Understanding the performance of truffle dogs

Trained dogs can detect many biochemical traces, from the most hostile, such as COVID-19, to the most expensive, such as truffles. However, it is still unclear how the interplay of genetic disposition, education, experience, personality, and environmental conditions influences the performance of dogs. Here, we combine published evidence with the knowledge of truffle hunters to assess direct and indirect factors that affect the hunting performance of truffle dogs. Since the transport of truffle aroma into the canine nasal cavity is most puzzling, we propose 5 experiments to further investigate the role of weather conditions, soil parameters, and bacterial composition on the dispersal of truffle volatiles perceived by trained dogs. We also suggest exploring whether the application of multiple dogs increases the success of truffle hunting. Moreover, we argue that interdisciplinary research on dog behavior and performance, including insights from veterinary science and comparative psychology as well as the experience of truffle hunters and farmers, is needed to improve the quantity and quality of truffle harvests. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study examines the factors that affect the hunting performance of truffle dogs, including genetic disposition, education, experience, personality, and environmental conditions. By combining published evidence with the knowledge of truffle hunters, the researchers propose five experiments to further investigate the impact of weather conditions, soil parameters, and bacterial composition on the dispersal of truffle volatiles perceived by trained dogs. They also suggest exploring the use of multiple dogs to increase the success rate of truffle hunting and emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary research.