3 Perfect Dogs for Your Home (and Insurance!)

Here at First Baldwin Insurance, we hear all the time about dog breeds that can raise homeowner insurance rates, or worse, not allow insurance coverage at all. As animal lovers, ourselves, it’s heartbreaking to tell people that their beloved four-legged family member might make it difficult to nigh impossible to secure insurance coverage on their home. And as necessary as certain restrictions are, it might seem like a rather bleak proposition.

That’s why, today, I’d like to focus on the POSITIVE aspect of insurance and dog ownership for a change. What sort of dogs are perfect for your home AND your insurance?

Well, for starters, I guess that depends on what your definition of “perfect” is. John Grogan, syndicated columnist and author of the New York Times bestselling hit, Marley and Me once said “There’s no such thing as a bad dog. Only a bad owner.” Still, some breeds are more easygoing and conducive to good training than others.

Does that mean that other dogs are bad? Of course not! Some people are just up to the higher level of difficulty than others. For those people, more power to you. For the rest of us, read on.

Here are three of the most popular breeds for homeowners.

1) Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers remain some of the most intelligent and easiest-to-train dogs in existence. Enforcing good behavior and discouraging bad behavior is simple, making them very well behaved. Loyalty is also a factor, as the Golden Retriever is the second most used breed for service dogs, second only to the Labrador Retriever. The Golden Retriever, however, was bred as a working dog, so only those with large back yards or jogging trails need apply.

2) English Bulldogs

Speaking of loyal dogs, English bulldogs are quick to form bonds and remain loyal for life, often refusing to go outdoors without a human companion by his side. Despite its name, the English bulldog is specifically bred to be non-agressive and friendly, making it a good companion and family dog. Its inactive tendency to become overweight means more exercise for its owner, but hey, we’re Americans. We can all use more exercise, right?

3) Newfoundlands

The “gentle giant” of the dog world, the Newfoundland (or “Newfie” for short), looks imposing but is defined by its calm and patient nature, making it a perfect match with children and the elderly. Immortalized in J.M. Barrie’s juvenile classic, Peter Pan, the Newfoundland is guaranteed to make friends wherever it goes. However, be aware that the Newfoundland is also a profound shedder, having been bred for colder, northern climates. Be prepared to do a LOT of brushing and vacuuming. While a handful of carriers will refuse to write policies with Newfoundlands because of their size, you can rest assured it’s not because of their disposition.

But of course, this is only a sample of the larger breeds that tend to get along well with humans and insurance companies alike. Smaller breeds, such as the miniature Shnauser, the Dachshund and the Jack Russell Terrier don’t raise any red flags, either. These dogs were bred for disposition and companionship.

However, be aware that your homeowner’s insurance probably won’t cover your excavated flower garden and high-heeled all-you-can-eat buffet should you decide on a Jack Russell Terrier.

Don’t say you weren’t warned. 😛

More Choices™!

First Baldwin Insurance

Sources:
wikipedia.org
pets.thenest.com
petmd.com
thedoggyworld.com