[android] How to implement an android:background that doesn't stretch?

You can use a FrameLayout with an ImageView as the first child, then your normal layout as the second child:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FrameLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent">

  <ImageView
        android:id="@+id/background_image_view"
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="match_parent"
        android:scaleType="centerCrop"
        android:src="@drawable/your_drawable"/>

  <LinearLayout
        android:id="@+id/your_actual_layout"
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:orientation="vertical">

  </LinearLayout>

</FrameLayout>