ovine breed crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on 'ovine breed crossword clue'? You've come to the right place! We provide all possible answers, meticulously categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you past that tricky spot.
Solutions for "ovine breed crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
JACOB: A distinctive multi-horned and piebald breed of domestic sheep.
6 Letters
MERINO: A breed of sheep prized for its very fine wool.
DORSET: A hardy breed of sheep known for its early lambing and good meat production.
7 Letters
CHEVIOT: A robust hill sheep breed originating from the Cheviot Hills, recognized for its white face and legs.
SUFFOLK: A popular English breed of sheep, characterized by its black face and legs, known for fast-growing lambs and good meat.
More About "ovine breed crossword clue"
Ovine breeds encompass a vast and fascinating world of domestic sheep, each developed over centuries for specific traits. From the luxuriant, fine wool of the Merino to the hardy, meat-producing qualities of the Dorset or Suffolk, these animals play a crucial role in agriculture and have left their mark on human culture globally.
When "ovine breed" appears in a crossword, the clue is often a test of general knowledge of animal husbandry or geography. Many breeds are associated with particular regions or countries, such as the Cheviot from Scotland or the Jacob from England, adding another layer to the puzzle's challenge. Understanding the primary characteristics – whether it's wool type, meat quality, or a distinctive appearance – can often lead you to the correct answer.
Crossword setters love using ovine breeds because their names are often unique, short, and distinct, fitting neatly into grids. Familiarity with common breeds can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process, transforming a tricky clue into an easy win.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the primary product: Many ovine breeds are known primarily for wool (e.g., Merino) or meat (e.g., Dorset). Thinking about their main purpose can narrow down the possibilities.
- Regional associations: Some breeds are strongly linked to their place of origin (e.g., Cheviot Hills, Suffolk county). If the clue hints at a region, this can be a big clue.
- Distinctive features: Does the breed have unique characteristics like multiple horns (Jacob) or a black face (Suffolk)? These features are often subtly hinted at in clues.
- Check letter count: Always cross-reference your potential answer with the number of letters required in the puzzle grid. This is often the quickest way to confirm or rule out an answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ovine breed?
An 'ovine breed' refers to a specific type or variety of domestic sheep (Ovis aries). These breeds are developed through selective breeding for various characteristics, such as wool quality, meat production, milk yield, or hardiness to specific environments.
Why are ovine breeds common in crosswords?
Ovine breeds are popular crossword clues because there's a wide variety of distinct breeds with unique, often short, and specific names that fit well into crossword grids. They also tie into general knowledge, making them good challenges.
What's the most common ovine breed answer?
While answers vary by puzzle, breeds like MERINO (known for wool) and DORSET (known for meat) are very common due to their distinct names and common knowledge association. Others like SUFFOLK or CHEVIOT also appear frequently.