Breed specific issues - Madison, WI area?? - Page 1

We're moving to the Madison, WI area in the next month and I have noticed that several ads for rentals have that dogs are allowed but certain breeds are restricted.  They don't list the breeds!! Only one was interesting, and I haven't heard back yet.  I thought if anyone would know, it would be people on this board.  My dogs are house dogs and pretty well socialized - we can offer references from our trainer and neighbors, but I don't want them viewed as aggressive just because they're GSDs.

Has there been a history of breed specific problems in Wisconsin?  My family who lives there doesn't know, but they mostly own labs and labs are usually targeted.

Opal

You might google the City of Madison Wisconsin code to find the laws there. You'll probably have to page through one boring code after another unless there's a search function before you find dog specific law. If there are any breed specific laws, you should be able to find them in city code. 

As far as I can tell there aren't any ordinances on file, but some insurers aren't covering certain breeds.  That's not an issue - we've had the same insurer for over 10 years for both renter's and homeowner's insurance, and they only decline coverage if a particular dog has a history of biting and you don't document how you'll prevent it from happening again.  It sounds like there's more of a public backlash, but I'm trying to figure out what breeds are involved.

We've been in Alaska so long, and dogs are just everywhere so I don't really think about it too much.  In fact, the scariest dog in our neighborhood is a chocolate lab that has tried to attack us 2 times on walks - he doesn't stay in his yard and his owner has no control (I carry bear spray now all the time).

Opal

Pit Bulls and Rotties mostly.

If you go to Wisconsin Humane Society website, then to site map, then to services there is a listing of pet friendly housing I believe. Door Creek Apts. does allow GSDs.

Many places are doing size restrictions too......like under 30lbs.

Hope that helps.

K

Thanks!  I've been able to find a few options on craigslist with fenced back yards that are close to where my husband will work.  The owners are just requesting references from our trainer or neighbors about whether or not my dogs are aggressive and if we have insurance.

Opal

Not in your area, but many of the "dog-friendly" apartments here in W. Mass. have breed restrictions, imposed by their insurance companies they say.  Some of the dogs listed are bulldogs, gsds, akitas, dobies, rotties, huskies, mals, pitties, and a few more I can't remember.  Ten or so breeds in all.   Was hard finding a rental with my gsd and husky mix.