Dogecoin vs. Shiba Inu: Is Either Worth Buying During the Crypto Crash?

By Lyle Daly – Apr 2, 2026 at 11:00AM ESTKey PointsDogecoin and Shiba Inu have followed similar patterns, peaking in 2021 and losing most of their value since then.Meme coins are hype-driven, and most buyers try to use them to get rich quickly.Cryptocurrency is currently in a bear market, and most coins have fallen sharply from recent highs. Dogecoin (DOGE 2.78%) and Shiba Inu (SHIB 2.80%), arguably the most famous meme coins, have had a particularly rough time. Dogecoin is down by 62% over the last six months, and Shiba Inu is down by 52% (as of March 29). This may look like a buy-the-dip opportunity on two cryptocurrencies that still have some name value. Unfortunately, that's about all they have to offer. Image source: Getty Images. Dogecoin and Shiba Inu aren't carbon copies, but their stories over the last five years are similar. Both peaked in 2021 -- Dogecoin in May and Shiba Inu in October. They fell off quickly, and each had some success again in 2024 and 2025 as the crypto market recovered and meme coins regained popularity. However, neither has come close to its all-time high, with Dogecoin having lost about 88% and Shiba Inu down 93%. This is a common story with meme coins. If they can build enough hype, they have brief periods of success, but it doesn't last because most buyers use them as a get-rich-quick scheme. ExpandCRYPTO: DOGEDogecoinToday's Change(-2.78%) $-0.00Current Price$0.09Key Data PointsMarket Cap$14BDay's Range$0.09 - $0.0952wk Range$0.08 - $0.30Volume1.1B If you're going to invest in cryptocurrency, stick to coins with a real purpose, not those that started as jokes. Bitcoin (BTC 2.78%) is a good choice, since it's the most proven cryptocurrency, having survived every bear market so far. Originally intended for use as a digital currency, it now mainly serves as a store of value, like a digital version of gold. Although Bitcoin and other serious crypto projects are still risky, you're far more likely to be successful buying those compared to buying Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, or one of the many other meme coins on the market.Read NextMar 30, 2026 •By Anthony Di PizioPrediction: Dogecoin Is Going to Plunge by 50% (or More) From HereMar 30, 2026 •By Adam Spatacco1 Reason Dogecoin (DOGE) Could Go Parabolic in 2026Mar 26, 2026 •By Lyle DalyWill Dogecoin Ever Reach $1?Mar 26, 2026 •By Lyle DalyYou Won't Believe How Many Millionaire Crypto Investors Buy Meme CoinsMar 25, 2026 •By Lyle Daly1 Type of Cryptocurrency to Avoid at All Costs in 2026Mar 20, 2026 •By Anders BylundThe SEC Just Drew a Line in the Crypto Sand: What's a Security and What's Not?About the AuthorLyle Daly is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering information technology and cryptocurrency. Lyle has been a contributor at the financial services company since 2018. His work has been featured on USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN, Fox Business, and Nasdaq. Before joining The Motley Fool, he wrote for financial brands including Intuit.TMFLyleDalyX@LyleDalyStocks MentionedDogecoinCRYPTO: DOGE$0.09(-2.78%)-$0.00BitcoinCRYPTO: BTC$66,813.00(-2.78%)-$1,913.49Shiba InuCRYPTO: SHIB$0.00(-3.16%)-$0.00*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.