Negro Matapacos and the Power of Canine Protest

In the streets of Santiago, Chile, a unique breed of dog has become a symbol of resistance and protest. Negro matapacos, also known as "paco dogs", are a mix of various breeds, including the Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Chilean Huaso.

These dogs have been trained to attack and chase away street dogs, but in recent years, they've been used by protesters to block streets and disrupt traffic. Their owners, often poor and marginalized individuals, have been using them to make a statement about social inequality.

The negro matapacos have become a powerful tool for protesters, allowing them to occupy public spaces and draw attention to their causes.

Broaden your view: Caniche Toy Negro

The "Negro Matapacos" is just one of many famous riot dogs that have made headlines around the world.

Riot dogs have been a part of protests and demonstrations for decades, with one of the earliest recorded instances being Kanellos, a stray dog from Greece who became a symbol of resistance in the early 2000s.

Kanellos was a stray dog who lived on the campus of the National Technical University of Athens and became a beloved fixture among the students, who cared for him and took him on protests.

He was known for his bravery and willingness to stand up to police, and was often seen running alongside protesters as they clashed with authorities.

Kanellos was even given a doggy wheelchair to help him navigate the streets, and he continued to participate in protests until his passing in 2008.

In Chile, the "Negro Matapacos" and "El Vaquita" are two of the most well-known riot dogs, known for their fearlessness and willingness to stand up to police during protests.

These dogs have become symbols of resistance and freedom, and their stories have inspired people around the world to take a stand against oppression.

The "Negro Matapacos" was a stray dog who became a hero in Chile during the 2011 student protests, and was known for his bravery and willingness to stand up to police.

He was often seen at the front of protests, barking and growling at police as they tried to disperse the crowds.

Despite the danger, the "Negro Matapacos" remained steadfast, and his image became a powerful symbol of resistance in Chile.

Loukanikos, a stray dog from Greece, was another famous riot dog who became a symbol of resistance during the anti-austerity protests in Athens.

He was known for his bravery and willingness to stand up to police, and was often seen running through lines of riot police as they clashed with protesters.

Loukanikos was a beloved fixture among the protesters, and his image became a powerful symbol of resistance in Greece.

The stories of these riot dogs are a testament to the power of courage and determination in the face of oppression, and serve as a reminder that even the smallest creatures can make a big impact.

The 'Negro Matapacos' is not the only famous riot dog in history. In Greece, a stray dog named Kanellos is considered the first modern riot dog. He bonded with students at the National Technical University of Athens and would often run alongside them during protests.

Kanellos was known for his aggressive behavior towards police and his protective nature towards protesters. He was even given a doggy wheelchair to help him walk after developing arthritis.

In Chile, another famous riot dog is El Vaquita, but the most well-known is the 'Negro Matapacos', a stray dog that became a symbol of the 2011 student protests in Chile.

El Vaquita, a stray dog, became an icon in Antofagasta after consistently joining student protesters against police during fare dodges in 2019-2020.

In October 2019, students staged large-scale fare dodges in response to dramatic increases in public transport fees, and El Vaquita was always there to join them.

El Vaquita's name, which means "Little Cow" in Spanish, suited him perfectly, as he was a pudgy, black-and-white dog with a wagging tail.

He was typically found in the south-central part of Antofagasta, where he would weave through lines of protesters, confronting aggressive police officers.

El Vaquita's habit of attending protests made him a beloved figure among student demonstrators, and he even won the city's 2019 Character of the Year Award.

He received more votes than Victor Collao, an Antofagasta native and Chile's greatest karate champion at the time.

After one particularly intense protest, El Vaquita became disoriented and lost his way, prompting protesters to coordinate a rescue on Facebook to bring him back home.

Loukanikos, also known as Louk, was a stray dog who became a famous Greek riot dog from approximately 2009 to 2012. He was known for his heroics in the thick of violent clashes with police during the anti-austerity movement in Athens.

Loukanikos was a stray dog who became a symbol of Greek resistance, and his image was often used in protests and demonstrations. He was known to run through lines of riot police, barking and growling at the authorities before returning to the anarchists' front line.

During the protests, Loukanikos would often form a protective line by running back and forth between protesters and authorities, holding his ground against the police. He also faced violence from the militarized forces clashing with protesters in Athens.

Loukanikos was nicknamed by locals, and his bravery and loyalty to the protesters earned him a special place in the hearts of many. He was often seen at the very front of public demonstrations, and his presence was a source of inspiration for the protesters.

Loukanikos was known to pick up tear gas canisters and move them away from protesters, showing his intelligence and resourcefulness in the face of danger. His actions were a testament to the strong bond between humans and animals, and the important role that animals can play in times of crisis.

Negro Matapacos has become a cultural icon in Chile, symbolizing resistance and determination. In 2013, a documentary about the dog was released and won the Best Documentary award at the Santo Tomás Festival in Viña del Mar.

The image of Negro Matapacos was used by protesters during the 2019 Chilean protests, appearing on posters, stickers, murals, and papier-mâché sculptures.

Many people requested that a statue of the dog be installed in a public place, showing the impact of the dog's story on the community.

In Japan, the statue of Hachikō outside Shibuya station in Tokyo was adorned with a red handkerchief, similar to that worn by Negro Matapacos, on November 14, 2019.

The statue of Balto at Central Park in New York City was also adorned in the same way on November 18, 2019.

During the mass evasions in the New York City Subway on November 1, 2019, many stickers with the image of Negro Matapacos jumping a turnstile appeared in the stations.

Here are some examples of how Negro Matapacos has been referenced in different forms of art and activism:

The 'Negro Matapacos' was a famous stray dog in Chile.

He became a symbol of the country's protests, especially during the 2011 student protests.

The dog was known for its bravery and was often found at the front lines of demonstrations.

He would stand his ground even when faced with tear gas, police beatings, and other forms of repression.

The 'Negro Matapacos' was not afraid to confront the Carabineros, the Chilean police force.

He would bark and even try to bite them when they tried to suppress the protesters.

His image has become iconic in Chilean society, appearing on flags, t-shirts, pins, statues, and even in a documentary.

He was a beloved figure in Chile, and his legacy lives on.