This is a cutesy little idea I had. An amphibious semi-intelligent species. Armless. Enjoys frolicking and appearing to be completely passive. Upon being attacked, their face wrenches open to display a large-toothed maw which they will use to bite. Can be bribed to do simple tasks using food. Drop a turkey leg on a lever, they'll run over, eat, then pull it for you. Such is the beauty of needs and wants. You could even have them follow you around by dropping some food at your feet. ...That's all I got. Don't even have a name for them
Might call them Chonkers? It's a mix of the words Chomp and Bonkers, and given your description, it seems to fit quite well, I think.
