What is the purpose of a 'Catch Dog'?

A 'Catch Dog' is specifically trained to catch and hold a hunted animal, often in hunting scenarios where the animal being pursued can be quite large and aggressive. These dogs are bred and trained to engage with the animal in a way that allows them to safely restrain it, providing hunters the opportunity to retrieve the animal or control it for further processing.

This role requires strong physical capabilities and a temperament suited for the interaction with potentially dangerous wildlife. Catch dogs usually work in conjunction with other hunting dogs that might track or flush game. The other options refer to different roles that dogs can fulfill, such as retrieving, guarding, or tracking, but they do not characterize the primary responsibility of a catch dog, which is focused on direct engagement with hunted animals to immobilize them.