The story of Doge is more than just a viral meme—it's a cultural phenomenon that has shaped internet humor, inspired a cryptocurrency worth billions, and created a lasting legacy in digital pop culture. Little did Japanese kindergarten teacher Atsuko Sato know that when she posted photos of her rescue Shiba Inu, Kabosu, on her blog in 2010, it would spark one of the most recognizable memes in history—eventually giving rise to Dogecoin, which reached a market cap of over $85 billion in 2021.
Before diving into the most iconic Doge meme templates, let’s explore how this internet sensation began.
The Origin of the Doge Meme
The Doge meme originated in 2013 but traces its roots back to February 13, 2010, when Atsuko Sato shared a now-famous photoshoot of her 5-year-old Shiba Inu, Kabosu. The image featured the dog sitting upright, paws neatly placed together, with a calm yet slightly suspicious expression. She posted it on her personal blog, which she started in June 2009 to document Kabosu’s life.
Fast forward to October 19, 2010: a Reddit user named papajohn56 uploaded the photo to the subreddit r/ads with the caption “LMBO LOOK @ THIS FUKKEN DOGE.” Though crude, this post marked the image’s entry into online communities. The misspelling “doge” wasn’t new—it first appeared in 2005 in an episode of the web series Homestar Runner, used for comedic effect. However, it wasn’t until 2012–2013 that the format exploded in popularity.
In September 2012, the Tumblr blog shibaconfessions launched, featuring Shiba Inus paired with captions in Comic Sans MS font—written in broken English with phrases like “such wow,” “very cute,” and “much amaze.” This grammatical quirk became the signature style of Doge memes, portraying the dog as internally philosophical, judgmental, or bewildered by human behavior.
As the trend grew, fans began creating derivative content. One major offshoot was Dogelore, a series of surreal webcomics chronicling Doge as a chaotic, unpredictable entity. These stories gained traction on Reddit’s r/dogelore community and added narrative depth to the meme.
Then came December 6, 2013: the launch of Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency initially created as a satire of Bitcoin’s speculative nature. Built on Litecoin’s blockchain, Dogecoin adopted Kabosu as its mascot and quickly developed a passionate online following. What began as a joke evolved into a real financial asset embraced by communities, charities, and even celebrities.
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The Evolution of Doge Meme Templates
Over time, creators have reimagined Kabosu’s image across countless scenarios, emotions, and characters. Below are 20 of the most influential and widely used Doge meme templates that have defined internet humor over the past decade.
1. Original Doge Meme Template
The classic version features Kabosu sitting proudly with multicolored text in Comic Sans MS floating around her head. Phrases like “such wow,” “very loyal,” and “so fluff” capture the essence of innocent absurdity.
2. Angry Doge Meme Template
A photoshopped version showing Kabosu with narrowed eyes and furrowed brows. Used to express frustration or mock outrage in lighthearted debates.
3. Doge vs Cheems Meme Template
Pits Doge against Cheems, a popular meme dog known for his lisp (“b” → “m”). Often used in comparisons: old vs new, strong vs weak, rich vs poor.
4. Evil Doge Meme Template
Kabosu with red-tinted eyes and dark background—symbolizing inner villainy. Perfect for depicting secret schemes or sarcastic superiority.
5. Mad Doge Meme Template
Similar to Angry Doge but more exaggerated facial distortions. Conveys extreme irritation or disbelief.
6. Crying Doge Meme Template
Kabosu with tears streaming down her face. Used to show sadness, disappointment, or emotional vulnerability—often ironically.
7. Fake Smile Doge Meme Template
Shows Doge smiling while clearly unimpressed. Ideal for reacting to awkward social situations or insincere compliments.
8. Fake Laugh Doge Meme Template
Captures the moment someone forces laughter at a bad joke. Universally relatable in both personal and professional settings.
9. Laughing Doge Meme Template
A joyful Kabosu laughing heartily. Often used to celebrate wins, funny moments, or unexpected twists.
10. Sad Doge Meme Template
A subdued version with drooping ears and melancholic eyes. Frequently used during losses (sports, relationships, failed plans).
11. Buff Doge Meme Template
Kabosu reimagined as muscular and powerful—sometimes wearing sunglasses or lifting weights. Symbolizes transformation or sudden confidence.
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12. Doge Stuff Meme Template
Features Kabosu surrounded by random objects labeled with quirky names like “space rock” or “ancient spoon.” Celebrates randomness for humor.
13. Doge Kid Meme Template
Depicts a younger version of Doge in school settings. Used to contrast childhood naivety with adult reality.
14. Baby Doge Meme Template
An even smaller, cuter version of Kabosu—often linked to Baby Dogecoin (a cryptocurrency spin-off). Represents innocence or overprotectiveness.
15. Karen Doge Meme Template
Kabosu styled as the stereotypical “Karen”—demanding to speak to the manager. A humorous take on entitled behavior.
16. Cheems Meme Template
Focuses solely on Cheems, usually with speech impediment text (“I can’t believe this is happening mister”). Hugely popular in meme battles.
17. Walter Meme Template
Features Walter the Shiba Inu (from Breaking Bad parody memes) in serious or dramatic roles. Often paired with intense music references.
18. Perro Meme Template
“Perro” means “dog” in Spanish; this version uses exaggerated Latin lover tropes or telenovela-style drama involving Kabosu.
19. Doge-Faced Pig Meme Template
A hybrid creature combining pig features with Doge’s expression. Highlights absurdity and surreal humor.
20. Baby Caesar Meme Template
A mashup of Baby Yoda (Grogu) and Julius Caesar—with Doge’s face added for comedic effect. Used in political satire or power struggle jokes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who owns the original Doge?
A: Kabosu was adopted by Atsuko Sato, a Japanese kindergarten teacher, in 2008. She rescued Kabosu from a shelter and later shared her photos online.
Q: Is Dogecoin still relevant today?
A: Yes. Despite starting as a joke, Dogecoin remains one of the most recognized cryptocurrencies globally, supported by active communities and used in charitable initiatives.
Q: Why is Comic Sans used in Doge memes?
A: Comic Sans was chosen for its playful, unprofessional look—matching the meme’s intentionally silly tone and broken grammar style.
Q: Can I create my own Doge memes legally?
A: Yes. While Kabosu’s image is copyrighted, it has been widely shared under fair use for parody and commentary—core principles of meme culture.
Q: What makes Doge memes so enduring?
A: Their simplicity, emotional range, and adaptability make them perfect for expressing complex feelings in a humorous way—anyone can relate to “such confusion.”
Q: Are there other animals with similar meme status?
A: Yes—cats like Grumpy Cat and Nyan Cat achieved similar fame, but few match Doge’s combination of linguistic creativity and cultural impact.
Why Doge Still Matters
Doge isn't just nostalgia—it's a living part of internet language. From social media banter to financial discourse, the meme continues to evolve. Its influence extends beyond humor into branding, technology, and even philanthropy (Dogecoin-funded projects include clean water initiatives and sports sponsorships).
Whether you're laughing at a Fake Smile Doge reaction or investing in meme-inspired digital assets, the spirit of “very wow” lives on.
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