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We own a beautiful sable, male German Shepherd. He is unusual in that he weighs a whopping 155 pounds! Huge for a German Shepherd!
I could go on and on about what a great dog he is. But anyone who has ever been around a healthy, well-socialized German Shepherd already knows how wonderful they are. Smart, fun, great with kids,.....
We found out about a month ago that we are moving to Florida. I was SHOCKED to hear that German Shepherds are on the list of "dangerous dogs". Many landlords will not rent to you if you have a Shepherd. And homeowners insurance is apparently very difficult to get if you own this "dangerous breed" in Florida. (Luckily, our insurance company does not consider my dog "dangerous".)
I knew that "pit -bulls" were on the list. And I had heard that Rotties had been added. Now Shepherds? How many more dogs are they going to add to the "dangerous breed" list?
I am actually really concerned about this. I love German Shepherds and can't see ever not having one. Not only are they just fantastic family pets, but they are awesome deterrents. I don't think anyone in his right mind would break into our home once they see 150 pounds of German Shepherd staring back at them.
Do I need to be concerned that the breed may be banned in our county in Florida? Does anyone live in Florida with a "dangerous breed" dog? We have no choice about moving to Florida...my husband works for the Federal Government and like the military, we move when they say move.
GSDs are listed by any number of insurance companies as "dangerous breeds" nothing new here but some of the major insurance companies have backed out of a lot of FL due to hurricanes so you probably DO have a smaller pool of insurance companies from which to pull.
I would check to make sure Citizens Insurance [the state plan] does not discriminate in case you cant find homeowners with your carrier.........I know my parents got dumped by State Farm after 32 claim free years.
I seriously doubt there would be anything of the like ever approaching a breed ban on GSDs because of the number of them that are still used in working endeavors
Miami-Dade County is the only county that has a ban on pitbulls. Recently they were trying to pass a law in Florida to allow counties to decide if they wanted BSL, but it failed. That is not to say that they won't try, try again like they already have. I've heard it is hard to find rentals that will allow "aggressive" breeds. I own a doberman but I own my own home. As for homeowners insurance, State Farm is the only one that I know of that doesn't discriminate against certain breeds. I had them but they non-renewed me as part of an agreement with the state of Florida. I called many homeowners insurance companies, and either they are not writing policies in Florida, or they won't cover me because of my dog, or they'll cover me at a higher rate because of my dog but won't cover my dog. I am disgusted with insurance companies along with anyone who goes by this "aggressive" breed list.
All I can say is if BSL comes up, write your letters to your local and state representatives and let them know how you feel about it. I recently even wrote a letter to a dog-friendly hotel that allowed dogs up to 80lbs., but they don't allow aggressive breeds, which included my dog. I told them they need to change their weight limit if they weren't going to allow my dog. My dog is not aggressive so please don't include me in the list.
I would check to make sure Citizens Insurance [the state plan] does not discriminate in case you cant find homeowners with your carrier.........I know my parents got dumped by State Farm after 32 claim free years.
Thanks y'all! So far, our insurance company has been fine. I'm just worried that things will change once we move to Florida. I keep wondering how many breeds they are going to add to the "dangerous dog list". Here is the list I found for "dangerous breeds" in terms of homeowners insurance...Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, Huskies, Malamutes, Chow Chows, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards.
Regardless the breed; if they can ban one, then soon they'll add more.
That is why all BSL must stop. Maybe it will be a Cocker next - they do bite a lot of children.
I own a big, beautiful sable GSD female (95lbs.) and live (actually, rent) in Florida. It is possible. And while the insurance companies are not keen on GSD's, the residents here are, especially if the dog has a good rep and/or is friendly. My GSD is quite mellow and always greets people with a smile. Even people who are wary of dogs don't mind her at all as she is very well-behaved and not at all exciteable.
That said, I think that your best course of action will be try to contact people in the area and speak with them about your dilemma. I am in southern FL. and I would be happy to help you out if you are moving to this part of the state.
Florida is definitely a state in which personal r-ships can go a long way. Don't be intimidated. As soon as you have established that you are decent folks, people will help you out and make sure that you (and your family, incuding the dog) feel welcome.
Regardless the breed; if they can ban one, then soon they'll add more.
That is exactly what concerns me most!
Quote:
I own a big, beautiful sable GSD female (95lbs.) and live (actually, rent) in Florida. It is possible. And while the insurance companies are not keen on GSD's, the residents here are, especially if the dog has a good rep and/or is friendly. My GSD is quite mellow and always greets people with a smile. Even people who are wary of dogs don't mind her at all as she is very well-behaved and not at all exciteable.
That said, I think that your best course of action will be try to contact people in the area and speak with them about your dilemma. I am in southern FL. and I would be happy to help you out if you are moving to this part of the state.
Florida is definitely a state in which personal r-ships can go a long way. Don't be intimidated. As soon as you have established that you are decent folks, people will help you out and make sure that you (and your family, incuding the dog) feel welcome.
Thanks, StarlaJane! I think we have found a house to rent! And we are planning to buy once we know the area a little better. I am concerned about insurance even as a homeowner.
Our GSD is just like yours. He could best be described as a complete dork! He is very well-behaved and obedience trained. He is a little reserved around adult strangers at first, but once I greet someone or let them in the house, he is fine. He is great around kids no matter what.
This is a little old now (meaning there are probably more), but there are 75 breeds of dogs that someone, somewhere (in insurance, rental units, city government etc) have deemed "dangerous", and either outright banned, or placed restrictions on (such as mandatory spay/neuter).
i see they have the australian cattle and the blue heeler .... same dog.... but not the red heeler.... again the same dog, just different coloration and markings.....
shows how dog-smart these list-making jackazzes are......
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