Warhound Secures $200 Million to Clone and Edit Working Dogs

Warhound, a new venture focused on canine genetics, has secured $200 million in funding to develop genetically engineered dogs for the United States military. The company plans to modify the DNA of high-performing working dogs before cloning them to create a new generation of service animals. The first batch of these engineered dogs is expected to be born in early 2027.

The startup is a joint effort involving Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril. Lamm confirmed to Wired that the company has already begun editing gene samples taken from its initial group of donor animals. These donors are top-performing dogs from military, police, and first responder units across the United States. The group primarily consists of Belgian Malinois, with some Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds included.

Scientists working with Colossal Biosciences will handle the genetic modifications and cloning process. The initial research phase targets common health issues found in these breeds, specifically hip dysplasia and certain cancers. Lamm told TechCrunch that future enhancements could focus on physical performance, such as increasing speed and agility, or sharpening the animals' sense of smell.

Anduril will provide the equipment and software for the dogs rather than handling their biology. The defense firm will design protective gear, including goggles, vests, and body armor, as well as the software that manages these tools. This division of labor ensures that the animals are protected while performing their duties without immediate plans for cyborg enhancements.

The leadership team includes David Spirk, a former Palantir executive, who serves as CEO. While Luckey is a partner in the business, neither he nor Anduril holds an equity stake in the startup. Colossal Biosciences does hold equity in the company, and Lamm sits on the board. Lamm previously led de-extinction efforts at Colossal, including projects to revive the dire wolf and the woolly mammoth.

The engineered dogs will be trained for standard working roles, such as bomb detection and search-and-rescue operations. The company aims to reduce the prevalence of genetic health problems that often shorten the careers of working dogs. This approach seeks to produce animals that are more resilient and capable of handling the physical demands of military service.