Before you commit
Housing, insurance and the rules that apply to you
Ask the landlord, the insurer and the city before you ask the seller. It is the cheapest way to avoid heartbreak.
Three parties can say no
- Your landlord or homeowners association, through lease terms or covenants.
- Your homeowners or renters insurer, through underwriting and any breed exclusions.
- Your city or county, through animal control and dangerous-dog ordinances.
We cannot tell you how your own landlord, insurer or city treats Rottweilers. That is a question for each of them, and the answer should be in writing.
Local breed laws differ by state
The American Kennel Club tracks laws that single out breeds. Its June 2019 summary lists 19 states with laws that stop local governments from passing breed-specific legislation: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Virginia. The same summary notes California and Washington allow limited local measures. Laws change, so check your state legislature or a local attorney for the current position.
Insurance and breed
Some insurers consider breed when they underwrite a home policy, and some states have started to limit that. New York is one example: a law signed on October 30, 2021 bars insurers from refusing, cancelling or charging more for a policy based solely on owning a dog of a specific breed. The AKC statement on that law is linked below. Outside such states, ask your agent directly and get the reply by email.
| Who | What to ask | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Insurer | Do you exclude, surcharge or decline any breed or mix? What does my liability limit cover? | The written answer and the policy wording |
| Landlord | Is there a breed or weight limit? Is there pet rent or a deposit? | A signed lease addendum |
| City or county | What are the leash, fencing, licensing and dangerous-dog rules? | A link to the municipal code section |
Once housing is settled, look at health testing and then buying questions.
Sources
Quick answers
Do all insurers refuse Rottweilers?
No single rule applies. Policies differ by company and state, so ask your own insurer and keep the answer in writing.
Is a Rottweiler banned where I live?
Check your city or county code and your state's position. This site cannot confirm local law.
Weighing up a Rottweiler? Talk it through.
Send a request and K9PN will pass it to an independent professional who works with Rottweilers near you.