Warhound Secures $200 Million to Develop Genetically Engineered Military Working Dogs

WASHINGTON, Oct 22 (OPA) — Warhound announced Thursday it has raised $200 million in a funding round led by investors including In-Q-Tel, Sequoia, and 8VC. The company, which aims to engineer dogs with superior health and performance traits, is currently valued at $1.2 billion. The initiative seeks to mitigate reliance on foreign-sourced working dogs, as current data indicates more than 80% of U.S. military dogs are imported, with less than half meeting service requirements.

Ben Lamm, who also leads Colossal Biosciences, stated that the company will utilize gene-editing technology to enhance traits such as agility, speed, and olfactory sensitivity while eliminating genetic predispositions for conditions like hip dysplasia and cancer. Anduril Industries, co-founded by Palmer Luckey, will provide specialized hardware and software, including sensor-equipped vests and protective goggles, to improve situational awareness for both the dogs and their handlers. Luckey serves as a partner in the venture but holds no equity.

Colossal’s subsidiary, Viagen, will handle the cloning process for the initial batch of dogs, which are expected to be born early next year. The company intends to market these animals to the Department of Defense, law enforcement agencies, and emergency response teams. Lamm noted that the firm has already briefed government officials regarding the technology and is coordinating with the American Humane Society to establish training and retirement protocols for the animals.

While the startup has yet to finalize pricing, it plans to integrate these dogs into active service within the next two years. The company maintains that these genetically enhanced animals will undergo standard military training and remain under the management of their respective handlers. Future plans include transitioning retired dogs into the American Humane Society’s Military Working Dog Reunification Program.