Graus, the picturesque town in Huesca, is preparing to celebrate a special and exciting event: the 2nd National Truffle Dog Competition Villa de Graus 2024. Held in conjunction with the 5th Graus Truffle Fair and the opening of the Graus Fresh Truffle Market 2024-2025, this competition promises to be the stage where the best truffle dogs in Spain, accompanied by their trainers, will demonstrate their skills in the search for the prized black truffle . The dates for this highly anticipated competition are November 30th and December 1st, 2024, and pre-registration is now open for teams wishing to participate.
Details of participation in the II National Truffle Dog Competition
The competition will take place on a specially prepared property in Graus, specifically in the parking lot of the Gradense Recreational Center. This event is a unique opportunity for truffle enthusiasts and experts alike, who will be able to see their dogs in action as they compete for prizes that recognize the effort, dedication, and bond between hunter and dog.
The participation process begins with online pre-registration, open from November 6th to November 17th, or until the 32-team limit is reached. This pre-registration does not guarantee participation in the event, as each application will be reviewed by the organizing committee. Two reserve teams will also be available to cover any last-minute cancellations. Official registration will be confirmed on November 19th, and participants must finalize their registration by paying a €20 fee.
Awards and competition
This contest is not only a recreational event, but also offers a cash prize for the top performers. The prizes will be:
- 1st place: €600
- 2nd place: €300
- 3rd place: €150
Competency Development
The competition is divided into several phases: qualifying, semi-final, and final, each with its own rules and characteristics. The teams, composed of a hunter and their truffle dog, must locate black truffles from Aragon (Tuber melanosporum), which will be hidden in different delimited areas within the competition field.
Qualifying phase of the II National Truffle Dog Competition
The qualifying round will take place on November 30th, from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. There will be eight elimination rounds of four teams each. Only the team that finds the most truffles in the shortest amount of time will advance to the next round. The dogs will have a 3x27 meter area in which to search for four truffles hidden at a depth of between 5 and 10 centimeters. The draw to determine the round order will be held on the same day, between 9:00 and 10:00 AM.
Semi-final phase of the II National Truffle Dog Competition
The semi-final will take place on December 1st at 10:00 AM. The eight qualified teams will compete in two rounds of four teams each, with the top teams advancing to the final. The teams will follow the same search format in a 3x27 meter area, with four hidden truffles.
Final Phase of the II National Truffle Dog Contest
Finally, the decisive phase will take place on December 1st at 12:30 pm. The four finalist teams will compete in a round where they must find eight truffles in the shortest possible time. The excitement will be at its peak in this stage, as the winner of the competition and the prizes will be decided.
Terms and conditions
To ensure transparency and the smooth running of the event, the organizing committee has established detailed participation guidelines . These include the hunter's national identity card, the dog's passport, and its microchip number. Participants must also comply with current animal health regulations, such as vaccination and deworming. Furthermore, hunters may not use any additional tools or tracking methods other than the dog and traditional truffle-hunting equipment.
It is important to note that the organization will take safety measures to ensure the well-being of the dogs, and a veterinary service will be available during the competition. Furthermore, the organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify any participants involved in criminal activities related to truffle cultivation, thus guaranteeing the integrity and seriousness of the competition.
A gathering that celebrates truffle culture
The 2nd National Truffle Dog Competition Villa de Graus 2024 is not only a test of skill for dogs and hunters, but also an opportunity for the public to learn about truffle cultivation. During the fair, in addition to the competition, attendees can enjoy various stands, truffle-derived products, and the unique experience of the Graus Fresh Truffle Market.
This event aims not only to promote truffle cultivation and its traditions, but also to foster respect and admiration for the work of these dogs and their trainers. The relationship between the hunter and their dog is fundamental in this type of activity, and watching them work together is a spectacle that fascinates both experts and the general public.
Don't miss the 2nd National Truffle Dog Competition!
If you're a truffle lover and want to experience a unique weekend in a natural setting steeped in tradition, don't hesitate to attend the 2nd National Truffle Dog Competition Villa de Graus 2024. This event promises moments of great excitement and an unforgettable experience for all those who appreciate truffle cultivation and the dedication it entails.
Are you ready to witness the skill of Spain's best truffle dogs? Mark your calendar for November 30th and December 1st, and come enjoy the authentic truffle experience in Graus. We look forward to celebrating the art of finding the black truffle together , in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees!
