Hound or hamster
I believe the answer is:
pet
'hound or hamster' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for pet that I've seen before include "Loved domestic animal" , "Tamed animal; sulk" , "Favourite or house animal" , "Cherished favourite" , "The darling one in a small temper" .)