breed of sheep crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "breed of sheep crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "breed of sheep crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RAM: A male sheep, often a very short crossword answer.
4 Letters
SOAY: An ancient, primitive breed of sheep originating from the Scottish island of Soay.
EWES: Female sheep, another common short answer.
5 Letters
JACOB: A piebald, horned breed of domestic sheep known for its distinctive spots.
TEXEL: A popular Dutch sheep breed known for its excellent meat production.
6 Letters
DORSET: Refers to two British breeds, Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset, known for lambing out of season.
MERINO: A highly prized breed of sheep noted for its very fine and soft wool.
ROMNEY: A dual-purpose sheep breed, originating from England, known for its long, lustrous wool.
7 Letters
CHEVIOT: A hardy, white-faced breed of sheep originating from the Cheviot Hills in Scotland and England.
RYELAND: A traditional English sheep breed, recognized for its fine wool and good meat qualities.
SUFFOLK: A common British breed, large and hornless, known for its rapid growth and meat production.
10 Letters
SHROPSHIRE: A medium-sized, hornless breed, originating in Shropshire, England, known for its dense wool and good meat.
More About "breed of sheep crossword clue"
Sheep breeds are a fascinating and common subject in crosswords due to their diverse names, origins, and characteristics. From ancient, hardy breeds like the Soay to modern, highly specialized ones like the Merino (renowned for its wool) or the Texel (for meat), the world of ovine breeds provides rich material for puzzle setters. Understanding the common features associated with different breeds can often give you the edge in solving these clues.
Many crossword clues will hint at a sheep breed's origin, such as "Scottish sheep" or "English wool producer." Others might focus on their unique appearance, like "spotted sheep breed" for JACOB, or their purpose, such as "fine wool producer." Familiarizing yourself with a few key breeds and their distinguishing features will significantly improve your ability to tackle these types of clues in various puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: When faced with a "breed of sheep" clue, always check the number of letters required. This is often the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities.
- Look for Context Clues: Clues might include hints about the sheep's origin (e.g., "Dutch sheep"), its most famous product (e.g., "fine wool source"), or its physical attributes (e.g., "horned breed").
- Think of Common Shorter Answers: If the letter count is low (3-5 letters), immediately consider common general terms like RAM or EWES, or short breed names like SOAY or TEXEL.
- Expand Your Knowledge: If you frequently encounter animal breed clues, a quick browse of common domestic animal breeds can be a great asset for future puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are sheep breeds common crossword clues?
Sheep breeds are common in crosswords because they offer a wide range of unique names with varying letter counts, from short answers like RAM or EWES to longer ones like SHROPSHIRE or CHEVIOT. Their distinct characteristics also provide good fodder for clue variations.
What are some of the shortest sheep breed answers found in crosswords?
The shortest and most frequent sheep-related answers include RAM (3 letters), EWES (4 letters), and SOAY (4 letters). These are often used when only a few letters are available in the grid.
How can I identify a specific sheep breed in a crossword clue?
Look for hints about the breed's origin (e.g., 'Scottish sheep', 'English wool producer'), its distinguishing features (e.g., 'horned sheep', 'black-faced breed'), or its primary purpose (e.g., 'meat sheep', 'fine wool source'). Combining these with the letter count often helps narrow down the possibilities.