Dogecoin (DOGE) originated as a meme coin featuring the Shiba Inu and has since evolved into an influential decentralized cryptocurrency. Utilizing the Scrypt algorithm with no maximum supply cap, it is characterized by rapid block times and low transaction fees. Since 2014, DOGE has employed "merged mining" with Litecoin (LTC), leveraging the latter's network to enhance security while allowing LTC miners to earn DOGE as a secondary reward. Despite its origins as a joke, DOGE has established itself as a leading meme-based asset and remains a prominent PoW coin favored by miners.