Everyone knows that beagles are the dogs most commonly used in animal experiments due to their size and calm nature. Now we can reveal which other dog breeds are used in experiments in UK laboratories and the answer will surprise you.  

Experiments on dogs in the UK went up 6% in 2016 to 4,932. Beagles account for 93% of the dogs used in tests, mostly for medicines and chemicals. But hundreds of experiments were also conducted on other breeds including for nutrition and dentistry or to investigate disease and physiology. Our research has shown that tests on dogs are cruel and unreliable. Yet every year thousands of dogs continue to suffer and die in useless and unnecessary research.

If you’re lucky enough to share your home with one of our furry best friends, you’ll be heart-broken to learn that the following dog breeds are tested on in UK laboratories:

• Labrador Retrievers – Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the UK. They are intelligent trustworthy and gentle, yet outgoing and always eager to please.
• Yorkshire Terriers – A small dog with a big personality, Yorkshire Terriers are another popular dog in UK households. They are very adaptable and make wonderful companions, happily fitting in to their home and environment.
• Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens – Their lovely bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard give this dog a charming appeal. They love being part of a family and are known for their intelligence and calm nature.
• Jack Russell Terriers – Jack Russells are bold, happy and high energy dogs who love being around people. Their affectionate and playful nature makes them ideal companions.
• Beagles - Intelligent, gentle and single-minded, fun-loving beagles have one of the best developed senses of smell of any dog. They love to eat, play and explore the countryside.

East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow MP Lisa Cameron who got information from the Home Office on behalf of Cruelty Free International said: “The vast majority of the UK public want to see an end to the use of dogs in experiments. Not only are experiments on dogs ethically questionable, scientific research shows that testing on dogs doesn’t produce results relevant to people. Instead of subjecting dogs to unnecessary suffering in laboratories, we should be embracing humane and human-relevant alternatives. That’s why I support Cruelty Free International’s mission to end needless cruelty on the nation’s favourite animal and I will be following this up in parliament.”

Dr Katy Taylor, Director of Science and Regulatory Affairs at Cruelty Free International said: “There has always been a special relationship between us and our canine friends - with a quarter of UK households sharing their homes and lives with dogs. Most tests using dogs are for human medicines and scientific evidence shows that dogs are not and can never replace human study. We challenge the UK government to use Brexit as an opportunity to make the UK world leaders in reducing animal suffering and commit to the development of alternatives.”

Cruelty Free International is now investigating where dogs used in UK experiments are sourced. Find out more about how you can help end cruel experiments on dogs.