Crossword Genius

Pet animals? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bulldog

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

'pet animals?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'pet' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'pet' could be 'dog' and 'dog' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'bull' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bulldog that I've seen before include "Animal, symbol of tenacity" , "Courageous canine - clip" , "Sturdy animal" , "Canine (with British spirit?)" , "Animal symbolising the British" .)

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