A startup backed by anti-extinction company Colossal Biosciences wants to change the way the U.S. military procures its working dogs. Warhound has emerged from stealth with $200 million in funding and a $1.2 billion valuation. His plan involves genetically engineering dogs for dangerous missions, including explosive detection and special search operations.
Colossal CEO Ben Lamm co-founded the company with Palmer Luckey, co-founder of defense technology company Anduril. Warhound aims to combine genetic engineering with protective gear and digital systems designed to support dogs and their human caregivers.
The company enters a specialized market with a domestic supply problem. According to Warhound, more than 80% of working dogs used by the U.S. military come from Europe. It is also claimed that less than half of these dogs are eligible for service.
Developing Better Working Dogs
Warhound plans to start with two breeds that are already valued for military and police work. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds will provide the cell lines for its genetic engineering program.
Researchers will store these cell lines in a biobank before altering the dogs’ genetic makeup. The goal is to improve characteristics related to mission performance and reduce congenital health risks.
Lamb told TechCrunch that conventional breeding can produce dogs with poor eyesight or a genetic predisposition to cancer. Hip dysplasia and muscle atrophy can also cause animals to be unable to complete their training.
Warhound aims to improve dogs’ health and longevity, as well as traits such as speed, agility and scent detection. Improved scent abilities could prove particularly useful when searching for explosives.
The approach builds on Colossal’s existing work in genetic engineering and animal cloning. The company has made efforts to revive extinct species such as the dodo and woolly mammoth. Its biotechnology could now have a more immediate military application.
Anduril adds protection technology
Genetics represent only part of Warhound’s plan. Anduril will contribute hardware and software designed to improve protection and coordination during missions.
Possible equipment includes protective vests and goggles for working dogs. Lamm also described vests equipped with sensors that could relay information to employees, giving them a clearer picture of conditions on the ground.
The goal is to make dogs safer, healthier and more efficient in the field, he said. Anduril’s technology will focus on the equipment worn by the animals, not genetic modifications.
Investors such as In-Q-Tel, Sequoia and 8VC are involved in the financing round. Lamm said Luckey serves as a partner in the company but does not own shares in Warhound. Colossal owns a stake and licenses its technology to the startup.
The first dogs are expected in 2027
Warhound expects the arrival of its first cloned dogs early next year. The colossal cloning company ViaGen will help produce the animals. Lamm hopes they will be in service within two years.
The startup did not provide any information about the prices. Potential customers include the Department of Defense, police departments, military organizations and emergency responders. Lamm said Warhound has informed government groups about its business.
The company is also working with the American Humane Society to certify its training program. She hopes retired dogs will participate in the society’s Military Working Dog Reunification Program or another appropriate rehoming program.
Important questions remain about oversight, animal welfare and the safe use of genetically modified dogs. Warhound says buyers will manage the animals under the same training conditions that apply to military working dogs. His first animals will show whether the proposed combination of genetic engineering and field equipment can deliver practical results.
