Warhound Raises $200 Million to Clone Military Working Dogs

Service members and first responders may soon work alongside dogs born from genetic modification rather than traditional breeding. A new company named Warhound secured $200 million in funding to engineer canines for the US military. The venture partners with Colossal Biosciences for biological work and Anduril for protective equipment.

Warhound has already begun editing genes in cell samples from its first group of donor dogs. These donors were top performers in military, police, and first responder roles across the United States. The group consists mostly of Belgian Malinois, with some Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds. Scientists will modify these genes and then clone the animals.

The initial research focuses on reducing breed-specific health issues. Targeted conditions include hip dysplasia and certain cancers. Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences told TechCrunch that future enhancements might make the animals faster and more agile. He added that the process could sharpen their sense of smell.

The leadership team includes Palmer Luckey, who founded Oculus VR and Anduril. Luckey serves as a partner in Warhound but holds no equity in the startup. His defense firm Anduril previously partnered with OpenAI for Pentagon AI projects and recently won an Army contract for battlefield intelligence systems with Palantir. Colossal Biosciences holds equity in Warhound, and Lamm sits on the board. David Spirk, formerly of Palantir, serves as CEO.

Anduril will design the gear that protects the working dogs. The equipment includes goggles, vests, and body armor. The company is not planning to build cyborg dogs at this stage. The technology focuses on tools and the software that runs them.

Warhound expects the first batch of genetically engineered dogs to be born in early 2027. These animals will undergo training for standard working dog jobs. Their duties will include bomb detection and search and rescue operations.