Crossword Genius

Little child is to clean dog perhaps (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

moppet

'little child' is the definition.
(moppet can informally mean a child)

'clean dog perhaps' is the wordplay.
'clean' becomes 'mop' (mopping is a kind of cleaning).
'dog perhaps' becomes 'pet' (dogs are often kept as pets).
'mop'+'pet'='MOPPET'

'is to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for moppet that I've seen before include "Little darling" , "Little girl" , "young child" , "Tot" , "Little child" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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