Snuffles for Truffles

Snuffles for Truffles

Truffle hunting dogs are specially trained to find truffles, which are rare, edible fungi that grow underground, usually near the roots of certain trees such as oaks and hazelnuts. These fungi have a strong, earthy aroma, which makes them valuable in gourmet cuisine. The job of a truffle hunting dog is to sniff out these truffles in the forest or cultivated truffle fields.

Gembrook-Truffles
Pic credit: Gembrook Truffles
Interesting info about Truffle Hunting Dogs:
  1. Highly Developed Sense of Smell: Truffle dogs are chosen for their excellent sense of smell, which is much more refined than that of humans. They can detect the distinct aroma of truffles buried several inches deep in the soil.
  2. Training: Training truffle dogs begins at a young age. They are taught to associate the smell of truffles with a reward, usually a treat or a toy. Gradually, they are taken into areas where truffles grow to practice in real-life conditions.
  3. Breeds Used:
    • Lagotto Romagnolo: The most famous truffle hunting breed, originally from Italy. This breed has a curly coat and a keen sense of smell. They are affectionate and intelligent, making them ideal for training.
    • Other Breeds: While the Lagotto Romagnolo is the breed most associated with truffle hunting, many other dogs, including Spaniels, Poodles, and mixed breeds, can also be trained for this task. Success depends more on the individual dog’s sense of smell and trainability than the breed.
  4. Advantages Over Pigs: In the past, pigs were used to hunt truffles because of their natural instinct to root for them. However, dogs have become the preferred truffle hunters because they are less likely to eat the truffles they find, and they are easier to handle in forest environments.
  5. Seasonality: Truffle hunting is usually seasonal, with the exact season varying based on the species of truffle. For example, the prized white truffles of Italy are typically harvested in autumn.
Truffle Hunting with Dogs:
  1. Sniffing the Ground: Once in the truffle area, the dog will sniff the ground and, upon detecting the scent of a truffle, will indicate the spot by digging or giving a signal to the handler.
  2. Handler’s Role: The handler works closely with the dog, rewarding them when they successfully locate a truffle and ensuring the fungi are dug up carefully without damaging them.
Pic credit: Black Cat Truffles

 

Truffle dogs have become invaluable for locating these prized fungi, and their partnership with humans has made them an essential part of the truffle industry. If you’re looking for a daytrip activity, there are many places you can join a truffle hunt with these amazing dogs in Victoria, including:

Gembrook Truffles
Black Cat Truffles, Wattle Flat
Red Hill Truffles