Is Your Akita Insurance Worthy? Not all akitas meet the strict guidelines mandated by insurers. About five years ago in San Francisco, two Presa Canarios mauled a woman to death. Today, insurance companies are increasingly denying and even restricting coverage for homeowners with various DOG breeds: Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, pit bulls, Rottweilers and other temperamental canines. The official name of the dogs we call pitbulls is the American staffordshire terrier. Pitbulls have been the preferred pet of many famous people including Fred Astaire, Vin Diesel, Alicia Silverstone, Michael J. Fox, and James Caan. Since insurers have had to pay excessive prices in DOG-bite claims each year, agencies have implemented strict policy guidelines. The smallest breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club is the Chihuahua, which stands six to nine inches at the top of the shoulders and generally weighs two to six pounds. Their size makes them excellent travel companions. As a result, these restrictive insurance policies are making it a challenge in placing certain breeds in new homes. In various states across the country, pit bulls, Rottweilers and certain other breeds are deemed dangerous. Many akita lovers are not motivated to endure the hassle of adopting a canine when it necessitates changing insurance policies, coverage or companies. For instance, 20 percent of the DOG adoption applications submitted through A Rotta Love are canceled each month because of insurance issues. German shepherd dogs are great working dogs. They are often used as police dogs, rescue dogs and guides for the blind. In fact, one of them, a guide dog named Orient, once led a blind hiker the entire 2100 mile length of the Appalachian Trail. According to the vice president of the Insurance Information Institute in Washington, Carolyn Gorman aggressive canines have cost the industry significant losses. On the contrary, rescue groups contend that insurers are unduly targeting specific DOG breeds instead of trying to assess the potential of violent behavior of an individual canine's history. Here are a few prominent insurance company's mandate these guidelines: Basset hounds are fabulous at hunting and they make wonderful companion dogs. However, even with those great qualities, basset hounds are horrible swimmers! Their legs are simply too small to keep their heavy, long bodies afloat properly. -- Allstate Corp.'s policies vary from state-to-state. -- Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. does not generally underwrite policies for homes with pit bulls, Presa Canarios or Rottweilers. -- Liberty Mutual reviews each case before insuring a policy The phal�ne is essentially the same thing as a papillon, except that it has dropped spaniel-like ears. within the first couple of months after birth the ears will either lay flat or raise up permanently. The AKC considers the Phal�ne and the Papillon to be the same breed. Homeowner akita insurance fact: Over the last five years, insurance companies have reduced the amount of losses due to aggressive DOG related incidents. In 2005, only $317.2 million in costs were doled out on DOG claims filed by homeowners. Male Irish wolfhounds are usually at least 32 to 34 inches tall and females are usually around 30 inches tall. This makes the Irish wolfhound the tallest breed. Although a few other dogs, such as the great dane, come close to equalling that height. Newfoundlands have webbed feet, just like ducks. They also have extremely water-proof fur. Those features, as well as their great strength, loyalty and willingness to learn, make newfies great candidates to work as water rescue dogs.