The American Kennel Club has received reports of people having difficulty obtaining or keeping homeowners` comprehensive liability insurance because of the breeds of dogs they own. An AKC bulletin states: ”We have had complaints from dog owners who have had their insurance canceled or not renewed simply because their agent considers their breed of dog a high-risk liability.”
This is one of the many problems experienced by owners of breeds that have received bad publicity-the same misunderstanding that generates punitive laws against certain types of dogs. For example, many local ordinances ban pit bulls but define ”pit bulls” so broadly that the category may include many sorts of canines.
AKC spokesmen say that the dogs discriminated against in insurance matters include, so far, Doberman pinschers, Siberian huskies, greyhounds, bull mastiffs, German shepherds, Rottweilers, American Staffordshire terriers and the keeshonden.
The position of the AKC, United Kennel Club and other responsible dog clubs is that any breed or mixed breed of dog can be vicious. The groups support well-enforced laws to penalize owners of all vicious animals without regard to the breed of the animals.
Anyone who has had a problem getting or keeping insurance because of the type of dog owned should inform the Office of Public Affairs, AKC, 51 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10010. –
