Catahoulas are highly intelligent and energetic. They are assertive dogs, but can also have issues with interdog aggression and intolerance to strangers. Their original purpose of hunting hogs, controlling cattle, etc. has bred in a high prey drive; small animals including cats and chickens may be injured by a Catahoula, even when raised with them. Some do not always make a good family dog, and are better suited to a working or active performance home. Aggression, destructive behavior, and undesirable behaviors all begin when inadequate mental and physical exercise is provided. Most Catahoulas are good with children, and will protect them against aggressors, (though some are prone to mistake aggression for other emotions). Most are also good with unknown children and their contact with the dog's 'pack'/family, but they are wary of unknown adults. Socialization and training from a young age may help lessen some undesirable behaviors, but may not completely eliminate them. The majority of Catahoulas are even tempered.