Crossword Genius

A dog is a b..... good thing to have! (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

basset

'a dog' is the definition.
(type of dog)

'b good thing to have' is the wordplay.
'good thing to have' becomes 'asset' (I've seen this in another clue).
'b'+'asset'='BASSET'

'is a' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for basset that I've seen before include "Hare-hunting hound among beasts" , "Type of hound" , "Low, smooth-haired breed of hound" , "Beasts (anag.)" , "Low-set hound" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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