The UK Truffle Dog Championships 2026

Competitor entries open in June/July. Join the waiting list for the announcement.

The UK's national truffle dog competition 

— held in a woodland setting, the day before The UK Truffle Festival.

Each year, dog-and-handler teams from across the UK compete in live, timed truffle hunting challenges for the national title. It's skilful, nail-biting, and genuinely unlike anything else on the British events calendar.

In 2026, the Championships takes place in a natural woodland setting — giving competitors the environment this competition truly deserves. Judging focuses on what really matters in real truffle hunting: motivation, searching, detection, indication and teamwork.

Places are strictly limited to 30 competitors across two classes — Open Class and Young Dogs. Each competitor entry permits up to two spectating guests. The Championships is a completely separate event from the festival this year, with its own entry process and ticketing. The main awards ceremony takes place the following day at the festival in Hickstead.

Competitor entries will be opening soon — those on our email list will be notified first.

Important Information & FAQs

Please visit the festival website for important information including our Animal Welfare Guidelines, Health & Safety, FAQs and more: www.trufflefestival.co.uk