FREE shipping on orders over 300 Lei.
Truffle dogs are a special category of working dogs of particular importance in the Romanian truffle industry. These dogs are specially trained to detect and locate truffles, precious underground fungi that grow in symbiosis with the roots of certain tree species. In Romania, this ancient practice has become increasingly important in recent years as the demand for truffles on the international market has grown significantly.
In Romania, the most popular breeds used for truffle hunting are:
Lagotto Romagnolo is considered the breed par excellence for truffle hunting. Originally from Italy, this breed has an exceptional nose and a natural predisposition for searching for these underground delicacies. They are known for their perseverance and ability to work for hours without tiring.
The short-haired German Shorthaired Pointer is another breed commonly encountered in the search for truffles in Romania. These dogs are prized for their intelligence, physical stamina and fine nose. They are excellent at detecting black truffles, which are among the most valuable.
The German Shepherd, although not a traditional truffle-hunting breed, has proven very effective in this activity due to its superior intelligence and excellent trainability.
Training a truffle dog is a complex process that begins at an early age, usually between 2-3 months. The training methodology includes several essential steps:
Familiarization with the smell of truffles is the first step. Small pieces of truffle or truffle oil are used to accustom the dog to this specific smell. Immediate reward is crucial at this stage.
Search games are the next stage, where truffles are hidden on the surface and the dog is encouraged to find them. Gradually the difficulty is increased by burying the truffle deeper and deeper.
Training under real conditions is done in the forest, where the dog learns to identify potential places where truffles might grow. This stage can take several months before the dog becomes fully competent.
Truffle dogs work with their owners using specific techniques. Early morning is considered the optimal time for searching, when scents are most prominent. The dog is taught to mark the spot where it smells the truffle by digging gently or laying down, without damaging the precious fungus.
Communication between dog and handler is essential. Vocal commands and non-verbal signals are used to guide the dog to favorable areas and to reward him when he finds a truffle. Working time is limited to 2-3 hours per day to maintain the dog’s efficiency.
Specialized truffle search dogs require special care to maintain their capabilities at optimum levels:
The diet must be balanced and adapted to their activity level. A diet rich in protein and essential nutrients is needed to support the physical and mental effort of these dogs.
Regular exercise outside the truffle season is crucial for maintaining physical condition. Long walks and interactive games help maintain motivation and search skills.
Regular veterinary checkups are essential, with special emphasis on the health of the nose and paws, which are the dog’s primary working tools.
Truffle dogs play a vital role in Romania’s truffle industry, which has seen significant growth in recent years. A well-trained dog can find between 200-500 grams of truffles in a good day’s search, which can bring substantial income to the owner, as truffle prices can reach hundreds of euros per kilogram.
Truffle dogs are a valuable resource in the Romanian truffle industry. The combination of these dogs’ natural instincts and specialized training makes them irreplaceable partners in the search for these precious underground mushrooms. The investment in the training and maintenance of a truffle dog can be substantial, but the long-term benefits, both economic and in terms of job satisfaction working alongside a devoted canine companion, are making this activity increasingly popular in Romania.
