Otterhound
Fewer than a thousand are thought to exist, which makes it rarer than the giant panda. Webbed feet and an oily coat, from hunting otter in cold rivers.
Overview
The Otterhound is one of the rarest breeds in the world, with fewer than a thousand alive and often fewer than fifty puppies born a year. It was bred to hunt otter in cold English rivers, which required a rough oily double coat, webbed feet and the stamina to swim for hours.
Otter hunting was banned in Britain in 1978 and the breed lost its purpose, which is why the numbers are where they are.
Temperament
Boisterous, friendly and thoroughly independent. Otterhounds are amiable with people and other dogs and they are not guard dogs in any sense.
They are hounds, so recall on a scent is poor and the voice is exceptionally loud and deep. They are also large, clumsy and enthusiastic, and they have a well earned reputation for being messy: the beard drips water everywhere after every drink.
Care and grooming
A rough oily double coat that needs brushing weekly and should not be washed often, because bathing strips the oil that makes it work.
Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and a bleeding disorder called Glanzmann's thrombasthenia occur, and the last has a DNA test. The tiny gene pool is the fundamental issue and reputable breeders track it closely. Ten to thirteen years.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day with swimming. They have serious stamina.
Secure fencing and a lead. The practical obstacle is finding one, since the breed is on every vulnerable list there is and waiting lists run for years.
Something here wrong or out of date?