Dogecoin and Shiba Inu originally emerged as parody projects mocking serious cryptocurrencies. Dogecoin was launched in 2013 as a satirical version of Bitcoin, and Shiba Inu followed in 2020, becoming a parody of Dogecoin itself.
A $100 investment in Dogecoin at an initial price of around $0.0004 would be worth around $995,000 today, while the same investment in Shiba Inu at an initial price of $0.000000000056 would grow to a whopping $46.43 million.
Both projects have achieved ‘meme coin’ status due to their association with the popular Internet meme ‘Dog’ depicting a Shiba Inu dog. Initially perceived as amusing experiments, these coins turned out to be incredibly successful, bringing their owners impressive profits. In this article we will compare two popular meme coins and answer what is stronger in the battle of Shiba Inu coin vs Dogecoin.
Main features
| Dogecoin (DOGE) | Shiba Inu (SHIB) | |
| Founded | December 2013 | August 2020 |
| Creators | Billy Marcus and Jackson Palmer | Anonymous developer under the pseudonym ‘Ryoshi’. |
| Logo | The Shiba Inu dog from the Doge meme. | Shiba Inu dog (original art) |
| Technology | Proprietary blockchain with Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm. Block time is 1 minute. Unlimited number of coins (over 130 billion DOGE in circulation) | ERC-20 token based on Ethereum. The total number of tokens is limited to one quadrillion |
| Purpose | Originally created as a joke, but has been recognised thanks to an active community and the support of famous personalities such as Ilon Musk | Created as a ‘Dogecoin killer’ to compete with DOGE and create a decentralised community |
| Application | Used for micropayments, online tipping and charity work | Active community, supporting DeFi projects, NFT and other innovative initiatives |
| Price on 24.02.2025 | $0,2076 | $0,00001357 |
| Record price | $0,7376 | $0,00008845 |
| Market capitalisation | $30.7bn | $7.99bn |
| Position by capitalisation as of 24.02.2025 | 8 | 18 |
Dogecoin: From meme to cryptocurrency phenomenon
Launched in late 2013, Dogecoin infiltrated crypto space by cleverly capitalising on the popularity of bitcoin and internet meme culture. Created by programmers Jackson Palmer and Billy Marcus, DOGE was originally conceived as a satirical response to the explosive growth of bitcoin and the viral dog memes of the time.
The meme cryptocurrency was symbolised by a dog of the Shiba Inu breed, giving it a unique personality. Through an innovative approach to blockchain adoption, Dogecoin has opened up token access to a wide range of individual miners, forming a more decentralised and inclusive network.
The cultural significance and practical applications of Dogecoin
Dogecoin laid the foundations of crypto-meme culture, combining the fun of internet memes with the real-world capabilities of digital currencies for the first time. DOGE is most commonly used for online payments and small rewards, and is also accepted by some large companies as a means of payment for goods and services.
What is Shiba Inu (SHIB)
Shiba Inu is a meme coin created on the Ethereum blockchain in 2021 by an anonymous developer under the pseudonym Ryoshi. It was designed as an alternative to Dogecoin, reflected in its nickname ‘Doge Killer’.
Ryoshi sought to form a decentralised cryptocurrency ecosystem with a focus on community management. Shiba Inu successfully capitalised on the growing popularity of memecoins and the success of Dogecoin by borrowing the iconography of the Shiba Inu, which has become iconic thanks to memes.
Since launching in 2021, Shiba Inu has become a prominent player in the crypto-meme ecosystem, demonstrating how much internet culture can influence the digital economy.
The Shiba Inu cryptocurrency uses a combination of two consensus mechanisms – Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of Authority (PoA) – to validate transactions on the Ethereum network. This hybrid system provides greater flexibility and efficiency, which differentiates Shiba Inu from its competitors.
Significance and application of Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu has had a significant impact on the development of the crypto-meme ecosystem, taking a firm place alongside Dogecoin. The company is actively developing a complete ecosystem including NFT (non- fungible tokens) and DeFi (decentralised finance) applications, aiming to become a leading player in digital assets.
Similarities between Shiba Inu and Dogecoin
Shiba Inu and Dogecoin share similarities manifested in the consensus algorithms used and active communities.
Consensus algorithms
Proof-of-Work (PoW). Dogecoin is based on Litecoin, which in turn uses Bitcoin technology. This means Dogecoin also relies on energy-intensive PoW mining to generate new coins. Shiba Inu, which launched on the Ethereum blockchain, originally used the same PoW algorithm. However, with Ethereum moving to version 2.0, Shiba Inu may switch to the more energy-efficient Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism.
Active Communities
Both cryptocurrencies enjoy significant support from retail investors due to their accessibility and mass popularity. Dogecoin and Shiba Inu are actively promoted on social media, especially Twitter, where each coin has millions of followers. These communities play a key role in attracting new entrants and creating long term token holdings.
