15 Ways To Say Dog In Spanish With Dog Training Vocabulary (Examples)
We all love our dogs. They became our companions through the years. They follow us in our homes, during our night walks, and we even take them with use to our travels!
Spanish people are no different. You can find lovely dogs on the streets of Latin America, and there are more and more dog owners in Spain, too.
In this blog post, we’re going to check 15 different ways to say dog in Spanish + check some of the most common dog training commands, so you know how to call back your dog in Spanish!
Let’s immediately start with some popular commands for your dog in Spanish. This video is brought to you by Molosser:
And here are the 15 ways you can call your dog in Spanish:
1. Perro (Dog)
“Perro” is your go-to word for “dog” in Spanish.
It’s the most common term you’ll use in everyday conversations. Whether you’re talking to your vet, asking about someone’s pet, or describing a cute pup you saw in the park, “perro” is your best bet.
It’s neutral, and appropriate for all situations, from casual chats to more formal settings.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tengo un perro grande. | I have a big dog. |
| ¿Puedo acariciar a tu perro? | Can I pet your dog? |
| Los perros son los mejores amigos del hombre. | Dogs are man’s best friends. |
2. Perrito (Puppy)
“Perrito” is the adorable diminutive form of “perro,” perfect for puppies or small dogs.
It’s a term of endearment in Spanish that instantly adds a touch of cuteness to your conversation. Use it when you’re cooing over a tiny pup or want to emphasize the small size or youthfulness of a dog.
It’s also great for expressing affection towards any dog, regardless of size.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¡Qué lindo perrito! | What a cute puppy! |
| Mi perrito tiene solo tres meses. | My puppy is only three months old. |
| Vamos a pasear al perrito. | Let’s take the little dog for a walk. |
3. Pochito (Little dog, affectionate)
“Pochito” is a super affectionate way to refer to a dog.
It’s like saying “little pooch” in English.
This term is perfect for when you’re being extra lovey-dovey with your furry friend or talking about a dog you find particularly adorable.
It’s informal and playful, so save it for casual conversations with friends or when you’re baby-talking to dogs.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Ven aquí, mi pochito. | Come here, my little pooch. |
| ¿Cómo está tu pochito hoy? | How’s your little doggy today? |
| Este pochito es muy juguetón. | This little pooch is very playful. |
4. Fido (Common name for dogs)
While “Fido” isn’t a Spanish word per se, it’s widely recognized in Spanish-speaking countries as a generic dog name, much like in English.
You can use it when you need a placeholder name for a dog in a story or example. It’s also a fun, slightly old-fashioned way to refer to dogs in general.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Fido, ¡trae la pelota! | Fido, fetch the ball! |
| Parece que Fido tiene hambre. | It looks like Fido is hungry. |
| Todos los perros del vecindario se llaman Fido. | All the dogs in the neighborhood are named Fido. |
5. Can (Canine)
“Can” is a more formal or literary term for dog, derived from the Latin “canis.”
You’re more likely to encounter this word in written Spanish, in academic or scientific contexts, or in formal documentation.
It’s not common in everyday speech, but you have to know it because they can ask this when you’re filling out documents for your dog in Spanish.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| El can es un animal doméstico. | The canine is a domestic animal. |
| Estudios sobre el comportamiento del can. | Studies on canine behavior. |
| La raza del can determina muchas de sus características. | The canine’s breed determines many of its characteristics. |
6. Mascota (Pet)
“Mascota” means “pet” in Spanish, so it’s not exclusive to dogs.
Still, it’s a great word to use when you’re talking about dogs in the context of being household companions.
This term emphasizes the role of the dog as a beloved family member rather than just an animal.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Mi mascota es muy cariñosa. | My pet is very affectionate. |
| ¿Tienes alguna mascota en casa? | Do you have any pets at home? |
| Las mascotas mejoran nuestra calidad de vida. | Pets improve our quality of life. |
7. Pata (“Paw”, affectionate)
“Pata” literally means “paw,” but it’s sometimes used as an affectionate term for dogs.
It’s like calling a dog “paws” in English. This term is quite colloquial and playful, so use it in informal settings when you’re being cute or funny about a dog.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Ven aquí, mi pata peluda. | Come here, my furry paws. |
| ¿Cómo está la pata más linda? | How’s the cutest paws doing? |
| Esta pata siempre quiere jugar. | This paws always wants to play. |
8. Patojo (Puppy, informal)
“Patojo” is a colloquial term for “puppy” used in some Latin American countries.
It’s an informal and affectionate way to refer to a young dog. If you’re traveling in these regions, using this term can help you sound more local and in-the-know about regional slang.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¡Qué lindo patojo tienes! | What a cute puppy you have! |
| El patojo no para de ladrar. | The puppy won’t stop barking. |
| Vamos a adoptar un patojo. | We’re going to adopt a puppy. |
9. Chucho (Dog, informal, used in some regions)
“Chucho” is a colloquial term for dog used in some Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in parts of Spain and Latin America.
It’s informal and can be slightly derogatory in some contexts, so use it carefully! Among friends, it can be a casual, friendly way to refer to dogs, especially strays or mutts.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Hay un chucho ladrando en la calle. | There’s a dog barking in the street. |
| Mi vecino tiene un chucho muy ruidoso. | My neighbor has a very noisy dog. |
| ¿De quién es ese chucho? | Whose dog is that? |
10. Gato (Used colloquially in some places to refer to a dog)
Now, this one’s tricky!
