little dog crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with "little dog crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. We provide not just the answers, but also short explanations to clarify why each solution fits the clue.
Solutions for "little dog crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PUP: A very young dog, which by nature is little.
5 Letters
POOCH: An informal or affectionate term for a dog, often implying smallness or cuteness.
6 Letters
LAPDOG: A small dog suitable for holding on the lap.
YORKIE: A common nickname for a Yorkshire Terrier, a very small dog breed.
7 Letters
TERRIER: A type of dog, many breeds of which are small, such as the Jack Russell or Boston Terrier.
SHIHTZU: A breed of toy dog known for its small size and long flowing hair.
9 Letters
CHIHUAHUA: One of the smallest dog breeds, originating from Mexico.
More About "little dog crossword clue"
The clue "little dog" in crosswords often points to a range of answers, from general terms for young or small canines to specific diminutive breeds. Puzzle setters love these clues because they allow for both straightforward and more obscure solutions, testing your knowledge of dog breeds and common colloquialisms. Understanding the nuances of dog-related terminology can significantly boost your crossword-solving success.
Solutions like PUP, POOCH, and LAPDOG are frequent contenders, directly relating to the size or common behavior of small dogs. However, don't overlook specific breed names such as CHIHUAHUA, YORKIE, or SHIH TZU, especially when a longer answer is needed. These breeds are universally recognized for their small stature, making them perfect fits for this type of clue. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a dog's vocal habits, leading to answers like YAPPER.
Always consider the number of letters required for the answer block. This is often the most crucial hint to narrow down your options, transforming a broad category like 'little dog' into a solvable puzzle piece. Context from surrounding clues can also provide invaluable assistance in determining the precise answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Before even thinking of answers, always count the available squares. This is the single most effective way to eliminate many possibilities for 'little dog' and other clues.
- Think Breeds and General Terms: For animal clues like "little dog," consider both specific breeds (e.g., CHIHUAHUA) and general terms (e.g., PUP, POOCH). The clue's wording might lean one way or another.
- Consider Synonyms and Colloquialisms: Sometimes "little dog" isn't a direct breed but a common way of referring to a small canine, such as a "lapdog" or even a "yapper" if noise is implied.
- Look for Cross-References: If a part of the answer is already filled in from an intersecting word, use those letters to guide your choice. It's often the deciding factor between similar-length answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common 3-letter answer for a 'little dog' clue?
The most common 3-letter answer is usually PUP, referring to a young dog. PUG and POM are also frequent short answers, referring to specific small breeds.
Are 'toy dog' and 'little dog' clues interchangeable in crosswords?
Often, yes. 'Toy dog' specifically refers to dog breeds classified in the 'toy group' due to their small size, like Poodles or Chihuahuas. 'Little dog' is a broader term, but in crosswords, it often leads to answers from the toy group or general terms for small dogs.
How do I differentiate between a 'small dog' and a 'young dog' clue?
A 'young dog' clue almost always points to PUP. 'Small dog' or 'little dog' is more versatile and can include PUP, but also breed names like CHIHUAHUA, YORKIE, or general terms like POOCH or LAPDOG. Context and letter count are key to distinguishing them.