Premier Truffles

Q. & A. with Carrie

• Why did you start breeding?

  Why I Started Breeding Lagotto Romagnolo My journey into breeding began with a desire to produce healthy, capable Lagotto Romagnolo that could excel as truffle hunting dogs while also being wonderful family companions. Before ever considering a breeding program, I spent years working with and training Lagotto Romagnolo in the field. Through truffle hunting and dog training, I developed a deep appreciation for the breed’s intelligence, work ethic, and unique partnership with people. I knew that if I was going to breed, it would only be done with a strong commitment to preserving the qualities that make the Lagotto special. I sought guidance from experienced breeders, truffle hunters, and Puppy Culture professionals, building relationships with mentors who continue to help shape my program today. Their knowledge and support have been invaluable in helping me develop a breeding program focused on health, temperament, and purpose. I made a promise to myself that I would only breed if my dogs demonstrated exceptional health and temperament. Comprehensive health testing was a non-negotiable requirement, and I was thrilled when my foundation dog earned excellent health clearances. One of the proudest moments in my breeding journey was pairing my Master Truffle Dog with an Italian Champion. This combination brought together proven working ability and outstanding breed quality, creating a foundation for future generations of Lagotto that are both capable workers and devoted companions. Today, every breeding decision I make is guided by the same principles that inspired me to begin: producing healthy, stable, intelligent dogs that honor the breed’s heritage while enriching the lives of the families who welcome them home.

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• What makes your program special?

  What Makes Premier Truffles Different? At Premier Truffles, breeding is about much more than producing puppies. My goal is to preserve and enhance the qualities that make the Lagotto Romagnolo such a remarkable breed while raising puppies that thrive as both family companions and working dogs. What sets my program apart is my real-world experience training and working truffle dogs. As a truffle hunting instructor, I don’t just breed Lagotto—I live and work with them every day. I understand firsthand the traits that make a successful working dog: intelligence, confidence, problem-solving ability, trainability, and a strong desire to work with their handler. Every breeding is carefully planned with health, temperament, and purpose as the top priorities. Health testing is never optional, and I work closely with trusted mentors, breeders, and Puppy Culture professionals to continually improve my program. Puppies are raised in my home and begin Puppy Culture protocols from the earliest days of life. They receive extensive socialization, enrichment, and exposure to the sights, sounds, and experiences that help them develop into confident, adaptable adults. Unlike programs that focus primarily on appearance, I place tremendous emphasis on temperament and puppy-family matching. I spend weeks observing each puppy’s personality and development so I can help place them in the home where they are most likely to succeed. Perhaps most importantly, my puppies come from generations of dogs selected for both companionship and working ability. Whether a puppy grows up to be a family pet, a truffle dog, a therapy dog, or a performance dog, my goal is the same: to produce healthy, well-rounded Lagotto Romagnolo that enrich the lives of the people who love them. When you bring home a Premier Truffles puppy, you’re not just getting a dog—you’re gaining the support of someone deeply invested in the breed, the puppies I produce, and the families who welcome them into their lives. 🐾🍄‍🟫

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• What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

  Our puppies include white and brown. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

• Where do your breeding dogs live?

  They live in my home.