Gene-Edited Beagles Lack Major Allergy Protein, Offering Hope for Dog-Allergy Sufferers

A team at Kindred Companion Sciences applied CRISPR gene-editing to remove the Can f 1 gene, a primary source of dog-related allergies, from beagle embryos. After cloning and inserting the edited DNA into donated eggs, 25 reconstructed embryos were transferred to a surrogate mother, which gave birth to two female puppies, Alfie and Bailey, in September 2024. Tests of saliva and dander from the pups revealed no detectable Can f 1 protein, whereas conventional beagles, poodles and goldendoodles all tested positive.

Skin-prick testing using extracts from the edited dogs did not elicit an allergic response in Matt Walker, a co-founder of the company who has lifelong dog allergies, while the same test caused reactions with the other breeds. The researchers caution that other canine allergens, such as Can f 2, could still affect individuals, and they will continue to monitor the health of Alfie and Bailey. The work raises ethical questions about genetically modifying pets, including concerns about market demand versus adoption of stray animals. Although the gene edit is not yet FDA-approved and the dogs are not for sale, the study demonstrates a potential pathway toward breeding allergy-friendly dogs in future generations.