to training and poor conditions, any human can be too.
While my dogs are not on that list, myone brother has a rottie, and his pomerainion gets this huge rottie in the corner and actually bullies him till he actually cries!!
I tell my bro, it's not fair that cause she is small and fluffy,that she should get special treament and bully the other dogs he has. I'm sure if he didn't allow her to behave this way, she'd be less uppity and spoiled.
Oh well, pets are a sensitive issue with me,the more people I meet, the more I love my dogs.

Okay everybody, get your pepper spray, grab your children, move into a secure area because I am about to unleash my vicious dog.

[Cheri]

She's adorable! I would not have guessed part chow from looking at her, but then, I would not have thought "vicious" when looking at her either. Maybe she barked at the insurance adjuster for looking in your window. Sheesh!

And I have to tell you, another part of my outrage is them looking through my windows and taking pictures. They have no idea what that can do to a hypervigilant person with PTSD.

Thanks for your support and understanding everyone. I hope this never happens to you. If the insurance company asks what kind of dog you have say none. Then if they come to your house and peek through your windows, you can always say you were dog-sitting.

[h0kie]

((((((((((Petunia))))))))))

I'm sorry you're going through this. It doesn't seem fair.

On the subject of chows being dangerous - I can't say I'll ever own one. I don't care to be around them either. My brother was bitten by a chow when we were younger. In fact, I watched it happen. That being said, my family and I still believe the dog was "playing" with him. Just a little too rough. I'll always have a fear of chows though. My best friend had one and said she was the sweetest dog. So I have to believe it was a combination of situation, home life, and dog personality when my brother was bitten.

Any dog can be mean, maybe they should start blacklisting owners. They're generally the people that cause the dogs to become mean.

On the subject of chows being dangerous

I didn't know we were on that subject.

breeding and raising count for a lot.

people have selectively bred dogs and cats and horses and such for quite a while. the selective breeding has sped up the process of evolution by natural selection such that there are distinctive differences for different breeds (shetland pony vs draught horse etc). breeding counts for a lot (some dogs are selectively bred from precisely because of their agression / success in dog fighting rings, for example). raising also counts for a lot (some people 'bait' their dogs by encouraging them to lock their jaws onto towels or dummys when they are puppies etc).

i don't agree with blacklisting a breed, however.

surely there is a kennel club association in the US...
and surely there are specific divisions for certain breeds...

it might be worth trying to get them involved (i'd imagine they would be involved already).

it is kinda like how some people say that labradors are prone to obesity. it isn't true. it is rather that the people who tend to own labradors are prone to seeing them as a friendly family dog (which they are) who don't require exercise (which is untrue though it is true that they will cope with that better than most breeds) and who have a tendency to overfeed and under exercise them.

similarly pit bulls or shepards or dobermans or rottweilers (etc) aren't prone to agression so much as the people who tend to own them have a tendency to like and encourage displays of agression from their dogs.

and that situation can be complicated by backyard breeders who make a deliberate choice to selectively breed from the most agressive specimins (which encourages the innate tendency).

interesting how the nature / nurture debate is coming up with respect to dogs... the breed / race analogy is kinda interesting to me too... not quite sure whether it is fully appropriate but it seems fairly good...

i would think that a more sensible strategy would be to:

1) require all dogs (above the age of 3 months) to be registered.
2) require all dogs (above the age of 6 months) to be neutered unless the owners are granted an exemption for breeding purposes / unless they are suitably fenced and the like so as to prevent their wandering etc.
3) offer rebates / discounts on registration for such things as fencing, obedience training certificates, good ownership record, good ownership tests etc.
4) distinguish between 'high risk' dogs bred by backyard breeders who have no idea what they are doing and who tend to selectively breed for undesirable traits and breeders who are breeding for desirable show / obedience / agility etc traits.

minefield no doubt...

but blacklisting a breed is unfair methinks.

i don't know how the dog registration system in the US goes but we have something similar to the above... i guess i was wondering whether that kind of a system would be fairer with respect to insurance too. such that people pay less for insurance on dogs that are neutered / spayed, obedience trained, obtained from breeders who are breeding for desirable (as in pro social) traits) who have fully fenced sections, who can sit a good ownership test to demonstrate competence in caring for them, etc etc. just a thought...

The Humane Society of the United States has documented an increase in the number of people being denied insurance because they own certain breeds of dog.

As a result, the Society has started collecting data through the Internet, in the hopes of eventually convincing the insurance industry that there are alternatives to the current practice and that it must stop.

To achieve their goal, the HSUS and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have created a joint grassroots campaign designed to educate the insurance industry.

There are other examples where a person's ownership of a particular breed of dog can have negative consequences. Families seeking to adopt children can face roadblocks if they own dogs that belong to certain breeds. In Massachusetts, the Adoption and Foster Care Unit of the Department of Social Services will not place children in homes with certain breeds of dog.

The state relied upon data provided by the insurance industry when it made its decision to discriminate based on breed. Some airlines also practice breed discrimination by prohibiting some dogs from flying, even though they are stored in cargo and in a closed carrier.

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/arus11conninslj1.htm

Homeowners' Insurance Resource Center

Did you know that in most states it is legal for insurance companies to charge homeowners higher premiums or refuse to renew a policy based solely on the owner's breed of dog? Surprising as it may sound, more and more dog owners are being told they will be dropped by their insurance carrier if they refuse to give up their dog, even if they are long-time customers and their dog has never bitten or attacked anyone.

So what's a responsible dog owner to do? The Canine Legislation department has compiled the following resources to assist you in your efforts to find insurance.

http://www.akc.org/insurance/homeowners_inscenter.cfm

"i guess i was wondering whether that kind of a system would be fairer with respect to insurance too.

such that people pay less for insurance on dogs that are neutered / spayed, obedience trained, obtained from breeders who are breeding for desirable (as in pro social) traits) who have fully fenced sections, who can sit a good ownership test to demonstrate competence in caring for them, etc etc. just a thought..."

Everything highlighted we have done. Sent certificates etc to them and thet still refused.

greyhounds can run fast and kill a coyote. they aren't on the list? they are inherently lazy around families, so i'm joking. my family has had 9 and never even had a dog fight with one of them with another family dog. well, Smut caught a jackrabbit one day and told the lab, Patti LaBelle, to "make my day and try getting it"......

dalmatians do bite. they're known for it. frequently they are deaf and it makes them jittery, especially around children. my children were bitten when they were small by a dalmatian that my neighbors let run out.

it's all about money. money, money, money.

[January]

Pet,

And I have to tell you, another part of my outrage is them looking through my windows and taking pictures. They have no idea what that can do to a hypervigilant person with PTSD.

Have you thought about making a formal complaint to your Attorney General about the consequences on your mental health as a result of the photos the insurance person took?

Hugs,

Jan

((( Jan )))

That's an excellent idea. I will do that.

I also have a form to fill out that I got from the Humane Society, specifically for this issue.

[Bethsway]

so glad you found insurance...never thought dogs were discriminated against...this is the first time I heard of it...It is good to know!!

[h0kie]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Petunia said:
On the subject of chows being dangerous

I didn't know we were on that subject.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

I was responding more to this than to you.

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
candybear said:
I was surprised by the list. I owned a chow once. Dumbest dog in the history of dogdom, but as goofy and friendly as could be. Very good-natured. Some of those on the list I can understand, but a chow?!?!?

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Sorry. My bad. Won't happen again.

Good luck with your puppy and your insurance.