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Those lucky enough to know the wonders of eating truffles will testify that this gift from the earth is the ultimate aphrodisiac. One might even go so far as to say it is the ultimate food experience, not to mention one of the most expensive ingredients for sale. Hard to believe that the discovery of this indulgence often starts with the truffle hog, a keen-nosed hunter who searches the ground for these treasures.
What is a truffle pig?
A truffle pig, also called a truffle hog, is a specially trained pig used to find truffles underground. These pigs rely on their extraordinary sense of smell to locate the rare fungus, making them the historical heroes of truffle hunting. Today, trained dogs are often used instead because they are easier to manage and do not eat the truffles.
Where do truffle pigs hunt?
Truffles grow in symbiosis with the roots of certain trees, such as oak, hazel, and beech. The two best-recognized types are black truffles from Perigord, France, and white truffles from Alba, Italy. Truffles also grow in other regions, including North America.
The ground above truffle tubers may appear scorched, known in France as terre brûlée. Small gnats or flies can also indicate truffle presence, as they lay larvae in fertile areas. While humans can only guess where truffles are hiding underground, pigs and dogs know, thanks to their keen olfactory sense.
Why pigs were used
Pigs naturally root in the soil for food, and their sense of smell is exceptionally powerful. And pigs are attracted to the aroma of dimethyl sulfide, a compound released by truffles.
Female pigs are especially suited for truffle hunting because of their natural foraging behavior, intelligence and love for that enticing aroma. However, female pigs may try to eat the truffles, so handlers must train them carefully.
How do truffle pigs find truffles?
Truffle pigs search the ground using scent, guided by subtle visual cues such as scorched earth or insect activity. Once a pig locates a truffle, it signals its handler, who carefully retrieves the fungi to avoid damage. Pigs are usually trained to walk on a leash and respond to commands, ensuring they do not devour the prize.
How are truffle hogs trained?
Truffle pigs are trained over several months. Training includes walking on a lead, retrieving and releasing objects or treats. All breeds can be trained, and the process is similar to service dog training. Historically, pigs have been used for truffle hunting since Roman times.
Many modern truffle hunters now prefer dogs because they are easier to handle and tend not to eat the truffles. Pigs still offer unmatched scenting ability, but handlers must be vigilant.
Are pigs still used today?
While dogs dominate truffle hunting today, pigs are still used in some regions. In Italy, truffle hogs were banned because of the damage they can cause to truffle beds. Pigs remain prized in certain areas of France and are occasionally used for commercial hunting or festivals.
| Feature | Pig | Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Scent ability | excellent | very good |
| Risk of eating truffles | high | low |
| Training difficulty | moderate | moderate |
| Impact on truffle bed | can damage | minimal |
Dogs are easier to manage and protect the truffle patch, which explains why they are now more common than pigs.
Do pigs get turned on by the scent?
Truffles contain androstenol, a pheromone associated with men but also found in male pig saliva, which historically was believed to stimulate sows. While the connection is less exact than once thought, truffles are strongly associated with mating scents in folklore and partially inspired the truffle-hunting tradition.
How much is a trained pig worth?
Truffle pigs are valuable, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars to higher amounts for experienced, reputable animals. Stories like the Frenchman who was imprisoned for stealing truffle pigs or the Nicholas Cage film “Pig” highlight the high regard people have for these animals.
How many truffles can a pig find in a day?
The yield varies. Some days, a pig may find only one truffle; other days as many as a half dozen. Experience, cooperation with the handler, and favorable truffle conditions all affect results.
Truffle basics
Truffles are underground fungi related to mushrooms. There are black and white truffles with distinct flavors. So what do they taste like?
Black truffles have a subtle, earthy, musky flavor that sometimes hints of cocoa, while white truffles are more pungent and sometimes slightly garlicky. Black truffles are often added at the end of cooking a dish to warm them and release their fragrance, though they can also be served raw. Most chefs would never cook white truffles. Instead, white truffles are traditionally added over top of finished dishes.
Where to buy truffles
If you are lucky, you may find truffles locally, especially in Tuscany or parts of the western United States. Otherwise, online retailers such as D’artagnan and Urbani provide options to experience these rare fungi.
Truffle pig FAQs
What is a truffle pig?
A pig trained to locate truffles underground using its keen sense of smell.
Why were pigs used to find truffles?
They naturally root for food and can detect truffles with incredible accuracy.
Are truffle pigs still used today?
Yes, in some regions, but dogs are more commonly used because they are easier to manage and do not damage truffle beds.
Can pigs eat the truffles?
Yes, which is why handlers must train them carefully.
How do dogs compare to pigs in finding truffles?
Dogs are easier to handle and protect the truffle patch, but pigs often have a stronger scenting ability.
What is the difference between a truffle pig and a truffle hog?
They are the same animal; “hog” is another term for pig used historically.
This article was written in 2021 and rewritten in 2025 with updated research, a new introduction, dog and pig comparison chart and FAQ section.
Truffle pig photo by Annie Spratt.
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley’s Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley’s Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
