Startup turns to genetic engineering to create elite military dogs

Warhound, a startup founded by Colossal Biosciences’ Ben Lamm and Anduril’s Palmer Luckey, has raised $200 million to develop genetically engineered dogs for military, law enforcement, and emergency response operations.

The funding round values the company at $1.2 billion.

Warhound aims to develop dogs with improved health, longevity, speed, agility, and scent detection.

The company plans to use gene-editing technology to reduce inherited health problems and enhance traits that help dogs perform demanding tasks, such as detecting explosives and searching dangerous locations.

Warhound plans to clone its first batch of dogs, with births expected in early 2027 and operational service targeted within two years. Viagen, a Colossal-owned company, will support the cloning process.

The company is also working with the American Humane Society to promote animal welfare and explore retirement options for the dogs. However, Warhound has not yet announced its prices or detailed its regulatory approval process.

What’s the need?
Warhound says finding suitable working dogs isn’t easy: the US military reportedly gets about 80% of its dogs from Europe, and fewer than half make the cut, often due to health problems.

Investors, including Sequoia, 8VC, Corner Ventures and In-Q-Tel, a venture firm backed by US intelligence agencies, have supported the project.