Caramelo (dog)

For other uses, see Caramelo (disambiguation).

The caramelo dog (Portuguese: [kaɾaˈmɛlu] ^ⓘ)^[a] or vira-lata caramelo ("caramel trashcan-tipper") is a mixed-breed dog originating in Brazil, known for its caramel-colored coat. It is informally considered a national symbol of Brazil.^[1]

Caramelo
A caramelo dog in Curitiba, Brazil
Origin	Brazil
Dog (domestic dog)

Significance

Portuguese-language announcement of the 200-real note, starring a talking caramelo dog

Caramelo dogs are street dogs of medium size that have existed in Brazil for decades and their rise to popularity is often associated with their appeal to Brazil's mongrel complex, an expression that refers to a feeling of "collective inferiority complex" reportedly felt by many Brazilians when comparing Brazilian culture to other parts of the world.^[2] The Military Police Museum in Rio de Janeiro features a taxidermied caramelo dog named "Bruto" who accompanied officers in the Paraguayan War in the 19th century.^[2] In July 2020, Federal Deputy Fred Costa started an online petition to feature the caramelo dog on the 200-real banknotes. Although the Central Bank of Brazil had already decided to feature the maned wolf on the notes, the bank agreed to promote caramelo dogs in response to calls for action against animal abuse.^[3] In September 2020, the caramelo dog was highlighted in the official announcement of the new 200-real banknotes.^[4][5][6]

The significance of the caramelo dogs reached the legislative branch at both municipal and federal levels. In January 2022, the Florianópolis City Council established Dezembro Caramelo ("Caramelo December") to raise awareness about dog abandonment.^[7][8][9] Similarily, the municipality of São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, launched the Dezembro Caramelo campaign, highlighting that caramelo mixed-breed dogs are the most frequent victims of animal abandonment in Brazil.^[10] In April 2023, Federal Deputy Felipe Becari introduced a bill to recognize the caramelo dog as an intangible cultural heritage in the country.^[11][12][13]

On April 4, 2025, Christ the Redeemer — one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a cultural symbol of Brazil — was illuminated with a projection depicting the statue holding a caramelo dog in honor of World Stray Animals Day.^[14]

Notes

1. Variously known in Portuguese as vira-lata caramelo or cachorro caramelo.