Scientists have used CRISPR gene editing to create two beagles that do not produce the main protein responsible for many human dog allergies.
The puppies, Alfie and Bailey, appear healthy so far. Researchers hope the technology could eventually help people with allergies live with dogs—and perhaps remove genes that cause inherited diseases in certain breeds.
But the possibilities raise difficult questions. Gene editing might improve dogs’ health, or it could lead breeders toward custom-made “designer dogs.” Long-term effects are also still unknown.
This is fascinating science, but deciding what we can change in dogs may be easier than deciding what we should change.