Rapid movements, noses glued to the ground and constant attention to every smallest signal. It’s the silent and fascinating ritual of truffle dogs, protagonists of the traditional annual meeting that once again this year attracted truffle hunters and enthusiasts from all over Italy to Sant’Angelo in Vado.
Here, in one of the Marche capitals of the prized white truffle, a new development destined to make the sector talk was presented: the birth of the new breed “Montefeltro”, selected from the Marche and Tuscany regions and designed specifically for the search for the precious tuber.
Not every dogs, in fact, possess the necessary skills to tackle this delicate and demanding activity. It requires an extraordinary sense of smell, but also physical structure, balance and the ability to move precisely in the undergrowth. The Montefeltro breed, experts explain, is distinguished by its type “musona” and its robust and powerful legs, essential for digging effectively without damaging the truffle hidden in the ground.
During the encounter, the dogs demonstrated their skills, moving confidently through meadows and woods, under the watchful eye of the handlers. Expectations are high: “They promise not well, but much more”, the truffle hunters comment, convinced that this new breed could represent a turning point in the search.
The Sant’Angelo in Vado meeting thus confirms itself as a central event for the truffle world, not only as a moment of discussion between industry professionals, but also as a showcase of innovation and tradition. A deep connection with the territory that continues to renew itself, once again entrusting the dogs’ nose with the task of finding one of the most precious treasures on earth.