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Ambos os rafeiros vinham da mesma rua.

Ambos os rafeiros vinham da mesma rua.
Both mutts came from the same street.
From Lesson 373:Both (ambos os / ambas as)·Portuguese (Portugal)

Questions & Answers about Ambos os rafeiros vinham da mesma rua.

Why do we need os after ambos? In English, we just say 'Both mutts'.
In Portuguese, the quantifier ambos (both) must always be followed by the definite article when it comes before a noun. Since rafeiros is masculine plural, you must use ambos os. You cannot say ambos rafeiros.
Why is the verb vir in the imperfect tense (vinham) instead of the preterite (vieram)?
The imperfect tense vinham is used here because it describes an ongoing state or background information in the past, specifically their origin. If you used the preterite vieram, it would mean they physically walked or traveled from that street on one specific, completed occasion.
Is rafeiros just a generic word for dogs?
No, a rafeiro is specifically a mutt, mongrel, or mixed-breed dog. It is a very common term in Portugal. For a generic 'dog', you would use cão (or cães in the plural).
Could we put mesma after rua instead?
Not if you want it to mean 'same'. When mesmo or mesma means 'same', it must go before the noun. If you put it after the noun, it changes meaning to emphasize the noun itself, translating more like 'the street itself'.

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