short legged canine crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving tricky crossword clues! On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "short legged canine crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "short legged canine crossword clue" by Letter Count
9 Letters
DACHSHUND: A popular dog breed famous for its distinctively long body and short legs, originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers. Often called 'wiener dogs' or 'sausage dogs'.
6 Letters
BASSET: A type of hound with short legs and long, droopy ears, often used for hunting small game due to its excellent sense of smell. Specifically, the Basset Hound.
5 Letters
CORGI: A small, low-set herding dog breed, recognizable by its short legs and fox-like appearance. Popularized by British royalty, Corgis are intelligent and active despite their stature.
More About "short legged canine crossword clue"
The clue "short legged canine" is a classic example of how crosswords test your knowledge of specific animal breeds and their defining characteristics. Dogs known for their disproportionately short legs are often featured due to their distinctive silhouettes and memorable names. Breeds like the Dachshund, Basset Hound, and Corgi fit this description perfectly and are common answers.
These breeds were often developed for specific purposes where short legs were an advantage, such as burrowing into badger sets (Dachshunds) or navigating low-lying brush while herding (Corgis). Their unique anatomy makes them easily identifiable, both visually and through descriptive crossword clues. When you encounter such a clue, thinking of the most famous examples of such breeds is a good starting point.
Understanding the nuances of canine breeds can significantly boost your crossword-solving skills. Pay attention to other parts of the clue that might hint at a specific type of dog, such as "hound" for Basset or "herding dog" for Corgi, which can help confirm your answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider breed-specific terms: If a clue mentions an animal with a distinctive physical feature, think of specific breeds known for that trait. For "short-legged," Dachshunds, Bassets, and Corgis are prime candidates.
- Check word length carefully: The number of letters available in the grid is one of your most powerful hints. Use it to eliminate answers that don't fit the exact length, even if they seem plausible. For instance, a 6-letter space would fit BASSET but not DACHSHUND.
- Look for synonyms or related terms: Sometimes, the answer isn't the direct breed name but a broader category or a colloquial term (e.g., "wiener" for Dachshund). Always consider alternative phrasing if your initial thoughts don't fit.
- Utilize cross-references: Don't just focus on one clue. The letters from intersecting words can quickly reveal segments of a challenging answer, making it much easier to complete.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common short-legged dog breeds often found in crosswords?
Besides the prominent Dachshund and Basset, you might also encounter Corgi, Skye Terrier, or even informal terms like "Wiener dog" (for Dachshund) if the clue allows for it. These breeds are popular because their distinctive physical traits make for good clues.
How can the number of letters help me solve a clue like "short legged canine"?
The exact number of letters is crucial. If the space is 6 letters, BASSET is a strong candidate. If it's 9, DACHSHUND fits perfectly. Always check the grid first to narrow down the possibilities based on the required length.
Are "canine" and "dog" interchangeable in crossword clues?
While "canine" broadly refers to the dog family (including wolves and foxes), in the context of typical crossword clues, "canine" almost always points to a domestic dog breed. This makes dog breeds, especially those with specific distinguishing features like short legs, highly relevant answers.