I haven't heard of them being used for pigs but it would make sense genetically. They were for hunting lions when they were first bred, as I am sure you have read already. I've heard of funny hunting choices. One buddy went out in Nor. Cal with someone using Collies and knife.

I just wonder what the blood lines that your breeder has is like. Have they just been bred to meet the breed standards or have any of their ancestors actually been in the field. Do they have the fire in their belly? Need the grit to hunt big game. If not, they are still really active and athletic dogs. I know lots of world class athletes use them as training partners. Those SOBs can run marathons and keep going.

For catching and holding I've only ever seen Southern White English Bulldogs and American Bulldogs used. I've heard of some folks using American Pitbull Terriors with success too but I don't think APBTs are as powerful as the other old rare bulldog breeds. Overall though for catching and holding I think the Southern White English or even a Dogo Argentino is a perfect dog for that from what I've seen.