Warhound has raised a $200 million seed round before producing its first cloned, gene-edited working dog. Axios reported that the financing gave the Texas startup a $1.2 billion post-money valuation, while TechCrunch said its first litter is expected in early 2027.
Ben Lamm told Wired that Warhound had collected blood samples from top-performing Belgian Malinois, Labrador retrievers and shepherds used by military, police and first-responder teams. TechCrunch separately reported that the team banked laboratory-grown cell lines from Belgian Malinois and German shepherds. Lamm said initial gene editing would focus on inherited health risks including poor eyesight, cancer, hip dysplasia and muscle atrophy.
Health edits are the near-term plan; performance enhancements remain aspirational. Lamm told Wired that later work could add olfactory-receptor genes from wolves. Anduril’s role is also prospective: TechCrunch reported that it will provide external gear and software, including protective vests, goggles and sensors that relay information to handlers, rather than implanted electronics.
Colossal Biosciences owns equity in Warhound and licenses biotechnology to the startup. Wired reported that neither Anduril nor Palmer Luckey owns a stake, although Anduril is collaborating on the planned equipment and software. David Spirk, a former Pentagon chief data officer, is CEO, while Lamm sits on the board.
Warhound says more than 80% of United States military working dogs come from Europe and fewer than half of procured dogs ultimately qualify after an acquisition-and-training process lasting roughly three years. The company expects to sell dogs to the Defense Department, individual military services, police and first responders.
A 2020 Naval Postgraduate School study, citing 2019 federal data, reported that only 7% of the working-dog inventory across the Defense, Homeland Security, Justice and State departments was domestically bred. It found domestic breeding significantly more expensive than importing ready-to-purchase dogs. Interviewees also identified Europe’s dog clubs, competitions and continual socialization and training as advantages, showing that Warhound’s domestic-supply challenge extends beyond genetics.
Warhound has not set prices for its dogs. The American Humane Society told TechCrunch that it expected to work with the company on humane treatment, while Warhound says the organization will help certify training and support retired-dog placements. Lamm said the company ideally wants dogs entering service within two years.