The introduction of the first exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Dogecoin on U.S. markets has sparked a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism among both institutional and individual investors. Bitwise Asset Management’s BWOW and Grayscale’s GDOG, now available on the NYSE Arca, mark a milestone for Dogecoin, the seventh-largest digital asset by market capitalization, currently valued at approximately $22 billion and trading near $0.15.
Despite the significance of these launches, initial trading activity has been subdued. Grayscale’s GDOG ETF saw just $1.4 million in volume on its opening day, falling well short of the $12 million that analysts had anticipated.
Bitwise’s BWOW ETF, which started trading on November 26, 2025, provides investors with direct access to Dogecoin. The fund charges a 0.34% management fee, which is waived for the first month on the initial $500 million in assets. According to Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley, the launch was driven by strong demand from the Dogecoin community. The ETF physically holds Dogecoin, with each share representing the underlying asset minus fees and expenses. However, since the fund is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, investors may face increased regulatory and liquidity risks.
Grayscale’s GDOG, which launched earlier in the week, experienced a modest start despite being the first spot Dogecoin ETF in the U.S. Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas noted that while the $1.4 million opening volume is respectable for a typical ETF launch, it is underwhelming for a pioneering spot product. By the second day, GDOG attracted $1.8 million in net inflows, bringing its total assets to $3.5 million. These numbers are dwarfed by the $58 million first-day volume achieved by Canary Capital’s XRP ETF, highlighting Dogecoin’s more limited appeal.
Analysts attribute the lukewarm response to Dogecoin’s high volatility and its limited practical use compared to other cryptocurrencies. Originating as a Shiba Inu meme in 2013, Dogecoin is still largely seen as a speculative asset.
Technical analysis supports this cautious outlook: Dogecoin has been confined to a downward trend for several months, with sellers dominating near the $0.15 mark and key moving averages trending lower. A decisive move above the 20-day exponential moving average at $0.158 would be necessary to indicate a shift in momentum, but experts remain doubtful about the likelihood of sustained gains.
The regulatory environment adds another layer of complexity. While BWOW and GDOG offer a regulated way to gain exposure to Dogecoin, they do not shield investors from the asset’s price swings or the uncertainties of evolving crypto regulations. Bitwise’s fund cautions that it carries the same risks as holding Dogecoin directly, including potential liquidity challenges and regulatory shifts. Grayscale’s GDOG is temporarily waiving fees for the first $1 billion in assets, after which a 0.35% fee will apply—a structure that could discourage long-term holders.
Despite these obstacles, the arrival of Dogecoin ETFs points to increasing institutional interest in meme-based cryptocurrencies. Bitwise’s move follows its recent XRP ETF launch and reflects a broader push by crypto-focused companies into traditional financial markets. Grayscale’s experience, however, underscores the difficulties in attracting significant investment to assets with limited utility. As other firms like 21Shares prepare similar products, the market will soon reveal whether Dogecoin can evolve from an internet sensation into a credible investment option. For now, these ETFs remain a niche offering, with their future success dependent on Dogecoin’s ability to overcome technical and regulatory hurdles.