The caramel-colored mutts roaming Brazil by the millions may seem unlikely national heroes. Among Brazilians, though, they inspire just as much pride as soccer and samba.

Known simply as “caramelos” for their tan coats, the street dogs are celebrated in Brazilian memes, emblazoned on T-shirts, cited in viral songs and honored with Carnival parade floats. They even starred in a Netflix film last year and nearly made it onto Brazil’s currency.

But now the authorities in Mexico, another Latin American nation where the unchecked reproduction among strays has similarly resulted in a huge population of tawny dogs, have labeled the caramel stray a Mexican treasure, declaring it a native breed much like the Chihuahua.

In Brazil, the designation captured headlines recently and angered Brazilians who say a national icon is being stolen from them.