Hidden beneath the forest floor lies a precious treasure: the truffle. Together with their three dogs, the Casanova family regularly sets off in search of these culinary gems. It’s a fascinating adventure that brings people, dogs and nature together, requiring patience, passion and, above all, an exceptional sense of smell.
The Casanova Family – A Passion That Brings Them Together
Sometimes, the most wonderful passions begin entirely by chance. That was certainly the case for the Casanova family. When they took in a Lagotto Romagnolo that had already been trained to find truffles, they discovered the fascinating world of these hidden treasures. Today, Andreas, Claudia, Mia and Dänu all share this special passion. Together with their three dogs, Lulu, Luffy and Baccio, they regularly head into the forest during truffle season. Despite their busy work and study schedules, truffle hunting has become an important part of their family life. And it’s not just about finding as many truffles as possible. What they value most is spending time together, enjoying the fresh air and strengthening the special bond with their four-legged companions. Every outing brings a new surprise. Sometimes, the dogs discover several truffles within minutes. On other days, the family can spend hours exploring the forest without finding a single one. But that’s all part of the adventure!
Four Paws on the Hunt for Truffles
The real stars of the truffle hunt are undoubtedly Lulu, Luffy and Baccio. Thanks to their remarkable sense of smell, these three dogs can detect truffles hidden beneath the forest floor. One breed particularly famous for this skill is the Lagotto Romagnolo. Originally from Italy, these dogs were once used for duck hunting before becoming renowned for their truffle-hunting abilities. But how does a dog become a truffle hunter? Owners can train their dogs themselves or attend specialised courses. Associations also organise events where dogs can put their skills to the test in a fun and relaxed setting. Every dog has its own personality. While some enjoy a long rest after an adventure in the forest, Baccio simply can’t get enough of searching! What many people don’t realise is just how demanding scent work can be. According to the Casanova family’s experience, just 15 minutes of intensive searching can be as tiring for a dog as an hour of physical activity. That’s why plenty of rest is just as important as the hunt itself.
Small Treasures, Big Surprises
Think all truffles taste and smell the same? Think again! During our truffle hunt, Andreas and Claudia shared some fascinating insights into these prized delicacies. Different varieties of truffles have surprisingly different aromas. While some have earthy flavours that perfectly capture the essence of autumn, others can even have a scent reminiscent of tar or bitumen. Whether you enjoy these distinctive aromas is entirely a matter of personal taste. The truffle season is also relatively short. As Andreas explains, the summer truffle season begins around July or August and usually comes to an end in November. During this period, the family regularly heads into the forest with their three dogs. And how many truffles can they find in a single outing? That depends! Claudia tells us that under favourable conditions, they sometimes return home with 500 grams or more. On other days, their discoveries are much smaller. One thing is certain: you never quite know what treasures are waiting beneath the forest floor!
More Than a Hobby – A Passion That Brings People Together
Truffle hunting isn’t just about finding as many of these precious mushrooms as possible. For Andreas and Claudia, it’s first and foremost about sharing a passion. They find this same sense of togetherness within the Swiss Truffle Association (STV), where enthusiasts come together to exchange experiences, support one another and celebrate each other’s discoveries. Rather than being driven by competition, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, almost like one big family. Throughout the year, the association organises various events where truffle lovers can meet and their dogs can demonstrate their skills through playful competitions. For the Casanova family, truffle hunting is much more than a hobby. It’s a way of connecting with nature, their dogs and people who share the same enthusiasm.
Would you like to learn more about the Casanova family, their passion for truffle hunting and their truffle-based products? Visit their website and discover their delicious specialities inspired by these hidden treasures.
