The term CANINE HOLDER can be broken down into three crossword solutions: JAW, ODIE, and ASTA. JAW is a three letter word that refers to the lower part of the mouth of an animal, including dogs. ODIE is a four letter word that is the name of a fictional dog from the comic strip 'Garfield'. ASTA is also a four letter word that is the name of a fictional dog from the 1934 film 'The Thin Man'. All three words refer to canine holders, or people who own and care for dogs.