--- title: "CRISPR-edited beagles born without key allergy protein" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/tech/crispr-edited-beagles-born-without-key-allergy-protein" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/crispr-edited-beagles-born-without-key-allergy-protein" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/tech/crispr-edited-beagles-born-without-key-allergy-protein.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/crispr-edited-beagles-born-without-key-allergy-protein" category: "Science & Tech" area: "United States" published: "2026-08-05T14:05:28.533Z" source_reported: "2026-08-05T11:27:07.000Z" updated: "2026-08-05T15:30:13.886Z" trust_score: 66 critic_score: 95 hype_score: 15 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-08-05T16:30:09.164841+00:00" --- # CRISPR-edited beagles born without key allergy protein *Two hypoallergenic dogs, Bailey and Alfie, were created by switching off a gene in beagle skin cells* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 66 of 100, higher is better. Trust 66: includes named sources, journal citation, specific dates, but lacks multiple independent original reports. - Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Critic 95: explains why it matters, quotes affected parties, separates fact/comment, gives specifics, notes unknowns. - Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. Hype 15: measured language, headline accurately reflects article content. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Two beagles, Bailey and Alfie, were born in September 2024 after scientists used CRISPR to edit a gene responsible for producing the main allergy-causing protein in dogs. - The beagles’ saliva and hair tested negative for the key allergy protein, and a researcher with dog allergies showed no skin reaction to their samples. - The technique has not yet been tested on other dog breeds or service animals, and long-term health effects remain unclear. - No right-rated outlet carried the story, according to the reports below. Scientists at Kindred Companion Sciences used CRISPR gene editing to produce two beagles, Bailey and Alfie, whose saliva and hair no longer contain the primary protein that triggers dog allergies in humans. The beagles were born in September 2024 from a surrogate beagle mother after researchers edited the genetic code in dog skin cells to switch off the gene responsible for the protein. An allergy test was conducted on Matt Walker, a geneticist at Kindred Companion Sciences who suffers from dog allergies. His skin reacted to samples from a poodle and a goldendoodle but showed no reaction to samples from Bailey and Alfie. Walker, who had previously avoided dogs due to his allergies, now lives with Bailey in New York. The research, published in the CRISPR Journal, marks the first successful use of this approach in dogs. The edited gene occurs naturally in some dogs, but the long-term health effects of the genetic tweak remain untested. Kindred Companion Sciences plans to apply the technique to other dog breeds and service animals. The five left-rated digests and the Associated Press report led on the personal story of Matt Walker, the geneticist who could not previously own a dog due to allergies. The AP report quoted Walker directly: “The feeling right now is sort of a mix of relief and awe and gratitude that it worked.” The left-rated reports also included the ethical concerns raised by bioethicist Arthur Caplan, who said the technique “opens the door to a lot more people being able to own pets” but “may discourage people from trying to use strays and unwanted animals.” The Associated Press report, carried by left-rated outlets, detailed the scientific process: editing the genetic code in dog skin cells, transferring it into eggs, and implanting them into a surrogate beagle. It also noted that previous attempts to create hypoallergenic pets, such as cloning, had led to genetically similar and sicker pups. The 11 centre-rated digests and the Click on Detroit report, which reprinted the AP article, led on the scientific breakthrough and the potential for hypoallergenic dogs. The digests summarised the process: using CRISPR to switch off the gene responsible for the main allergy-causing protein in dogs. None of the centre-rated digests mentioned the ethical concerns raised by Arthur Caplan or the personal story of Matt Walker’s allergies. Click on Detroit’s full report included the same details as the AP article, such as the allergy test results and the long-term monitoring required for the beagles. It also carried the quote from Dr. Jeff SoRelle, a pathologist not involved in the study, who said, “we don’t exactly know just how effective or broadly useful this could be for stopping dog allergy in humans.” No right-rated outlet carried the story, according to the reports printed below. None of the centre-rated digests mentioned the ethical concerns raised by bioethicist Arthur Caplan about the potential impact on shelter and rescue animals. The left-rated digests did not include the quote from Dr. Jeff SoRelle questioning the broader effectiveness of the technique. ## Who covered it Shares of the 30 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 42% (11) - Centre: 58% (18) - Right: 0% (1) 3 of 33 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-05T16:30:09.164841+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 11 times; 3 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-05T16:45:06.037Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - The left-rated outlets led on the creation of two beagles, Alfie and Bailey, born without the primary protein that triggers dog allergies in humans. All seven reports stated that the gene responsible was switched off using CRISPR technology. Six digests and the Associated Press full report named the biotech company Kindred Companion Sciences and its geneticist Matt Walker as the team behind the work. - The Associated Press report included Walker’s personal experience with allergies and his ability to interact with Bailey without symptoms. It also quoted bioethicist Arthur Caplan on the potential impact on shelter animals, and pathologist Jeff SoRelle on the need for broader testing. None of the digests mentioned these expert voices or the ethical concerns raised. - Five digests and the Associated Press report noted that the technique is not yet commercially available and that long-term health effects require monitoring. The Associated Press report alone described the allergy test performed on Walker’s skin and the publication of the research in the CRISPR Journal. ### Centre - The centre-rated reports agree that scientists used CRISPR to create two beagles, Alfie and Bailey, without the main allergy-causing protein. All 11 outlets led on the successful gene edit and the potential for hypoallergenic dogs. The Associated Press reports, carried in full by Click on Detroit and WKMG, provide the most detail. - Nine digests and two full reports name the company behind the work, Kindred Companion Sciences, and its founder, geneticist Matt Walker. The full reports quote Walker describing his relief and gratitude. Both also include a bioethicist’s warning that the technology could reduce adoptions of non-engineered shelter dogs. - The full reports specify the allergy test method: skin pricks with extracts from the beagles’ saliva and dander. They note the research was published in the CRISPR Journal. Neither the digests nor the full reports mention the cost of the procedure or a timeline for regulatory approval. ### Right No separate framing summary. