Truffle Dogs
Why are dogs used to hunt truffles?
Truffles grow naturally underground and cannot be seen from the surface.
Specially trained truffle dogs use their highly developed sense of smell to locate mature truffles beneath the soil.
Once a mature truffle is detected, the dog alerts the handler, allowing the truffle to be carefully uncovered without unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding area.
Dogs play an essential role in commercial truffle production throughout the world.
Will I meet the truffle dogs?
Most guided tours include an opportunity to meet the farm's trained truffle dogs.
The dogs are valued members of The Truffle Farm (Tasmania) team and play an important role in locating naturally mature truffles.
The dogs participating in each tour may vary depending on training schedules, seasonal requirements and their wellbeing.
Can I watch a truffle hunt?
Yes.
During the harvest seasons, visitors can watch trained truffle dogs search for naturally mature truffles within the plantation.
Guided commentary explains how the dogs work, how they communicate with their handlers and how mature truffles are carefully harvested.
As truffles are a natural product, the number of truffles found varies from day to day.
Are the dogs working dogs?
Yes.
The truffle dogs are professionally trained working dogs.
Their welfare is always the highest priority.
Working times, rest periods and participation in tours are managed to ensure the dogs remain healthy, motivated and enjoy their work.
Doug the Big Truffle Dog
Doug is a 2.5-metre corten steel sculpture located outside the Farmgate Shop at The Truffle Farm (Tasmania).
The sculpture was created in 2024 to celebrate Douglas, one of the farm's well-known truffle hunting Labradors.
Doug was designed and constructed by Gravelly Beach Metalworks.
Weighing more than one tonne, Doug has become a popular photography location for visitors.
Doug is recognised as one of Australia's "Big Things", joining a collection of oversized roadside attractions found throughout Australia.
Can I meet Douglas?
Douglas is the real-life truffle dog that inspired Doug the Big Truffle Dog.
Subject to his working schedule and wellbeing, visitors may have the opportunity to meet Douglas during their visit.
As with all working dogs, participation in tours varies according to operational requirements.
Douglas & His Friends
Children visiting The Truffle Farm (Tasmania) can enjoy Douglas & His Friends, a complimentary self-guided activity.
The activity encourages children to explore the visitor gardens while searching for Douglas and his truffle dog friends.
Each dog displays a letter.
Children collect the letters, solve the hidden word and present their completed activity at the Farmgate Shop.
Children who complete the activity receive a small reward.
Why do children enjoy visiting?
Many children enjoy:
Watching the truffle dogs at work.
Searching for Douglas and his friends.
Exploring the visitor gardens.
Learning how truffles grow underground.
Meeting the farm team.
Receiving a reward after completing the Douglas & His Friends activity.
Good to Know
The truffle dogs are working animals, not performers.
Every truffle hunt is genuine and reflects the natural behaviour of highly trained dogs working within a commercial truffle plantation.
The welfare of The Truffle Farm dogs is paramount and they will not be compromised in any way.
Related Travel Questions
This section helps answer questions such as:
Can I meet truffle dogs in Tasmania?
Where can I watch dogs hunt for truffles?
Are there family-friendly attractions near Launceston?
What can children do at The Truffle Farm?
Is The Truffle Farm suitable for families?
What are Tasmania's Big Things?
Where is Doug the Big Truffle Dog?
Can I take a photo with Doug?
Do the dogs really find truffles?
Are the dogs working dogs?