Gene-Edited Beagles Born Without a Major Dog Allergy Protein

Two beagles may represent an unusual step toward dogs designed to be less likely to trigger allergies. Alfie and Bailey are reportedly the first dogs whose genes were edited to remove Can f 1, a protein that can cause allergic reactions in people. Researchers at Kindred Companion Sciences used CRISPR to alter the gene responsible for producing the protein. They began with skin cells from a beagle, edited the Can f 1 genes, and cloned the modified cells. The resulting DNA was placed into donated egg cells, producing 25 reconstructed embryos that were implanted in a surrogate beagle. Alfie and Bailey were born in September 2024. According to the study reported by Smithsonian Magazine, the researchers found no detectable Can f 1 in the young dogs’ saliva or dander. The protein was detected in samples from a regular beagle, as well as from a poodle and a goldendoodle—two breeds commonly marketed as hypoallergenic. Matt Walker, Kindred’s co-founder and chief executive, also underwent skin-prick testing using samples from the dogs. Extracts from the regular beagle, poodle and goldendoodle produced allergic reactions, while samples from Alfie and Bailey did not. Walker told New Scientist that Bailey, who has lived with him for about a year and a half, has not caused him to react. The researchers say the dogs’ health has not appeared to be affected by the genetic changes so far, although they plan to monitor them throughout their lives. Alfie lives with another Kindred researcher. The approach has drawn ethical questions from outside experts. Bioethicist Arthur Caplan said the work could allow more people to own pets, while also potentially reducing interest in adopting stray or unwanted animals. Animal genetics expert Alison Van Eenennaam compared the ethical questions with those surrounding established breeding practices, saying the technology itself is not necessarily what creates the ethical concerns. The dogs cannot yet be sold because the genetic alteration has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Kindred hopes to develop breeding animals that can pass the edited trait to their offspring. The change also would not eliminate all dog allergies: other proteins, including Can f 2, can cause symptoms.