I guess this is mainly aimed at those of you that own German Shepards, Doberman's, Mastiff's, or any other type of dog that was bred to "protect the home". Our insurance went up through the roof when we acquired our Mastiff---I was told he is a "high risk" breed. I feel this is ridiculous and a little unecessary---he wouldn't harm a flea unless severely provoked or unless one of us were in serious danger. I was just curious to know if this happend to anyone else?

Actually our insurance didn't go up at all.. It went down, we get the same discount on our insurance that someone who would install a security system gets. The insurance guy came to our house and met the dogs. When you have quality dogs with great temperament and can show prove this, you don't have to pay those outrageous prices. They don't know if your dog is nice or well trained, so they put you in that high bracket, assuming that you are like everyone else and don't train their dogs.

I have a pitbull, but I had it certified non-aggressive. You can have it done by your vet or the local humane society.

I worked at a retail store for many years. The manager would often bring her dog in to work with her. Apparently, she irked a customer, and someone reported the dog to the building's insurance company. Don't ask me how; I'm still baffled by this customer's ingenuity. The insurance company sent someone out to check it out. It was absurd; the dog was this teeny tiny little Shih Tzu and the only harm it might do was pee on the carpet if it got too excited. Those dogs don't even have teeth! But in the end, the insurance changed because of that silly little dog. I suppose the insurance companies are just trying to recoup their cost from dumb, irresponsible dog owners who let their dogs jump on kids and bite people. I know some people lie about their dog breeds, like they'll call a pit bull a "terrier mix" and they get away with that. If you are a responsible person and teach your pets how to behave, a little white lie won't send you to hell.

Yes I knew that. Not only can it skyrocket, but they can refuse to insure you altogether.
http://www.inkyrr.org/info/display?PageID=838
I had to sign an agreement stating that I didn't own any breed on the list and if I ever did get one that they had the right to cancel my homeowners policy.

I have a Newf/Lab so he wasn't on the list. I don't find it unfair if your dog truly is aggressive. But I think they should actually come out and meet the dog in question. How often do mastiffs attack as opposed to pitt bulls, German Shepherds? I guess they're worried your dog might not bite someone but that it could possibly flatten someone since it's so big?

I did find it unfair, though, that I couldn't run a meth lab or grow crops for cash in my backyard. I mean, hey, I own the place, don't I?