Dog Days: Oregon Truffle Season Brings Out Furry Foragers
“I’m pretty sure dogs can’t have chocolate.”
That’s what Maura Malone said when someone suggested she train her dog to hunt truffles. At the time, she didn’t know about the types of truffles that grow in the ground. She had just learned through genetic testing that her dog Magnolia was a full-blooded beagle — a dog well-suited for hunting truffles. Although Magnolia preferred hunting elk and deer instead of truffles, Maura was hooked.
Now, she and her dog Willa are among the amateur truffle hunters preparing to compete in the 11th Annual Joriad North American Truffle Dog Championship in Eugene on Saturday, February 8th.
Maura Malone analyzes an Oregon truffle as dog Willa looks on.
Willa — short for Willamette in honor of Willamette Valley Vineyards and the region — is a Lagotto Romagnolo, Italy’s “truffle dog.” Maura sought out a breed known for truffle hunting after her husband suggested she go all in on her new hobby.
The Training Process
While some dog breeds may be more well-equipped to truffle hunt than others, there’s one key indicator for whether or not a dog can learn this skill.
“Any dog that is food motivated can be trained for truffle hunting,” Maura said.
The training process for Willa involved holding a truffle in one hand and a treat in the other to associate a treat or reward with the scent of truffles.
Willa took to truffle hunting fairly quickly, finding her first truffles just a few months into training. She’ll put her nose to the test at the Joriad, an annual event that’s the opening night of the Oregon Truffle Festival.
Willa is a Lagotto Romagnolo, a dog breed known for its truffle-hunting abilities.
Maura and Willa hope to be among the top competitors when the Estate in the Salem Hills hosts the Joriad finalists and winners at the end of the event.
Gaining Community
Although the truffle hunting game can be competitive, Maura said the activity has brought her closer to her dog and community.
“The people you meet and the relationships you have from truffle hunting are great,” she said. “I’ve met people from all walks of life because of this.”
Maura enjoys giving truffles to her neighbors and Willamette’s Facilities Coordinator, Randy Hillyer.
Willamette Valley Vineyard's Wine & Culinary Director DJ MacIntyre (left) is a big proponent of Oregon truffles.
Of course, she does keep some for herself, which she uses to infuse walnuts or shave over hot pasta dishes and steak.
“Truffles have given me an entirely new perspective on food and Oregon,” Maura said.
Expanding Horizons
Going out into the woods with Willa allows Maura to escape the stress of work and daily life, dig in the dirt and be part of nature. Her hunting grounds include an area near the vines at Willamette Valley Vineyards that is not open to the public. Being in the quiet is cathartic, Maura says.
A New England native, Maura was not initially excited about Oregon's cold, wet winters. Now, however, she loves the wintertime because of the truffle season.
Willamette Valley Vineyards will feature truffle-inspired dishes at select tasting rooms in February.
“I’ve explored so much of the Pacific Northwest because of this,” she said.
Anyone interested in learning more about Oregon truffles can enjoy the state’s best offerings at the Oregon Truffle Festival Gala Dinner at the Estate in the Salem Hills on Sunday, February 23rd. Reservations for this wine pairings experience can be made here. Select Willamette tasting rooms will feature truffle specials throughout February.