As truffles are usually found underground, you have to have a way to gather them! This is where detection animals come into play because of their superior olfactory capabilities.
Traditionally in Europe truffles were harvested by female pigs because the volatile compounds ripe truffles release are similar to pheromones emitted from a male pig. These days however dogs are used because while they have to be trained, they do not eat the truffles as readily and are much easier to manage. A 400 lb. pig is slightly more cumbersome than a 40 lb. dog!
Sadly, in the United States, truffles are also harvested using rakes which can be detrimental to the environment and the domestic truffle economy.
