Brazil is famous for its rich diversity of plants and animals, and this extends to our beloved pets as well. Cats and dogs are among the most popular pets in the country.
Some dogs are truly Brazilian and come from various regions, each with its own unique breed.
These breeds have distinctive traits that make them special and cherished by pet lovers around the globe.
Brazilian dog breeds
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is one of Brazil’s most iconic dogs. With its large, muscular build and short coat, this breed is known for its loyalty and guarding abilities.
Despite its imposing size, it’s gentle, obedient, and gets along well with children, thanks to its courageous and determined personality.
Buldogue Campeiro
A descendant of the English Bulldog brought by Portuguese colonizers, the Buldogue Campeiro is a medium-sized, robust, and muscular dog with a short coat.
This breed has a loving and loyal personality, making it a fantastic companion and family protector.
Ovelheiro Gaúcho
Hailing from the southern part of Brazil, the Ovelheiro Gaúcho is a medium-sized dog with a dense, wavy coat that shields it from weather changes.
Known for its intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature with its family, this breed is well-suited to the local climate.
Rastreador Brasileiro
Originating from Minas Gerais, the Rastreador Brasileiro is famed for its tracking and hunting skills.
This medium to large-sized dog boasts an athletic build and short, dense coat. It’s an intelligent, brave, and loyal companion.
Terrier Brasileiro or Fox Paulistinha
Small and agile, the Terrier Brasileiro, also known as Fox Paulistinha, is easily recognized by its short, tricolor coat and upright ears.
This energetic, intelligent, and brave dog loves physical and mental challenges.
Pastor da Mantiqueira
From the Serra da Mantiqueira, which spans across Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, the Pastor da Mantiqueira is valued for its guarding and herding abilities.
It’s a medium to large-sized dog with a dense coat that can be short or moderately long, known for its affectionate and loyal personality.
The celebrity street dog
But what you might not know is that in Brazil, it’s very common to find dogs on the streets and in homes that don’t belong to any specific breed.
These dogs are known as vira-lata (street dog) caramel and are the result of a mix of breeds.
Fun Facts
The caramel street dog is so beloved that in 2020, there was a campaign to have it featured on the new 200-real bill.
Although this idea generated significant national buzz, the maned wolf ended up being chosen for the bill’s design.
However, the caramel street dog starred in a campaign by the Central Bank to promote the new bill’s release.
True icon
The caramel dog has become a beloved figure, and it has inspired a wide array of memes that circulate widely on social media platforms.
The dog’s popularity reflects its ability to resonate with the playful and creative spirit of Brazilian internet culture.
The caramel street dog is a true national icon and holds a special place in the hearts of Brazilians.
Whether you’re considering adopting a dog or just want to learn more about Brazil’s canine world, these breeds are a great way to explore the richness and diversity of our four-legged friends.
Books to Explore
To learn a little bit more about the caramel dog and also practice your Portuguese, you can read a book called ‘Um cão caramelo e outros contos’.
Book Overview
A caramel-colored dog and a soft-hearted trucker who become inseparable companions. A girl in a flowery dress and a clumsy boy who discover first love. A masseuse who dislikes the smell of sunscreen. A grandma with a fling. A girl and her best friend: a cat. A pirate and a parrot traveling through time. The assistant of a clumsy individual. A man who doesn’t like pequi. A writer in crisis with his characters.
But if you prefer a more touching story, you can start reading ‘Minha vida com Boris’. It is a book based on the true story of a dog that changed not only his owner’s life but also a law in Brazil.
Enjoy your reading!