Does Owning A Dog Affect Homeowners Insurance? 
Most carriers yes it can affect the rates as the liability of the dog biting someone . Many carriers will have an exclusion for animal liability . Which in this case it would not increase your rates . In many cases Mutual insurance carriers can be lower as they are not always affected by things like Sandy and Katrina . I would recommend you talking to a local Independent agent and seeing if your carrier is the best option for you . 