New startup aims to genetically engineer military dogs with $200 million investment

Warhound, a startup founded by Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril, has emerged from stealth with a $200 million funding round. The company, now valued at $1.2 billion, received investment from Sequoia, 8VC, Corner Ventures, and In-Q-Tel, a venture firm with ties to U.S. intelligence agencies. The primary goal is to genetically engineer dogs for the U.S. military, law enforcement, and emergency response teams to handle dangerous tasks like bomb detection and specialized searches.

The initiative addresses a significant gap in the current supply chain. According to the company, over 80% of working dogs used by the U.S. military are sourced from Europe, and fewer than half of those imported animals are fit for service. This dependence on foreign nations for critical assets has prompted Lamm and Luckey to develop a domestic solution. They aim to use Colossal’s biotechnology to create dogs with specific physical traits suited for demanding missions, such as enhanced speed, agility, and olfactory capabilities.

The process involves studying high-performing breeds like the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd. The team has established a biobank with cell lines from these dogs to edit their genetics, adding beneficial traits while removing genes associated with common health issues like poor eyesight, cancer, or hip dysplasia. Anduril will provide the technological layer, including software and hardware such as protective vests and goggles. These tools are designed to improve situational awareness for both the dogs and their human handlers, effectively adding a digital layer to the animal's physical capabilities.

Lamm explained that the partnership combines biological engineering with advanced gear to make the animals safer and more effective. He noted that Anduril’s contributions focus on equipment that sits on the dog, rather than altering its internal biology further. The first batch of engineered dogs is expected to be cloned and incubated soon, with births anticipated in early 2027. If things go according to plan, these animals could begin active service within two years. Viagen, another company under the Colossal umbrella, will handle the cloning process using technology that has a high success rate.

While the company has not yet finalized pricing, it plans to sell these dogs to first responders, the Department of Defense, and police forces. Regarding civilian safety, Lamm stated that each dog will undergo standard military training and be managed by the purchasing organization. To address ethical concerns, Warhound is working under the guidance of the American Humane Society to certify its training program. The society hopes that retired dogs will enter its reunification program to find new homes.

The American Humane Society expressed support for the collaboration, stating that they are pleased to have a seat at the table with a company grounded in science and ethics. They look forward to ensuring the animals are treated humanely throughout their service and retirement. This partnership marks a significant shift in how the U.S. approaches the development of working animals, blending traditional breeding practices with modern genetic engineering and defense technology.