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - mixed: 1 - high: 18 - unknown: 3 - veryHigh: 11 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [The Independent Online](https://dailyindependent.com/national/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_241918bb-fdbf-560b-b96a-8cac48315397.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Yankton Press & Dakotan](https://yankton.net/news/national_ap/article_a1267d9d-e234-5b12-a37a-61c07b54dbf6.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Mankato Free Press](https://mankatofreepress.com/news/state_national_news/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_f1a7c03b-8765-556d-b14d-8c9a0c9d3340.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/nation/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_17ba69f1-9d8a-58e6-899c-95cd83f9ca1c.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Leader-Telegram](https://leadertelegram.com/news/nation-world/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_972acc36-81a1-5d0f-85a3-b1cd8dc09040.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [mykxlg.com](https://mykxlg.com/news/national/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_2582f16d-c02b-50d1-a1b8-69c64f4cbb9c.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [somdnews.com](https://somdnews.com/ap/nation/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_444e3bd8-4053-59de-bbe0-b3993ad6e517.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/health-news/11044081/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/estilo/salud/los-beagles-modificados-geneticamente-podrian-ser-una-opcion-futura-para-alergicos-a-perros-b3027904.html) — Genetically Modified Beagles Could Be a Future Option for Dogs Allergic - [Stuff](https://stuff.co.nz/world-news/361016369/geneedited-beagles-may-offer-future-option-people) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/lifestyle/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies-12629032) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Beckley Register-Herald](https://register-herald.com/apnewsflow/science_technology/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_3eb2a800-f9a2-546b-b234-f0cb46318ec7.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Finger Lakes Times](https://fltimes.com/news/nation/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_e4e6407f-32b3-5bc6-bf1d-acbd4ec5d0cb.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Rutland Herald](https://rutlandherald.com/ap/lifestyles/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_e54a738a-2699-5689-9d45-1b1f44823ded.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/crispr-new-york-scientists-new-york-university-dogs-b3027878.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [WBAL](https://wbal.com/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog alle - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Newsday](https://newsday.com/lifestyle/hypoallergenic-dogs-crispr-pet-allergies-c04832) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News…](https://genengnews.com/topics/genome-editing/fur-real-biotech-startup-eliminates-major-dog-allergen-in-beagle-pups-using-crispr) — Fur Real: Biotech Startup Eliminates Major Dog Allergen in Beagle Pups Using CRISPR - [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/hypoallergenic-dogs-crispr-pet-allergies-f5bd8cb438dfd1a9d1cccd4a1d46fd2a) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Click on Detroit](https://clickondetroit.com/health/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [KSAT 12](https://ksat.com/health/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [News 4 JAX](https://news4jax.com/health/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/health/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Wired](https://wired.com/story/gene-edited-puppies-wont-trigger-allergies) — Gene-Edited Puppies Will Melt Your Heart—but Won’t Trigger Your Allergies - [KATC](https://katc.com/science-and-tech/animals-and-insects/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Breitbart](https://breitbart.com/news/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/life/health-wellness/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_45c58c03-d9fa-5ee3-a722-1662b2e24078.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [The Record](https://therecord.com/life/health-wellness/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_55edf502-bac4-5180-b4d0-e02635f5217a.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies - [Discover Magazine](https://discovermagazine.com/a-new-gene-editing-technique-may-reduce-some-crispr-risks-but-raises-ethical-concerns-49438) — A New Gene Editing Technique May Reduce Some CRISPR Risks, But Raises Ethical Concerns ## Questions **What gene was edited in the beagles?** Scientists used CRISPR to switch off the gene responsible for producing the main allergy-causing protein in dogs. This protein is found in dog saliva, hair, and dander and triggers allergic reactions in humans. The edited beagles, Bailey and Alfie, tested negative for the protein. **How were the beagles tested for allergies?** An allergy test was conducted on Matt Walker, a geneticist with dog allergies. His skin was pricked with extracts from the beagles’ saliva and dander, as well as samples from a poodle and a goldendoodle. Walker reacted to the poodle and goldendoodle samples but showed no reaction to the beagles’ samples. **What are the ethical concerns about this technique?** Bioethicist Arthur Caplan said the technique could increase pet ownership but may discourage people from adopting shelter or rescue animals that are not genetically modified. The reports did not include responses from animal welfare organisations or further ethical debate. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/tech/crispr-edited-beagles-born-without-key-allergy-protein. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "CRISPR-edited beagles born without key allergy protein", https://mediabias.news/tech/crispr-edited-beagles-born-without-key-allergy-protein