A truffle dog needs a keen sense of smell. Only then can it sniff out these prized mushrooms buried underground. But what else does a dog need to become a good truffle dog? Are there preferred dog breeds? We answer the main questions about truffle hunting with your dog.
Truffles are rare and considered a delicacy. Unlike many other mushroom varieties, they grow underground in symbiosis with specific trees or shrubs.
Humans can’t detect the fine odour of truffles beneath the soil. For centuries, animals with far superior noses have helped us in the search for this underground gold.
Dishes with truffles are accordingly expensive in fine restaurants. White truffles are the most valuable among them.
Truffle Hunting: With Pigs or Dogs to Find the Prized Mushrooms
Historically, female pigs, known as truffle pigs, were mainly used for truffle hunting. However, since the late 19th century, dogs have been favoured for this purpose.
Pigs Plough Too Vigorously
Pigs tend to plough the ground, often damaging the truffle fibres, preventing them from reproducing.
In Italy, pigs have been banned from truffle hunting since 1982.
Some truffle dogs also dig intensively but cause less damage than their heftier counterparts.
Truffle Fly
Don’t have a dog or pig for truffle hunting? Then keep a keen eye out. The reddish truffle fly (Suillia tuberiperda) often flies above truffles lying 10-20cm underground.
The Lagotto Romagnolo is the most popular truffle dog, prized for its excellent nose and skill in finding truffles
Which Dogs Are Suitable for Truffle Hunting?
In principle, all dogs, regardless of their origin or breed, can be trained as truffle dogs. The key requirement is that they are active, curious and eager to learn.
How quickly and effectively a dog finds truffles varies individually. Some hunting dogs have excellent noses but get distracted easily by scents. Other dogs might have little interest in using their noses, making training more of a challenge. Experts have “favourite breeds”.
Lagotto Romagnolo: The Most Popular Truffle Dog
Topping the list is the Italian breed Lagotto Romagnolo. These water dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and a low hunting instinct, making them less likely to get distracted by game in the forest.
Hunting breeds, or dogs from the gun group like the Labrador Retriever, can also become skilled truffle hunters. Border Collies are also well-suited.
A University for Truffle Dogs
In Italy, the homeland of the Lagotto Romagnolo, truffle hunting with dogs has a long history. In 1880, Antonio Monchiero founded the “Università dei cani da tartufo” in Roddi, Piedmont—a training institution for truffle dogs.
Since 1935, the institution has been officially recognised and remains a prestigious place for truffle dog training.
Basic training at the Università dei cani da tartufo takes 15-20 days. Full training, however, can take up to three to four years.
Where Can I Train My Dog to Become a Truffle Dog?
Truffle hunting is no longer restricted to Italian and French regions. Many owners looking for a meaningful activity for their diligent dogs want to try truffle hunting.
Nowadays, there are many training options. Special truffle dog clubsor associations often offer training, as do some training schools and private trainers.
A special place for hunting is truffle plantations, where host plants, like oak saplings from truffle regions, are cultivated. Some of these plantations offer truffle courses.
How Does Truffle Dog Training Work?
Truffle dog training seminars and courses generally include a theoretical part for the owner and a practical part for the dog-owner duo.
ruffle hunting is a rewarding experience that delights both humans and their four-legged companions
Truffle Dog Training: Theory for Owners
In the theory section, owners learn to identify potential truffle sites and distinguish different truffle varieties. Responsible handling of the mushrooms is crucial— seekers should cover up the dug hole after finding a truffle to avoid damaging the root tips.
Getting the Dog Interested in Truffles
Dogs are first conditioned to the smell of truffles. The goal is for the dog to associate the truffle scent with something positive. This could be its favourite sleeping spot or a sought-after treat it receives upon detecting the truffle smell.
A good truffle oil can serve as an alternative to real truffle pieces. Pieces of less valuable truffles, like the deer truffle (tuber rufum), can be useful training aids.
Step-by-Step Search Training
Start by praising the dog when it shows interest in the object with the truffle scent. Gradually, throw the truffle-scented object for the dog to fetch, then hide it for the dog to find. Once the dog successfully finds and indicates the truffles, it should be rewarded.
The search becomes progressively harder, with the truffle objects eventually buried 10-20cm underground, mimicking their natural growth.
Remember to generalise the training by practising not only at home but also in the forest, city parks, or indoors.
Nose work is also crucial in other dog sports, such as mantrailing, dummy training, and avalanche dog training.
Truffle Sniffing Exams
Truffle dogs can participate in truffle hunting exams, which test how quickly and accurately they can find truffles. Italy, the home of the Lagotto Romagnolo, has well-established exams for this breed, though regional competitions for other breeds and crossbreeds also exist.
When Should My Dog Start Training?
Ideally, training should start when the dog is a puppy. Some truffle dog trainers begin training shortly after the dog’s birth.
For example, they might lightly rub the nursing mother with truffles, so puppies associate the truffle scent with their mother and the comfort of nursing. Small truffle pieces in the puppy food can also support a truffle dog career.
With some practice and talent, some dogs can be ready for their first truffle hunt by six months old.
Older dogs can also learn truffle hunting. It just requires more time and patience for an adult dog to understand what is expected.
With diligent training, truffle dogs and their owners can look forward to rich rewards during the hunt
Can I Buy a Trained Truffle Dog?
You can buy a trained truffle dog. However, the cost, often several thousand pounds, only makes sense for professionals who hunt for truffles daily in the forest or on their own plantation.
For other dog owners, the mutual training experience is enjoyable enough.
The Dark Side of a Truffle Dog’s Career
The truffle sector has seen a surge, leading to more truffle hunters and increased competition. Unfortunately, this competition has turned some regions into battlegrounds with dire consequences. In northern Italy’s Piedmont region, many truffle dogs have died from poisoned bait between Asti and Alba.
Hobby truffle hunters should always ensure fun is the priority. Private finds are unlikely to bring significant profits.
Where Can I Find Truffles?
Truffles require calcareous soil and are often found under certain host plants like oaks, beeches, or hazelnuts.
These spots can be in deep forests or city parks.Commercial truffle plantations now also exist, offering larger truffle harvests.
Am I Allowed to Collect Truffles?
Even with a trained truffle dog, you cannot hunt for truffles everywhere.
Important: Before truffle hunting, dog owners should ensure it is permitted in their region.
Kerstin Semmler
The zooplus forum was my entry into freelance writing: Here, interested cat lovers came together in 2011 to develop their own print magazine called "Pfotenhieb." In addition to my German studies, I was allowed to write some articles for the "Pfotenhieb". Today, as a happy dog owner, I devote myself mainly to animal and health topics.
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