$200 Million Raised to Clone Elite Dogs for US Military

Warhound has closed a $200 million funding round to begin producing genetically modified dogs for the United States military. The startup was founded by Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril. The two partners plan to combine genetic engineering with advanced hardware to create a new class of working animals.

Lamm told Wired that scientists have already started editing the genes of cell samples from the first group of donor dogs. These samples were collected from high-performing military, police, and first responder dogs across the country. The majority of the donors are Belgian Malinois, with some Labradors and German Shepherds included in the initial pool. The goal is to clone these animals after modifying their genetic code.

The primary focus of the initial research is to lower the risk of health problems common to these breeds. Specifically, the team is targeting hip dysplasia and certain types of cancer. Lamm suggested to TechCrunch that future enhancements could go beyond health. Additional genetic changes might make the animals faster, more agile, or better suited for scent work.

Luckey brings experience from his work on the Oculus Rift and his defense firm, Anduril. Anduril recently won a US Army contract to build next-generation battlefield intelligence systems with Palantir. Lamm’s firm, Colossal Biosciences, is known for de-extinction projects, including attempts to revive the dire wolf and the woolly mammoth. Their expertise in cloning and genetic modification is central to the Warhound model.

Anduril’s role in the venture is strictly hardware-focused. The company will design the equipment the dogs will wear, including goggles, vests, and body armor. The software for these tools will also be developed by Anduril. The partnership is not planning to create cyborg dogs at this stage. Instead, the gear is intended to protect the animals while they perform their duties.

The business structure separates the founders from the capital. Neither Luckey nor Anduril holds a stake in Warhound. Colossal Biosciences does have equity, and Lamm sits on the board. David Spirk, formerly of Palantir, serves as the chief executive officer. The company expects the first batch of its engineered dogs to be born in early 2027. These animals will be trained for standard working dog roles, such as bomb detection and search-and-rescue operations.