Scientists create gene-edited beagles missing a major dog allergen
Researchers used CRISPR to produce two beagles whose saliva and fur showed no trace of a major allergy-causing protein, though broader safety and effectiveness remain unproven.
In short
- Researchers used CRISPR to produce two beagles whose saliva and fur showed no trace of a major allergy-causing protein, though broader safety and effectiveness remain unproven.
Scientists at a biotechnology company have used CRISPR gene editing to create two beagles that do not produce a major dog-allergy protein, an early result that could eventually widen pet ownership options for some people with allergies.
Researchers at Kindred Companion Sciences edited dog skin cells to switch off the main gene responsible for the protein. They transferred the edited genetic material into eggs, which were implanted in a surrogate that gave birth to two female beagles, Alfie and Bailey, in September 2024.
Tests reported by the researchers found no sign of the targeted protein in the dogs’ saliva or fur. A skin-prick test involving a company geneticist with dog allergies produced reactions to samples from other dogs but not to samples from Alfie and Bailey.
The work was published on August 5, 2026, in The CRISPR Journal. The researchers described it as the first successful use of the approach in dogs.
The finding remains preliminary. Scientists need to monitor the animals’ long-term health and test the approach with more people because dogs produce several allergens, not only the protein that was disabled. Independent experts also raised ethical questions, including whether commercially engineered pets could reduce adoption of animals already in shelters.
The company hopes to test the method in other breeds and service animals, but gene-edited allergy-reduced dogs are not yet available to consumers.
