Palmer Luckey Made a Genetically Modified Military Dog Startup

Warhound, a Texas startup founded by Anduril’s Palmer Luckey and Colossal Biosciences cofounder Ben Lamm, plans to clone and genetically edit working dogs for the US military, police and emergency services. It says the project aims to strengthen the domestic supply of these dogs and reduce reliance on European breeders, while raising questions about how far genetic enhancement should go.

The company has raised $200 million and is collecting samples from high-performing dogs, mainly Belgian Malinois, as well as Labradors and shepherds. Its first puppies are expected in early 2027; initial edits are intended to address health problems such as hip dysplasia, with possible later work to improve scent detection. Warhound also plans to provide protective equipment and situational-awareness tools, and says it will operate under American Humane Society guidance.