perro callejero
/pero kaʝexeɾo/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase 'stray dog' is translated into Spanish as perro callejero. If unsure, use perro callejero. Wiktionary also lists güino.
Meaning: ownerless dog (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| perro callejero | /pero kaʝexeɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| güino | /ɡwino/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A perro callejero refers to an ownerless dog. You can also use the phrase perro de la calle to express the same concept.
What does it mean word for word?
The term perro callejero literally translates to 'street dog'.
Which one should you use?
While perro callejero is the standard term, you may encounter güino in specific contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase perro abandonado is often used to refer to a stray dog.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term changes based on gender and number. For a female stray dog, use perra callejera. To refer to multiple stray dogs, use the plural form perros callejeros.
Did you know?
- While you might use perro callejero to describe an animal, in many Spanish-speaking cultures, the term is applied to people to describe someone who is a 'drifter' or lacks social roots.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, perros callejeros are treated as community pets where various neighbors share the responsibility of feeding and caring for them.
- The word perro was once a pejorative term meaning 'cur' and eventually replaced the more formal Latin word can for dog.
Examples in context
- A Tom le atacó un perro callejero.Tom was attacked by a stray dog.This sentence shows the use of perro callejero in a context involving an attack.Tatoeba #3250165 by Shishir, translation #2876356 by CK
- En nuestra ciudad, el gobierno se preocupa por el bienestar de los perros callejeros.In our city, the government is concerned about the welfare of stray dogs.
- La organización sin fines de lucro trabaja para rescatar y cuidar a los canes en situación de abandono.The non-profit organization works to rescue and care for dogs in a situation of abandonment.
- Ayer encontré un perro sin dueño en el parque y le di un poco de comida.Yesterday I found a stray dog in the park and gave it some food.
- ¡Mira qué perrito abandonado más lindo! Debemos encontrarle un hogar.Look at that cute little stray dog! We should find him a home.
- Ese perro callejero parece tener hambre.That stray dog seems to be hungry.
- Cuidado con el perro callejero de la esquina.Watch out for the stray dog on the corner.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are walking in a park.
- MaríaMira, hay un perro callejero cerca del banco.Look, there is a stray dog near the bench.
- DanielEs verdad, parece muy asustado.It's true, he looks very scared.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿podemos llevarlo a un refugio?Daniel, can we take him to a shelter?
- DanielSí, es una buena idea ayudarlo.Yes, it is a good idea to help him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stray dog” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries callejero, perro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
