Strands hint for July 5, 2026

The puzzle for Sunday, July 5, 2026. Every hint is hidden until you open it, so take only the nudge you need.

Theme clue

“Barking up the right tree”

Hints, from gentle to full answers

Hint 1Theme nudgeShowHide
The clue is "Barking up the right tree". Every theme word fits it, and the spangram names the idea behind it.
It touches all four edges of the board.
Hint 2Word count and lengthsShowHide
There are 5 theme words plus the spangram, and together they use every letter on the board.
Theme word lengths: 5, 7, 7, 7, 9.
The spangram has 13 letters.
Hint 3First lettersShowHide
The theme words start with: H (5), P (7), R (9), S (7), T (7). The number in brackets is the word's length.
Hint 4Spangram first and last lettersShowHide
The spangram starts with H and ends with S.
SpoilerReveal one theme wordShowHide
The longest theme word is RETRIEVER.
SpoilerReveal the spangramShowHide
The spangram is HUNTINGBREEDS.
SpoilerReveal all the answersShowHide
Spangram: HUNTINGBREEDS.
Theme words: HOUND, POINTER, RETRIEVER, SPANIEL, TERRIER.