Catahoulas are very good family dogs IF you pay attention to them and don't just tie them up. They are very intelligent and High energy. They are traditionally cattle dogs. Herders and yes, they are hog dogs as well. they like to do things and will often herd whatever animals you have around be they chickens, cats, and children. They are very loyal and protective. A friend of mine had one and the dog was fine with all the kids playing together but had to be taught that when some other kid took the ball from his owner it was a game. His dog use to run out and get between his owner and the other kids when they took the ball from him. If you ignore a Houla he starts to entertain him or herself and can chew up all sorts of stuff. I had one that I rescued and when I first got her she would sleep under my pickup truck and chew and pull on the wires underneath. Had to replace my breaklight wires and once the antiskid brake switch. Once I taught her to leave the wires alone and not play with them as toys all was well. She use to love to ride in that truck. One day I walked to the truck and without looking for the dog I shut the tailgate and she hit it with her head as she was inflight to jump into the truck. It didn't hurt her but dazed her alittle. I was laughing so hard after I saw she was ok I let her ride up front with me. After that she watched the tailgate position alot more. They are funny great dogs who love to be part of the family.