American Foxhounds are known for their easy going and sweet-tempered nature, making them a perfect choice for an active person or family.

Cooper is an American Foxhound but he was born with some serious ‘shortcomings.’ Nevertheless, he isn’t letting them slow him down one bit.

Cooper was born with the most unusual defects. Several of his vertebrae were compressed and fused together while he was inside the womb.

As a result, he was born without a neck and not expected to make it.

Source: Real Fix UK/Facebook

Two years later, the sweet pooch manages to get around even though he has to turn his whole body to look back.

At the tender age of two months, the kind folks at Secondhand Hounds in Minnetonka, Minnesota got involved with Cooper.

He was abandoned near a puppy mill probably due to his deformities, which also includes having a rear-end located farther up his back.

Instead of being located at the back end of the dog, Cooper’s tush is located much higher up, making it hard to defecate.

Along with his ear mites, worms, and a hernia, the rescue group had a challenge ahead.

Source: Real Fix UK/Facebook

Surgery helped the pup defecate properly, and although his first adoption failed, the second time was a success. Elly and Andy Keegan adopted the little guy, who fits right in with their other dogs.

In the beginning, he fell and fractured his neck in five places, but he is able to go to the bathroom on his own, and gets antibiotics to avoid infection.

Inside Edition reported on his mom, Elly, saying, “It’s hard because he can’t go for long walks and can’t spend a lot of time on hard surfaces. He has to be on soft ground like grass or carpet.”

Watch Cooper defy the odds in the video below.

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10 Of The “Most Loyal” Dog Breeds On The Planet
Giving love and support to humans is something that some dogs do better than others.

While many dogs love everyone they meet and are willing to take treats or belly rubs from anyone, the pups we found are just the opposite.

These 10 dogs are some of the most loyal breeds on the planet. They are rock steady in their loyalty to their owner no matter what.

1) Akita

When the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists loyalty to describe the temperament of the Akita, you know they mean business. The beautiful double-coated working dog of Japanese ancestry is considered hardwired in protecting those she loves. They should be socialized with other dogs and people from the time they are puppies. Their silly, fun, but dignified personalities round out the loyal Akita.

Source: NicoMonaco/Flickr

2) Boxer

This working dog is smart, full of energy, and oh so loyal to their family. They get along great with kids and have an innate instinct to protect their pack. He’s a watchdog with a heart of gold who oozes dedication to his owner.

Source: Pierre Pocs Photography/Flickr

3) Skye Terrier

Known as the “small dog with the big ears,” this adorable breed hails from the Scottish Isle of Skye, hence the name. Whether you live in the city or the country, this small dog with a big personality is steadfast in snuggling, playtime, and remaining loyal to his owners.

Source: WaketheSun/Flickr

4) Beagle

This merry hound is friendly, curious and incredibly loyal. While he doesn’t mind the occasional couch potato time, this spunky pooch is energetic and merry. A fun fact about this hound: the breed standard is for 13 inches and under and another in the 13-15 inch category. No matter how you size him, these adorable dogs just want to cling to you.

Source: Simon Hameau/Flickr

5) Shar-Pei

This wrinkly non-sporting breed is standoffish to strangers but very loyal to his owner. His ancient Chinese roots are part of the charm of the Shar-Pei. Regal, strong, and smart, if you want a BFF for life, this loose-skinned pooch may be the right choice for you.

Source: Alessandro Persano/Flickr

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