SAO PAULO — For years, stray dogs known as “vira-lata caramelo,” or “caramel mutts,” have wandered Brazilian streets, often unnoticed and underserved. However, these caramel-colored canines are now gaining significant popularity and recognition across various platforms, including social media, upcoming films, and festive parades. Their rise reflects Brazil’s spirit of resilience — a nation of 213 million inhabitants known for enduring challenges with positivity — and also turns the idea of a “mongrel complex” on its head.
The excitement surrounding caramelos reached a new height with the Netflix film titled “Caramelo,” which was filmed in October. A notable scene features a beige puppy observing affluent families parading their purebred dogs while it cheekily chased after a delivery person attracted by the scent of pizza. Diego Freitas, the film’s director and co-writer, believes that these dogs symbolize the essence of contemporary Brazilian society. He remarked, “The caramelo has become a powerful emblem of Brazil, representing the spirit of our people.”
The trend surrounding these caramelos originated online around 2019. Social media was flooded with the humorous catchphrase, “This represents Brazil more than soccer or samba,” alongside images showcasing the unique quirks of these dogs. Various accounts emerged, highlighting the amusing antics of the caramelos; one even made an unexpected appearance during a live dance performance. The popularity surged to the point where a petition aimed at replacing the macaw on Brazil’s 10-reais bill gained over 50,000 signatures, advocating for a representation of the caramelo in currency. The subsequent year saw a tripling of support for a petition to feature the caramelo on the 200-reais note.
Many attribute the charm of these dogs to their resilience and ability to adapt. A noteworthy example comes from Joao Pessoa, a city in northeastern Brazil. Khelson Silva encountered a stray caramelo, which led him and a friend to his home, proving to be resourceful and clever. Named Persistent José, this dog had evidently used similar tactics before, which left a lasting impression on Silva.
The term “mongrel complex,” coined by writer Nelson Rodrigues following Brazil’s disappointing World Cup outcome in 1950, has evolved in its meaning over time. Today’s Brazilians are embracing the country’s diverse heritage — which includes influences from immigrants, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans — as a badge of pride. Tina Castro, an English teacher from Rio de Janeiro, reflected that owning a caramelo signifies an affection for the unique cultural tapestry of Brazil, embracing its challenges of survival and marginalization.
The popularity of caramelos has become a lighthearted rallying cry, with many claiming, “Caramelos will dominate the world!” International support has also surfaced, as seen when singer Bruno Mars shared a moment with a caramelo in a farewell video during his November tour in Brazil. Additionally, the UK’s diplomatic mission in Brazil recently selected “Lord Caramelo” as the name for their new digital mascot.
Netflix’s “Caramelo” is a significant project, representing a part of the 1 billion reais ($164 million) budget allocated to Brazilian productions for the 2023-24 period, targeting one of the largest streaming markets globally. While an official release date hasn’t been finalized, this film will mark the first Brazilian feature to center a dog as the protagonist, establishing the caramelo as a national symbol.
The Sao Clemente samba school from Rio is further boosting the caramelo’s profile with its upcoming Carnival parade, where elaborate costumes modeled after these dogs will take center stage. Workshop director Roberto Gomes enthusiastically stated, “The caramelo embodies everything we cherish — joy and relatability, standing far apart from purebreds.”
In the Rio military police’s museum, a taxidermied caramelo named Bruto, who lived around 150 years ago, is regarded as the most iconic piece in the collection. His story exemplifies loyalty and bravery — he accompanied soldiers to war and became a hero for his efforts. Today, street dogs continue to receive care and protection, with one in Rio even achieving the rank of sergeant after being adopted by the police force.
Despite the caramelo’s newfound fame, adoption rates remain a concern, as many potential pet owners still favor smaller, more conventional breeds. Shelters like Indefesos struggle to find homes for the caramelos despite their larger numbers. Volunteers express frustration, noting the striking difficulty in securing adoptions for these dogs, even as they promote their positive attributes.
The Netflix film captures a tender storyline where a stray dog influences the life of a career-driven chef, urging him to find joy in the present. Freitas, the director, hopes that the emotional narrative will inspire action among viewers to foster a greater affinity for these wonderful dogs. The film shines a light on the journey of a puppy rescued from a precarious situation, ultimately leading to six formerly homeless dogs being adopted by members of the film crew after filming concluded. In Freitas’s words, “I hope this story is fitting for these incredible dogs because they truly change our lives.”
