Meet Indi (Indigo)
Breed: Te Kuiti
Barking from: Truffle Hunting Around The North Island
Job Title: Cocker Spaniel
What's up dog?
Indy, an 11-year-old cocker spaniel truffle hunting dog, has been an integral part of expanding the truffle hunting industry across the North Island of New Zealand. With years of dedicated service, Indy has significantly impacted the agricultural landscape by aiding in the discovery and harvest of high-value truffles, thus supporting the livelihoods of numerous truffle growers, and enhancing the culinary scene.
Purpose and Skillset
Indy’s primary role involves the intricate task of locating the elusive Tuber Melanosporum, Tuber aestivum/uncinatum and Tuber borchii truffles. Her exceptional olfactory skills allow her to detect truffles buried deep underground, which are otherwise impossible for human growers to find without substantial disruption to the soil. Trained from a young age, Indy's skill set includes a refined technique that ensures minimal impact on the delicate mycelium, promoting sustainability and continued growth in truffle production.
Impact on Growers and the Community
Throughout her career, Indy has been pivotal in numerous ‘first’ truffle discoveries across the North Island, directly contributing to the economic growth of local growers. Her ability to locate truffles has not only increased yield quality and quantity but has also helped new truffiéres establish realise their dream of having productive orchards. Ther capability is crucial, as undetected truffles cannot contribute to the market, affecting both local economies and the broader agricultural landscape of the North Island.
Stories of Influence
One of Indy’s most notable impacts was during a survey in an older established orchard where the owners were unsure about the presence of truffles. The scientific results for mycorrhizal on the roots had not shown as favourable and the growers suspected that they would never produce because of this. Indy’s keen sense detected several truffle patches in their truffière, leading to a successful first harvest for the grower. She not only validated the truffière’s potential but also inspired confidence in the grower, as well as in other local growers who started producing in the following years.
Another heartwarming story involves a public truffle event where Indy demonstrated her truffle hunting skills. Her friendly demeanour and impressive abilities won over the crowd, many of whom were unfamiliar with truffle hunting and uplifting the truffles themselves. The event significantly raised local interest in truffle cultivation and consumption.
Conclusion
Indy’s remarkable abilities as a truffle dog extend beyond her direct contributions to truffle hunting. Her influence on the industry growth, and education both through videos of her work online training programme of the growers, as well as moderating a grower’s own dog ability is tireless. The truffles she locates provide cultural enrichment of the North Island’s culinary scene which exemplifies the profound impact a working dog can have. Her dedication and achievements highlight the essential role of working dogs in agricultural innovation and community engagement.
Indy is not just a dog; she is a pioneer, a teacher, and an ambassador for the truffle industry in New Zealand.
2025 NZ Top Dog with a Job Award
Judging and criteria
Purpose
This award recognises a working dog that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether supporting people or fellow animals, this dog’s daily efforts help improve wellbeing, provide support, or create meaningful change in their community.
Reach
Does your dog make a difference in the life of one individual, or do they support an entire group, workplace, or community? Tell us who they help and how far their support reaches.
Impact
What kind of impact does your dog have in their role? Share how they’ve enhanced wellbeing, supported mental health, or improved the lives of those around them
