In the lush forests and rolling hills of the British countryside, a remarkable partnership between human and dog plays out – at its best – with extraordinary precision: truffle hunting! As disciples of this age-old tradition, we’re proud to celebrate the unique bond between truffle hunters and their canine partners through The Great British Truffle Hound Competition. But why do we believe in this competition so passionately? The answer lies in the celebration of skill, the recognition of excellence, and the fostering of a vibrant, collaborative community of truffle hunters. All sparked off by one very special person, Marion Dean…
Marion Dean creator of the first ever Truffle Hound Competition in the UK
Ultimately our truffle hound competition takes its inspiration from a giant in our industry, the late Marion Dean, who founded what we believe to be the first and only truffle hound competition in the UK before this one.
Although Marion’s journey into truffle hunting began unexpectedly – what started as a simple desire for a truffle orchard evolved into a profound partnership with her Lagotto Romagnolo, Mufti. Marion’s truffle hunting experience was probably second to none in this country.
Marion’s story highlights the essence of what the Great British Truffle Hound Competition aims to celebrate: the finely tuned skills of these remarkable dogs and the unspoken language that exists between them and their handlers. Here’s a short article written by Marion for the Lagotto Romagnolo Association (LRA) – it’s totally worth a read, she’s absolutely inspirational.
The Importance of Dogs in Truffle Hunting
Dogs are the unsung heroes of the truffle industry. With their extraordinary olfactory senses, they can detect truffles buried deep beneath the soil, a task that no human could accomplish with such accuracy on the scale at which it’s possible with a canine partner.
This means that unlike working with a pig or without any assistance from a non-human hunting partner, the risk of disturbing the surrounding ecology is minimised – the gravity of which is something which is often underappreciated among amateur foragers and hunters.
As Marion Dean describes in her article, the process of working with a truffle hound is intricate and demanding. Mufti, her loyal companion, doesn’t just find truffles – she identifies the quality, the location, and even the history of the area.
The Great British Truffle Hound Competition is our way of honouring this artistry and its purpose, providing a platform where these exceptional skills can be recognised and celebrated.
Industry Recognition and Opportunities
The Great British Truffle Hound Competition is judged by an esteemed panel of experts, offering valuable industry recognition to those who excel. It’s not always easy to come across this kind of knowledge or recognition. For our winning competitors, our industry-recognised certificates can open doors, whether it’s through increased opportunities for commercial work, collaborations with landowners, or simply the prestige that comes with being acknowledged by such accomplished peers.
A Celebration of Community
But perhaps most importantly, the competition emphasises that truffle hunting is not just about winning. It’s about learning, sharing, and growing together as a community. Every participant, whether they take home a trophy or not, leaves the competition with new insights and experiences that will enrich their future hunting endeavours.
Where truffle hunting is often a solitary pursuit, with hunters and their dogs working in quiet isolation, The Great British Truffle Hound Competition aims to change that by fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts and professionals who are dedicated to sustainable and responsible truffle hunting. It’s an event where truffle hunters can come together, share their stories, and celebrate their achievements in a supportive and collaborative environment.
