Scientist creates hypoallergenic dog after dreaming of owning a dog since childhood

US start-up Kindred Companion Sciences has presented what it describes as the world’s first genetically modified hypoallergenic dogs, El.kz reports.

Two beagles, named Alfie and Bailey, were developed using the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology to prevent the production of Can f 1, the principal allergen responsible for allergic reactions in most people.

Scientists inactivated the gene responsible for the synthesis of this protein. According to the developers, the puppies were born in 2024 in good health, and the genetic modification did not affect other regions of their genomes. The researchers note that a similar mutation occurs occasionally in nature; therefore, the absence of Can f 1 does not affect the animals’ health or development.

Alfie currently lives with one of the start-up’s researchers, while Bailey lives with the company’s founder, geneticist Matt Walker.

According to Walker, he had dreamed of owning a dog since childhood but suffered from severe allergies and was unable to be around even breeds commonly regarded as hypoallergenic.

“It is an incredible feeling to have a dog,” Walker said.

The company expects to complete all required regulatory approval procedures and, in the future, make genetically modified hypoallergenic dogs of various breeds available to people with allergies.