Crossword Genius

Text written about a pet dog (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mastiff

'dog' is the definition.
(breed of dog)

'text written about a pet' is the wordplay.
'text' becomes 'MS' (short for manuscript).
'written about' indicates putting letters inside.
'pet' becomes 'tiff' (I've seen this before).
'ms' enclosing 'a' is 'mas'.
'mas'+'tiff'='MASTIFF'

(Other definitions for mastiff that I've seen before include "Powerful, smooth-coated dog used for security work" , "one of his best friends?" , "Large short-haired dog breed" , "Big dog" , "Powerful dog breed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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