breed of hound crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "breed of hound crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully curated to help you complete your puzzle. We've included answers by letter count and brief explanations to ensure you pick the perfect fit.
Solutions for "breed of hound crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
BEAGLE: A small to medium-sized hound, known for its keen sense of smell and tracking abilities, often used for hunting rabbits.
BASSET: A short-legged breed of hound, known for its long, drooping ears and sad-looking eyes, excellent for tracking.
9 Letters
GREYHOUND: A very fast sighthound, originally bred for hunting hares and deer, known for its sleek build.
DACHSHUND: A small, long-bodied, short-legged breed of dog of the hound family, often called a "wiener dog".
10 Letters
BLOODHOUND: A large hound known for its exceptional sense of smell, primarily used for tracking humans.
OTTERHOUND: A large, rough-coated British hound, historically used for hunting otters.
More About "breed of hound crossword clue"
Hound breeds encompass a fascinating and diverse group of dogs, united by their exceptional hunting instincts. They are broadly categorized into sighthounds, which hunt by sight (like Greyhounds), and scenthounds, which hunt by smell (like Beagles and Bloodhounds). These breeds have been developed over centuries for specific hunting tasks, resulting in their distinct physical characteristics and temperaments.
From the melodic bay of a Beagle on a trail to the incredible speed of a Greyhound chasing a lure, hounds demonstrate an impressive range of abilities. Many breeds, such as the Basset Hound, are renowned for their incredible sense of smell and stamina, making them excellent trackers. Others, like the elegant Saluki, showcase incredible agility and speed. Understanding these distinctions can often give you an edge in solving "breed of hound" related crossword clues.
Beyond their hunting prowess, many hound breeds make wonderful companions, known for their loyal and often laid-back demeanor indoors, though they do require adequate exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their natural instincts. Their unique personalities and historical roles make them a rich topic for crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down possibilities for "breed of hound" clues.
- Think About Sub-Categories: Does the clue hint at a sighthound or a scenthound? Sometimes the clue will give a subtle hint, e.g., "fast hound" for a sighthound, or "tracking hound" for a scenthound.
- Look for Common Breeds: Some hound breeds appear more frequently in crosswords due to their popularity or unique characteristics. Beagles, Bassets, and Greyhounds are common examples.
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues to confirm or eliminate potential hound breeds.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common characteristics of hound breeds?
Hound breeds are typically known for their strong sense of smell or excellent eyesight, used for tracking and hunting. They often possess stamina, a distinctive bark or bay, and can be quite independent.
How can I identify a hound breed in a crossword clue?
Look for clues related to hunting, tracking, specific physical traits like long ears (e.g., 'droopy-eared hound') or speed (e.g., 'swift hound'), or specific dog names that are well-known hound breeds (e.g., Beagle, Basset).
Are all hounds used for hunting?
While historically bred for hunting, many hounds today are kept as companion animals. Their strong instincts remain, but they are often adapted to family life, though they may still enjoy tracking games or scent work.