Needle a dog (7)

I believe the answer is:

pointer

I believe this is a double definition.

'needle' is the first definition.
(thesaurus)

'a dog' is the second definition.
(I know that pointer is a type of gun dog)

(Other definitions for pointer that I've seen before include "Hint (for a dog?)" , "Gun dog" , "The dog provides an indication" , "Dog < or horse or" , "Dog; cursor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app