Valaisian Man Trains Dogs to Hunt for Truffles, Offers Soil Analysis for Cultivation

Vincent Roux, a Valais native and agricultural expert, is helping dog owners transform their pets into skilled truffle hunters. Through his company, Delecterra, based in Ardon, Switzerland, Roux provides specialized dog training and offers services to assess land for potential truffle cultivation.

From Passion to Profession

Roux’s journey into the world of truffles began in childhood, exploring the forests of Valais with his parents. After studying agriculture at the Châteauneuf school, he continued working in the agricultural sector while nurturing his passion for finding wild mushrooms. A pivotal moment came when he discovered his first truffle, sparking a desire to delve deeper into this culinary treasure.

“I started dreaming of a field of truffles,” Roux explained in an interview with Rhône FM . He enlisted the help of his flat-coated retriever, Naxos, and together they expanded their search to Italy, a renowned truffle-producing region. This passion eventually led to the creation of Delecterra.

Delecterra’s Services

Delecterra offers a range of services for truffle enthusiasts:

• Truffle Hunting Experiences: Immersive adventures to discover the world of truffles.
• Dog Training: Courses to train dogs to locate truffles, open to all breeds. Roux emphasizes that any dog can be trained, even a Chihuahua.
• Soil Analysis: Assessment of land suitability for truffle cultivation.
• Truffle Products: Sales of locally grown truffles and truffle-derived products.

The Team Behind Delecterra

Roux is supported by his canine companions, Naxos and Xana. Xana, a Lagotto Romagnolo, is the daughter of a world champion truffle dog and is considered a key asset to the company.

Growing Demand

Delecterra has already trained around thirty dogs, demonstrating the growing interest in truffle hunting in the Valais region.

Currently, Delecterra offers summer truffles (Tuber Aestivum) at a price of 15 CHF per 100g. Winter and autumn truffles are currently out of season.