CLEVELAND -- More than 4 million people nationwide are bitten each year by dogs, and 20 of those bitten die.

NewsChannel5's Debora Lee reported the bites are causing big problems for the people who own certain breeds and for the companies that insure them.

Nick Deamiches has been searching everywhere for his missing pit bull. To him, the dogs are precious.

"I had the best dog in the world," he said.

But to the state of Ohio, pit bulls are considered vicious pets. Some insurance companies, like State Farm, won't cover them on homeowners' policies. Other companies won't cover Rottweilers either, as well as certain other breeds.

Some dog owners call the policy "canine profiling."

"It's like being racial against pit bulls," Deamiches said.

But State Farm agent Valerie Anderson said dog bites cause big problems for insurance companies.

In 2001, State Farm alone had more than 300 dog bite claims in Ohio. It cost them nearly $5 million.

"Even though the claims have decreased, the cost is more because of medical costs," Anderson said.

Once a dog has a bite on its record -- whatever its breed -- it's off the policy.

Dog owners around the country are fighting back; three states have legislation pending outlawing so-called "canine profiling."

"All animals can be dangerous. It's just how you raise them," Deamiches said.

The insurance companies are encouraging responsible pet ownership.

"And parents have to teach their children that you have to be careful around dogs," Anderson said.

Sixty percent of the dog bite claims involve children.

Meanwhile, Deamiches is still looking for his missing dog. Sable disappeared from the Old Brooklyn neighborhood Friday.