Crossword Genius

Loser finds canine paws here (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

underdog

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue might be a double definition.

'loser' is the first definition.
(I know that underdog is a type of loser)

'canine paws here' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'finds' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for underdog that I've seen before include "Loser; subject" , "Such is unlikely to succeed" , "Competitor expected to lose" , "One thought unlikely to win" , "Weaker contestant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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