Common trends
Mainstreaming and entertainment. High social media activity has made both coins popular among a wide audience, which has turned owning them into a kind of entertainment. This attracts more and more people, but it also increases the risks of manipulation by influencers, making meme coins extremely volatile. Users should consider these risks when considering such assets as short-term investments or avoid them to build a stable portfolio.
Differences between Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB)
Despite similar concepts, DOGE and SHIB have significant differences in tokenomics, token types, and application.
Tokenomics
Dogecoin uses an inflationary model with an annual issuance of 5 billion DOGE. Although the inflation rate is gradually decreasing, all existing DOGEs are already in circulation. Inflation is expected to fall below the dollar by 2040, making DOGE a potentially deflationary asset.
Shiba Inu has a fixed supply of 1 quadrillion SHIBs, of which only 549 trillion are outstanding. The burn mechanism reduces the supply, making the token rarer and, in theory, more valuable.
Token Type
Dogecoin is not an ERC-20 token and is not compatible with Ethereum-based contracts and applications. This limits its functionality compared to SHIB.
Shiba Inu is an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing it to interoperate with multiple decentralised applications, smart contracts and platforms.
Applications
Dogecoin is primarily used as a medium of exchange in peer-to-peer systems. The inflationary model incentivises the use of tokens, although the community often tends to withhold them.
Shiba Inu, in addition to its use as a medium of exchange, is integrated into the Ethereum ecosystem, allowing DeFi products such as ShibaSwap to be created and offering staking and liquid pooling services.
Factors affecting Dogecoin and Shiba Inu prices
When comparing Dogecoin vs Shiba Inu it is important to note the factors that influence value formation. Some of them are common to most digital assets, while others are specific to meme coins.
Let’s take a look at the main factors that determine the price dynamics of DOGE and SHIB.
Market sentiment
DOGE and SHIB prices are sensitive to the general mood of the crypto market. Positive events, such as celebrity endorsements, listings on new exchanges, or major partnerships, boost demand and thus prices. Negative news, on the contrary, can cause a sell-off and a decline in quotes.
It is important to note that market sentiment is often changed by news and events, making meme coins particularly sensitive to information flows.
Social media hype
Social media hype plays a significant role in meme-coin dynamics. DOGE and SHIB grew on the wave of meme culture popularity and viral trends. Activity on social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit can dramatically increase demand for these coins, especially if they get the attention of famous personalities or communities.
However, such hype is temporary, and when interest begins to wane, prices can plummet.
Bitcoin performance
Bitcoin (BTC) continues to be the leader of the cryptocurrency market, and its dynamics affect the entire sector. A rise in the price of BTC is often accompanied by an increase in the value of other assets, including meme coins. Similarly, a drop in bitcoin can lead to a decline in the prices of DOGE and SHIB.
Utility and adoption
Cryptocurrencies with real utility and broad use cases usually show steady growth. An example is the introduction of Proof-of-Stake (PoS) in Dogecoin, which has increased its appeal to institutional investors. Similarly, Shiba Inu received a boost with the launch of the decentralised exchange ShibaSwap and the release of the NFT collection, which expanded its ecosystem and attracted new users.
Cryptocurrency regulation
Regulatory changes have a significant impact on the entire cryptocurrency market. Tight controls on cryptocurrencies in countries with a large number of users can cause prices to plummet. On the contrary, liberalisation of rules and support of digital assets by government agencies may contribute to their growth.
News and external events
Any news related to specific projects plays an important role. For example, Elon Musk’s statements of support for Dogecoin led to a multiple increase in its value. Such external factors can dramatically change the trajectory of memecoin prices.
Dogecoin and Shiba Inu prices are determined by a complex of factors ranging from market sentiment to social media hype. Despite their recreational nature, these assets remain subject to the general laws of the cryptocurrency market, including dependence on bitcoin and regulatory changes. Investors should keep a close eye on all these aspects to properly assess risks and opportunities.
Advantages and disadvantages of cryptocurrencies
Let’s compare what pros and cons the projects have. These are important indicators in assessing the prospects of DOGE vs SHIBA.
Advantages of Dogecoin (DOGE):
- Long-term reputation. The project has existed since 2013, which confirms its stability and time-tested.
- Strong community. Supported by active users and celebrities, which helps to attract attention and maintain interest.
- High transaction speed. The Dogecoin blockchain generates a new block every 60 seconds, which ensures fast transaction confirmations.
Disadvantages of Dogecoin (DOGE):
- Infinite issuance. Constantly increasing the total number of coins can negatively affect the price, reducing incentives for long-term holding.
