Warhound Raises $200 Million to Clone Military Dogs

Warhound secured $200 million in funding to genetically engineer dogs for the United States military. The company plans to clone top-performing animals and equip them with advanced protective gear. This venture represents a joint effort between Colossal Biosciences and Anduril.

Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences told Wired that scientists have already begun editing the genes of cell samples from the first group of donor dogs. These samples came from high-performing military, police, and first responder dogs across the country. The majority of these animals are Belgian Malinois, with some Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds included in the initial pool.

The primary focus of the initial research is reducing the likelihood of breed-specific health issues. This includes hip dysplasia and certain types of cancer. Lamm suggested to TechCrunch that future modifications could enhance physical performance. Potential changes might make the animals faster, more agile, or give them a sharper sense of smell.

The founders bring distinct backgrounds to the project. Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR and designed the Oculus Rift headset. His defense company, Anduril, partnered with OpenAI in 2024 to develop artificial intelligence for the Pentagon. Anduril also recently won a US Army contract to build the service's next-generation battlefield intelligence system with Palantir. Lamm’s Colossal Biosciences has pursued de-extinction projects, including efforts to revive the dire wolf and the woolly mammoth.

Anduril will handle the equipment side of the operation rather than the biology. The company will design tools and the software that runs them. These items include goggles, vests, and body armor intended to protect the dogs while they work. Warhound does not currently plan to create cyborg dogs.

The ownership structure differs from the public partnership. Neither Luckey nor Anduril holds a stake in the startup. Colossal Biosciences does have equity, and Lamm sits on the board. David Spirk, who most recently worked at Palantir, serves as CEO.

Warhound expects the first batch of its genetically engineered dogs to be born in early 2027. These animals will be trained for standard working dog tasks. These duties include detecting bombs and assisting in search-and-rescue operations.