Dogecoin has taken a transparent lead within the long-running meme coin rivalry as institutional entry reshapes market competitors. Regulatory readability now separates winners from laggards within the evolving crypto ETF panorama. Market contributors proceed to evaluate how ETF approvals affect capital flows and credibility. In opposition to this backdrop, Dogecoin has gained an advantage that Shiba Inu has but to match.
Dogecoin Secures First SEC-Approved Meme Coin ETF
Dogecoin strengthened its place after a spot ETF tied to the token acquired approval from the U.S. Securities and Alternate Fee. Earlier this week, the 21Shares Dogecoin ETF started buying and selling on Nasdaq beneath the ticker TDOG, in accordance with regulatory filings. The approval makes Dogecoin the primary and solely meme coin with a standalone SEC-approved spot ETF.
With the launch, Dogecoin now trades alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP within the U.S. spot ETF market. The event improves institutional entry to DOGE and reinforces its position because the main meme coin. Market knowledge reveals Dogecoin instructions a market capitalization of about $21 billion, far forward of its nearest rival.
Shiba Inu, which launched in August 2020 as Dogecoin’s main competitor, has no unique spot ETF submitting in the US. Its solely ETF-related publicity got here by means of a point out as a possible asset in a T. Rowe Value ETF, moderately than a devoted product. Because of this, DOGE now stands alone amongst meme cash with direct ETF approval.
Why Shiba Inu Stays Absent From the ETF Market
Shiba Inu’s absence from the spot ETF race has drawn consideration, provided that it meets a number of eligibility benchmarks. The SEC classifies meme cash like SHIB as non-securities, a key requirement for spot ETF approval. As well as, SHIB already trades by means of a regulated futures product on Coinbase, a path beforehand taken by Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Grayscale has additionally recognized SHIB as eligible beneath the SEC’s Generic Itemizing Commonplace, which regulators permitted in mid-2025. Regardless of these components, no U.S. asset supervisor has filed for a standalone Shiba Inu spot ETF. Group members proceed to push for progress, however issuers have remained cautious.
Critics cite structural issues as a deterrent for establishments. They level to nameless management, sluggish improvement cycles, unfinished tasks, and reported inner disputes throughout the ecosystem. Whereas SHIB launched an exchange-traded product in Europe by means of Valour, U.S. companies have favored options like PENGU and BONK.
As Dogecoin’s ETF begins buying and selling, its regulatory milestone has widened the hole with Shiba Inu. The approval underscores how institutional belief and governance now form competitors throughout the meme coin sector.