- Limited functionality. DOGE’s primary use is focused on micropayments and tipping, reducing its competitiveness against more functional cryptocurrencies.
Shiba Inu Benefits (SHIB):
- Limited supply. The fixed issuance of SHIB can help increase its value as demand increases.
- Developed ecosystem. Support for a variety of projects including DeFi (decentralised finance) and NFT (non-fungible tokens), which broadens the range of applications and investor engagement.
- Rapid rise in popularity. SHIB has quickly gained popularity through an active community and viral marketing, indicating high growth potential.
Disadvantages of Shiba Inu (SHIB):
- Younger project. Launched in 2020, which is associated with a higher level of risk for investors given the shorter lifespan of the project.
- Dependence on Ethereum. Operating on the Ethereum blockchain entails high transaction fees and reliance on network congestion, which may make it difficult to use SHIB during peak periods.
Investment attractiveness in 2025
There are no difficulties in buying memecoins. They are traded on most crypto exchanges. The question is not how to buy, but which is better.
Dogecoin (DOGE)
Dogecoin maintains its appeal thanks to its long history and the support of famous personalities such as Elon Musk. In 2025, the project has continued to grow strongly, introducing updates to improve transaction speeds and reduce energy costs. However, endless issuance and a lack of significant technological innovation may limit its potential for sustainable growth in the long term.
Shiba Inu (SHIB)
Shiba Inu is actively growing by introducing projects in the areas of DeFi and NFT, which could provide it with long-term value. In 2024, the project introduced new decentralised applications to expand the functionality of the ecosystem and attract new users. The limited number of tokens is also an important advantage for investors focused on fixed-issue assets. However, the reliance on the overloaded Ethereum blockchain and the young age of the project continue to pose certain risks for potential investors.
What is more profitable to buy in 2025
The choice between Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance and strategy. Let’s talk about the main features and why you should choose each of the coins.
Dogecoin (DOGE):
- Predominantly for short-term speculation. Suitable for those who expect a quick profit thanks to strong market sentiment and celebrity endorsements.
- Moderate risk, high liquidity. Long existence and active community provide some stability, but endless issuance may hold back significant price appreciation.
- Main advantage. Widely recognised and trusted due to its history and large number of users.
Shiba Inu (SHIB):
- Optimal for long-term investors. Suitable for those who believe in the development of the ecosystem and see potential in a limited token offering.
- High risk, high growth potential. Dependence on the Ethereum network and relatively recent launch increases risks, but active developments in DeFi and NFT could bring significant rewards.
- Key benefit. The innovativeness and active development of the ecosystem offer opportunities for sustained growth and expansion of the application.
If you’re still in doubt about which memecoins to choose, here are some tips to make the decision easier:
- Assess your goals. Determine whether you are looking for quick returns or planning a long-term investment.
- Analyse the risks. Consider your willingness to take on the risks associated with the volatility and unpredictability of mem-coins.
- Do your own research. Study the current trends, news and development plans of both projects to make an informed choice.
We hope that these recommendations become useful for you and now you will be able to choose the most attractive asset.
Conclusion
Both memecoinss started as parodies, but developed unique ecosystems over time. Dogecoin, which emerged earlier, has established itself as a stable asset with the support of a large community and the influence of celebrities such as Ilon Musk. Shiba Inu, on the other hand, aims to offer a more advanced ecosystem with NFT integration, DeFi and management via the BONE token.
Choosing between the two depends on your investment goals. Dogecoin will suit those who prefer time-tested assets with less risk, while Shiba Inu will appeal to proponents of innovation and DeFi opportunities. However, investing in memecoinss always comes with higher volatility and risks.
Answers to Frequent Questions
What are Dogecoin and Shiba Inu?
Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) are memecoinss based on popular internet memes. Dogecoin emerged in 2013 as a parody of bitcoin, while Shiba Inu was launched in 2020 as a ‘Dogecoin killer’.
What are the key differences between Dogecoin and Shiba Inu?
Dogecoin runs on its own blockchain, while Shiba Inu runs on the Ethereum blockchain. Shiba Inu offers a more developed ecosystem with DeFi apps, NFT and a management system via the BONE token.
Which is the best cryptocurrency to invest in?
The choice depends on your investment profile. Dogecoin is stable and has a long history, while Shiba Inu offers more opportunities for growth and innovation, but with more risks.
What are the risks associated with investing in memecoins?
Memecoins are known for their high volatility and dependence on public sentiment. Investing in them carries significant risks of capital loss.
How do celebrity endorsements affect the memecoins exchange rate?
The endorsement of celebrities such as Elon Musk has a significant impact on the memecoins exchange rate, causing price spikes and increasing its popularity.
What are the future prospects for memecoins?
The future of memecoins is uncertain. While they remain popular, their success is highly dependent on public interest and support.
