Chow alternative (4)
I believe the answer is:
peke
'chow alternative' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for peke that I've seen before include "In short, it's a small short-legged dog" , "Small snub-nosed dog" , "Small canine" , "5 [MANS BEST FRIEND]" , "Small breed of dog" .)