Truffles, among the world’s most expensive delicacies, are fungi that grow under the soil and leaf litter at the roots of several tree species. They require dogs or pigs to find them. The Italian dog known as the Lagotto Romagnolo is specifically bred for truffle hunting, but other breeds are suited to learning the task. Not only must you train these dogs to find truffles, but you must train them not to eat the little fungus fruits. The same canines that hunt for truffles can also find morels.

Truffle and Mushroom Hunting

Any dog can potentially become a truffle or mushroom hunter, but not every breed is perfectly suited to the task. You can try out your dog’s skills at truffle hunting clinics held throughout the country. The training period for “professional” truffle hunting canines lasts between two and four months. If you want to purchase a well-trained dog specifically for truffle or mushroom hunting, expect to pay in the six figures.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Originally used as a water dog in the Italian marshes, the Lagotto Romagnolo has been used for truffle hunting since at least the 19th century. Between the end of World War I and the start of World War II, the breed was used by virtually all Italian truffle hunters. The medium-size, curly-haired canine appears in various shades of brown. Besides his keen nose for mushrooms, this smart dog is easy to train and makes a good family pet.

Detection Breeds

Dogs that shine at detection work often succeed in truffle hunting. These breeds include the German shepherd and Belgian malinois, dogs used by law enforcement and security agencies worldwide. Not only are these dogs talented truffle hunters, but they’re also smart and easily trained, and they possess a good work ethic. While scenting is paramount in truffle training, it’s of little use unless the canine is also obedient and cooperative. The same sort of discipline required for truffle hunting is needed for the more serious pursuits of bomb detection or search-and-rescue.

Sporting Breeds

Dogs bred specifically for sport, such as Labrador and golden retrievers, can excel as truffle hunters. So can various types of setters and pointers. Even beagles can make good truffle hunters, since they’re especially ruled by their noses. If you want to train a sporting breed for the task, choose a dog from field lines rather than from show lines: Breeders of the former make a special effort to pass on hunting talent in their dogs.

Dog experts are torn on whether or not adopting two dogs at once is a good idea. According to “The Whole Dog Journal,” adopting two dogs at the same time is a terrible idea. As a future dog owner, it’s important that you hear both sides of the story before making your decision. While some may not love the idea of adopting two dogs at once, it may be the right decision for you and your family, but you must understand what to expect. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Training

One huge advantage to adopting two dogs at once is you’re able to train two dogs at once. If you plan to eventually have two dogs, it’s best to adopt them both at once for easier training. You can work on housebreaking, crate training, and other basic training at one time. This can be much more beneficial than adopting dogs separately because it will greatly reduce the time spent. There are also cons to training two dogs at once. When you come home, you may have no idea which dog peed on the floor or destroyed your shoe. Another con is trying to wrangle two dogs who are misbehaving.

Companionship

Adopting two dogs at once ensures that your new dogs always have someone to play with. If you work outside the home, your dog will be less likely to experience separation anxiety, because he has someone to play with. You must remember, though, that dogs will establish a pack. Good owners are always seen as the alpha in the pack, but the dogs will then choose who is next in command, and may fight until they establish the order.

Stress

Adopting two dogs at the same time can also be stressful for both you and the dogs. First of all, the dogs may not get along and may try to exert dominance over each other. Another problem arises if you try to house both dogs in the same crate. This can create anxiety in the dogs as they fight for their own space. Dogs can also experience separation anxiety if they become close and one passes away.

Expenses

Adopting two dogs at once can also be very expensive. Not only will you have the adoption cost, but you will need to buy two of everything all at once. This means two collars and leashes, two crates and enough bedding for two crates, two food bowls and two water bowls. When you adopt pets separately, you’re better able to handle the costs. Never underestimate the costs of raising a pet. Even if you save money adopting, purchasing all the supplies will be costly, especially if you’re buying for two. Veterinarian costs can also add up.