Gene-edited beagles lack allergy protein in first successful dog trial

A study published on August 5, 2026, in the CRISPR Journal reports the creation of two gene-edited beagles that lack Can f 1, the protein responsible for most dog allergies. The work was led by geneticist Matt Walker and his company Kindred Companion Sciences.

Born in September 2024, the beagles Bailey and Alfie had the gene for Can f 1 disabled using the CRISPR tool.

Walker, who has dog allergies, can interact with Bailey without sneezing, itchy eyes, or rashes. Allergy tests on his skin showed no reaction to extracts from the beagles’ saliva and dander, though reactions occurred with samples from a poodle and a goldendoodle.

This marks the first successful use of the gene-editing technique in dogs. The genetic change occurs naturally in some canines, and the pups are being monitored for long-term health effects.

Kindred Companion Sciences hopes to test the method on other breeds and service animals.

Dr Jeff SoRelle, a pathologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center who was not involved in the study, cautioned that further testing on more allergic people is necessary. He noted that the edited gene is the main, but not the only, allergy-causing culprit. “We don’t exactly know just how effective or broadly useful this could be,” SoRelle said.

Bioethicist Arthur Caplan of New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine said such pets could expand pet ownership but might also discourage adoption of shelter animals.