Crossword Genius

Note bird dog (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beagle

'dog' is the definition.
(beagle is a kind of dog)

'note bird' is the wordplay.
'note' becomes 'b' (musical note).
'bird' becomes 'eagle' (eagle is a kind of bird).
'b'+'eagle'='BEAGLE'

(Other definitions for beagle that I've seen before include "5 [MANS BEST FRIEND]" , "Short-haired dog" , "hunting animal with smooth coat" , "Breed of dog in a glebe" , "Small hunting dog" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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