Brown mutts beg for food. They scarf up leftovers. They roam the streets of Brazil. For a long time, no one wanted these dogs. Now they’re getting their moment in the spotlight. 

The dogs have a nickname. It’s vira-lata caramelo. That means “caramel trashcan-tipper.” People once saw the pups as just a nuisance. But times have changed. 

People share images and videos of the caramelo dogs online. A Brazilian movie will feature them. Brazilians honor the dogs as an important part of their culture. 

Brazilians are known for soccer and samba music. But some say the little brown dogs represent them better. Why? Like the people, they’re tough. Brazilians come from a variety of backgrounds. They descend from immigrants, enslaved Africans, and Indigenous people. Many believe this background makes them strong.

The caramelo craze started online around 2019. Social media accounts showed the dogs’ antics. Sellers started offering caramelo-shaped pillows. Thousands of people signed a petition. They want an image of caramelos on Brazilian money.

What makes caramelos so charming? Many point to their sweetness. Even more say the dogs are smart survivors. 

Caramelos are famous now. But many of the street pups in Brazil still need help. Volunteers at dog shelters say people looking for pets often pass on the mutts. They want smaller, white, fluffy dogs instead.