Shiba Inu crashes 28% as Dogecoin soars. What's next for the dog coins?

Just how many dog-themed cryptocurrencies does the world really need?

| More on:
A cartoon graphic of a dog with virtual coin in mouth.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) price has been on a tear recently, garnering global headlines. Over the past week Shiba Inu, driven by crypto retail investor enthusiasm, has soared almost 130%.

And it's gained almost 7,000,000% since launching in August 2020.

But not today.

The digital token is cratering today, down 28% over the past 24 hours. At the time of writing, the dog meme token is trading for US$0.00006207.

This comes even as the world's top cryptos are posting healthy gains.

The Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price is up 5% in 24 hours, to US$61.694.

And Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), the world's number 2 crypto by market valuation, is up 9% in that same time. One Ether is currently exchanging virtual hands for US$4,385, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

What the heck is Shiba Inu?

For an answer to that question, the Motley Fool turned to Darren Abrams, co-founder and managing director of Aus Merchant Investments.

Abrams told us:

The Shiba Inu coin was launched in August 2020 with a "woof paper", a tongue-in-cheek variation of the traditional white paper. Shiba Inu's pseudonymous founder Ryoshi created the coin to foster an entirely community-run and decentralised ecosystem. It is as an Ethereum-based ERC-20 token.

But hang on a second. Isn't there already a dog-themed crypto? In fact, doesn't Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) even sport a Shiba Inu as its virtual mascot?

Indeed.

"Shiba Inu was launched to rival Dogecoin and is the epitome of a meme coin, a coin with no inherent utility or value," Abrams said.

Yep. The Shiba Inu website even calls its token the "Dogecoin killer".

Though today, it looks like the shoe is on the other, erm, paw.

Dogecoin looks to be stealing its newer rival's thunder, and its investors, with the price up 24% over the past 24 hours. One Dogecoin is currently worth 29.8 US cents.

What's the outlook for tokens like dog coins?

Investors can often be taken in by some of the massive gains posted by cryptocurrencies. But it's important not to lose sight of the potentially massive losses they can inflict.

According to Abrams:

The zeitgeist of retail investors taking charge of their finances through contrarian strategies, in which they act as a unified force against the incumbents, is the driving force of Shiba Inu's parabolic price action. This same grassroots movement is what propelled GameStop's exponential gains.

Dogecoin was the first target of these investors… It's only a matter of time until there is another 'dog coin' to replace Shiba Inu. Personally, I wouldn't recommend investing in any meme coins with no cogent value proposition.

The Dogecoin price, if you're wondering, is down 60% from its 8 May record high of 73.8 US cents.

Shiba Inu hit its own all-time high yesterday. It's down 28% since then.

Invest with care!

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Cryptocurrencies

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

$10,000 invested in CRYP ETF a year ago is now worth…

This exchange-traded fund allows investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrency in a different way.

Read more »

Ethereum symbol in green.
Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrency comeback: Here's why Bitcoin and Ethereum are climbing again

Ethereum’s trading price has shot up 42.28% over the past month.

Read more »

Bitcoin coin with a rising arrow.
Cryptocurrencies

The Bitcoin price just leapt to new all-time highs. Here's why

The Bitcoin price just smashed through US$110,000. But what’s driving the rally?

Read more »

Bitcoin coins in a pile.
Cryptocurrencies

What's happening with the Bitcoin price amid the Trump tariff market panic?

You may have heard Bitcoin referred to as ‘digital gold’. But is it really a haven asset?

Read more »

A graphic picture of gold Bitcoins with the Bitcoin symbol lying on a desk with arrows shooting higher and one arrow lifting off the flat surface pointing to the sky.
ETFs

Dip your toes into cryptocurrency with these 2 ASX ETFs

Interested in cryptocurrency?

Read more »

Bitcoin symbol with a rising green arrow.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin surges: How to invest through the ASX

Wanting to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency? Check out these two options.

Read more »

Bitcoin coins in a pile.
Cryptocurrencies

Here's what owning Bitcoin for 7 years has taught me

Bitcoin has been a fantastic investment for me, but not without its pitfalls.

Read more »

A woman holds a bitcoin token in her hand as she smiles at the camera in the background.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin price surges on Donald Trump's cryptocurrency strategic reserve update

The Bitcoin price hit all-time highs of US$109,115 on the day Trump was sworn into office.

Read more »