Dobbin's dad? (4)
I believe the answer is:
sire
This clue might be a double definition.
'dobbin's' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'dad?' is the second definition.
(sire can mean father)
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sire that I've seen before include "Male parent of a horse, for example" , "Bear" , "Old form of address to king - rise to it" , "Male parent of an animal" , "Ancestor" .)