“Gato” actually means “cat” in Spanish!
But…
In some regions it’s used to refer to dogs playfully.
It’s a bit of slang that can be confusing if you’re not in on the joke. Use this term only if you’re sure the people you’re talking to are familiar with this quirky usage.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Sacaste a pasear al gato? | Did you take the dog for a walk? |
| Mi gato es un labrador. | My “cat” (dog) is a Labrador. |
| ¿Qué raza de gato tienes? | What breed of “cat” (dog) do you have? |
11. Cañón (Used informally in some regions)
Cañón” is another regional Spanish slang term for dog.
It’s very informal and not widely recognized, so it’s best used only if you’re familiar with the local lingo.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Mi cañón es muy juguetón. | My dog is very playful. |
| ¿Viste al cañón de la vecina? | Did you see the neighbor’s dog? |
| Ese cañón no para de ladrar. | That dog won’t stop barking. |
12. Salchicha (Sausage dog, referring to Dachshunds)
“Salchicha” literally means “sausage” in Spanish, but it’s also used to refer to dachshunds due to their long, sausage-like shape.
It’s a fun, descriptive term that’s widely understood.
Use it when you’re specifically talking about dachshunds or when you want to make a playful reference to their unique body shape.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tengo una salchicha llamada Oscar. | I have a dachshund named Oscar. |
| Las salchichas son perros muy graciosos. | Dachshunds are very funny dogs. |
| ¿Has visto a mi salchicha? | Have you seen my dachshund? |
13. Terrier (Referring to terrier breeds)
“Terrier” is used in Spanish just as it is in English to refer to terrier breeds.
It’s a specific term that you’d use when discussing dog breeds or when you want to be precise about the type of dog you’re talking about.
It’s understood by dog enthusiasts and in veterinary contexts.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Mi terrier es muy enérgico. | My terrier is very energetic. |
| Los terriers son excelentes cazadores. | Terriers are excellent hunters. |
| ¿Qué tipo de terrier tienes? | What type of terrier do you have? |
14. Lobo (Wolf, for big breeds)
“Lobo” actually means “wolf” in Spanish, but it’s sometimes used colloquially to refer to large, wolf-like dog breeds such as German Shepherds or Huskies.
Use this term when you want to emphasize a dog’s size or wolf-like appearance in a playful or admiring way.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Tu perro parece un lobo. | Your dog looks like a wolf. |
| ¿Es un lobo o un pastor alemán? | Is that a wolf or a German Shepherd? |
| Mi lobo es en realidad muy cariñoso. | My “wolf” is actually very affectionate. |
15. Peludo (Furry one, affectionate)
“Peludo” means “furry” or “hairy” in Spanish, but it’s often used as an affectionate term for dogs with long and thick fur.
It’s a cute, descriptive way to refer to your furry friend.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Mi peludo necesita un baño. | My furry one needs a bath. |
| ¿Cómo está tu peludo hoy? | How’s your furry friend today? |
| Este peludo shed mucho en primavera. | This furry one sheds a lot in spring. |
Important commands for your dog in Spanish
Now, let’s talk about training your four-legged friend in Spanish!
The more dogs we have in our household, the more need there is for dog trainings and dog commands. Publications always advise you to keep your commands short and simple.
This also applies to Spanish dog commands. These words we shared aren’t just for formal training sessions. You can use them during your daily “paseo” (walk) or when you’re ready to “jugar” (play).
They’ll help you communicate better with your pup and maybe even impress your Spanish-speaking dog-lover friends!
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¡Quieto, buen perro! | Stay, good dog! |
| Es hora del paseo. | It’s time for a walk. |
| Usamos refuerzo positivo. | We use positive reinforcement. |
| ¡Sentado! | Sit! |
| ¡Ven aquí! | Come here! |
| ¡Suelta! | Drop it! |
| ¡Junto! | Heel! |
| ¡Échate! | Lie down! |
| ¡No saltes! | Don’t jump! |
| ¡Busca! | Seek! |
| ¡Trae la pelota! | Fetch the ball! |
| ¡Quieto, espera! | Stay, wait! |
| ¡Buen chico/chica! | Good boy/girl! |
| ¡No muerdas! | Don’t bite! |
| ¡Vamos a entrenar! | Let’s train! |
| ¡A tu cama! | Go to your bed! |
| ¡Dame la pata! | Give me your paw! |
| ¡Silencio! | Quiet! |
| ¡Muy bien! | Very good! |
| ¡No tires de la correa! | Don’t pull on the leash! |
Learn different ways to say dog in Spanish with Conversation Based Chunking
If you’ve been following Effortless Conversations, you know that we don’t advise you to learn everything one by one from the tables we share.
Instead, focus on the natural building blocks of the language: lexical chunks.
These “chunks” are the most common phrases and expressions that always go together in Spanish. It’s a step-by-step process that’s pretty easy to follow and what will help you speed up your Spanish language learning journey.
If you’re curious, you can request a free Spanish Chunking Starter Pack now, and we’ll explain everything else in-detail in our first mail.
