DOGS Deepdive: A Closer Look at the TON-based Memecoin

The year 2025 has been eventful in the blockchain industry, with only a few projects building on their launch and gaining traction. Similarly, many have succumbed to the daunting market conditions. Amid these contrasting events, projects like the Dogs Community, backed by its native $DOGS token, have gained traction. Launched in August 2024 on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, the memecoin has grown into a worldwide movement. 

With a peak of 50 million Telegram users, a market cap of $67 million, and community events, the Dogs Community is defying market conditions and maintaining its relevance in the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) space. 

This article explores Dogs’ origins, technology, tokenomics, community efforts, and market performance, providing a straightforward look at what’s fueling its prominence as a top player in the TON ecosystem.

The Origins of the Dogs Community and the $DOGS Token

The Dogs Community debuted in August 2024, timing its launch with Telegram’s anniversary. Inspired by Spotty, a cartoon dog created by Telegram founder Pavel Durov, the project gave itself a familiar mascot for the app’s 900 million users. Unlike many meme coins that rely solely on hype, $DOGS aimed to mix fun with practical use, bringing blockchain to Telegram’s audience.

The rollout began with a Telegram-based tap-to-earn game, where users earned points, later exchanged for $DOGS tokens, based on their account age and referrals. By August 14, 2024, when mining wrapped up, 15 million wallets had joined, making up nearly half of all active TON wallets. 

Its large user base earned the $DOGS token listing on several major exchanges, including Binance, MEXC, Crypto.com, Bitget, and Gate.io, increasing its reach. The token is tradeable on over 50 Centralized Exchanges (CEX), making it one of the OG memecoins on TON. 

How the $DOGS Token Works: Tokenomics & The TON Blockchain

The $DOGS token operates on The Open Network (TON), a blockchain built for speed and scale initially linked to Telegram. TON’s capacity to process high transaction volumes suits a project aiming to engage millions. Using Telegram bots, $DOGS weaves itself into the app, allowing users to earn tokens, trade tokenized stickers, and dip into crypto without leaving the platform.

This simplicity is a game-changer. The asset is arguably Telegram’s most native meme token, highlighting how it makes crypto approachable. There is no need for complicated wallets or tech expertise, just a Telegram account. 

Tokenomics

The financial framework of $DOGS puts its community first. The total supply is 550 billion tokens, with 81.5% set aside for users, 73% for long-term Telegram account holders based on activity. The rest funds traders, sticker creators, and future initiatives without locked tokens in the community pool. The remainder goes to Team and Future Development and Liquidity on CEXs and DEXs. As of April 2025, 93% of the supply (516.75 billion tokens) is circulating, according to CoinMarketCap.

The token is deflationary, meaning the supply could decrease over time through burns, which might increase its value. Currently, $DOGS boasts a market cap of $67 million and a 24-hour trading volume of $20.95 million. As mentioned earlier, it is available on platforms like Binance and MEXC, with pairs like DOGS/USDT ensuring liquidity. 

The Dogs Community: A Worldwide Network 

The strength of the Dogs Community lies in its people. From the tap-to-earn game to airdrops rewarding dedication, participation has been central. At launch, 17 million users claimed their tokens, with over 50 million users registering, setting a memecoin record, per CoinTelegraph. Additionally, 42.2 million users were eligible for the airdrop, making it the largest memecoin Token Generation Event (TGE) in history. Meanwhile, recent activities show this energy persisting.

One such activity is the meetup in Lagos, Nigeria, on April 4, 2025, with Blum Crypto, which brings fans together for discussions and an afterparty. Earlier this week, South Korea hosted an event with DJs and tattoo artists. Other meetups in Dubai and Argentina reflect a global footprint. The community also addressed fairness by targeting bot farms during airdrops, reinforcing its commitment to equity.

The Dogs Community goes beyond meetups, making a tangible difference. Most recently, it contributed to wildfire relief in South Korea and supported orphanages, tying into its community-driven ethos. These efforts have built goodwill outside the crypto world.

On January 14, 2025, the protocol took to X to announce that it earned the Growth Star award in CoinMarketCap’s 2024-2025 Yearbook, alongside TON projects like Notcoin. This highlights the platform’s recognition as a leading player in the industry. Further, it positions $DOGS as a top player among TON-based meme coins.

What Lies Ahead for DOGS?

It is worth noting that every crypto project faces hurdles. While $DOGS has sidestepped major controversies, Telegram-related scams have stirred concerns. One instance is a Medium post in August 2024 that claimed an “OKX and DogsHouse” scheme trapped user funds. However, the report remains uncertain if it connects to the official Dogs Community, which has not responded to date.

Market swings pose another risk. Memecoins depend on enthusiasm, and a dip could hurt $DOGS. The bot crackdown signals a focus on integrity, but caution remains wise—standard advice for crypto investors.

Looking forward, the Dogs Community has a strong foundation. Its healthy market cap, steady trading, and events like today’s Lagos meetup point to potential. Ties with Blum Crypto and charity work could broaden its reach, while TON’s technology keeps it flexible.

The key is endurance. Can $DOGS sustain its community’s drive and rival giants like Dogecoin? Its Telegram integration and recent recognition suggest it’s in the running. For now, the Dogs Community is a compelling crypto narrative to watch closely.