Heavenly character of a dog (5)

I believe the answer is:

pluto

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'dog' is the definition.
(I have seen 'animated dog' mean 'pluto' so perhaps 'dog' could also mean 'pluto')

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pluto that I've seen before include "Hellish leader" , "Infernal ruler" , "Solar System's smallest planet" , "Planet - cartoon dog - God of the Underworld" , "underworld boss" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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