One of the key features in the management and harvesting of truffles is a well-trained dog with a pronounced sent of smell, which is the reason why truffle harvesting is also called truffle hunting.
Lagotto Romagnolo (Romagna water dog) is the only specialized breed for truffle hunting. According to the classification of the International Kennel Club (Fédération Cynologique Internationale = FCI) Lagotto is classified into the 8th FCI group – Retrievers, Flushing dogs and Water dogs and into 3rd section = water dogs. In the beginning this breed was used for game fetching (retrieving) in the old swamp valleys of the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, and with time due to water drainage and changes in the scenery, it became a truffle dog. It is interesting that this breed of dogs doesn’t lose hair but they require trimming. Lagotto is a working dog, has a temper but is king and devoted, easy to train and gets along well with other dogs.
In the old days, trained female pigs were used for truffle searching. Truffles contain andostenol, a pheromone which can be found in the saliva of male pigs. Unlike dogs which require training, pigs have an innate ability to search for truffles. The main reasons why pigs are rarely used is: complicated transport due to their size and a significantly more difficult control once the truffle is found.
Training of truffle dogs starts when they are still puppies. While playing, the puppy gets to know its first truffle by hiding it and burying it to the ground. The training of a young dog can last up to a few years, and it is recommended to train the dogs on a daily basis. The purpose of training is, once the dog learns how the search, to teach the dog not to eat or damage the truffle. After an individual training exercise or after the “work” is done, the dog needs to be rewarded. The training principles can differ between different trainers. It is very important for the same trainer to train the dog and that the dog is used only for truffle harvesting.
Source: Strategy for sustainable truffle harvesting in the Istrian Region, Region of Istria, Administrative department for agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishery and water management, 2014.
