A smaller dog than Patch? (4)

I believe the answer is:

spot

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'patch?' is the definition.
('spot' can be a synonym of 'patch')

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for spot that I've seen before include "Small mark; see" , "Small mark; observe" , "point on snooker table" , "Notice; pimple" , "Difficult situation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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