Cryptic crossword clue
It’s not shaggy or harsh: it needs grooming 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SHORTHAIR

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "It’s not shaggy" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it’s not shaggy = shorthair.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SHORTHAIR mean?

SHORTHAIR noun
  1. Any of several breeds of domestic cat with relatively short hair, slender body and large head.

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