Mishaboar Questions TVL as Metric for Dogecoin

The prominent Dogecoin figure argues that total value locked is not a reliable measure of a cryptocurrency's quality.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dogs

Bold vector editorial illustration of a heavy stone coin balanced on a thin wire, representing the tension between complex metrics and currency simplicity.
Prominent Dogecoin figure Mishaboar has challenged the use of Total Value Locked (TVL) as a primary metric, urging a focus on security and simplicity instead. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mishaboar contends that total value locked (TVL) fails to capture the true quality of the Dogecoin currency. The analysis emphasizes that the project should prioritize security and simplicity over complex financial metrics.

Why it matters

The argument highlights a growing divergence between speculative financial metrics like TVL and the original intent behind the Dogecoin project. It suggests that maintaining simplicity and distinct boundaries from commercial ventures is vital for the currency.

More than 40 individuals have contributed to Dogecoin Core since 2014. Additionally, the Chikyū testnet, operated by DogeOS, allows developers to utilize Ethereum-based tools while paying transaction fees directly in DOGE.

The players

Mishaboar

A prominent figure and contributor within the Dogecoin community who frequently comments on the network's development path.

Billy Markus

One of the two original co-creators of Dogecoin who stepped away from active development in 2014.

Jackson Palmer

A co-creator of Dogecoin who ceased his involvement with the cryptocurrency's development in 2014.

DogeOS

The entity that operates the Chikyū testnet, which enables the use of Ethereum development tools on the network.

The details

Mishaboar identifies critical areas requiring further attention, including robust code review, enhanced security research, and the development of lightweight wallets. The commentary maintains that Dogecoin functions best when its core identity remains independent of complex commercial projects.

Timeline

  1. 2014: Co-creators stopped working on Dogecoin development.

  2. October 28, 2026: Mishaboar argued that TVL does not measure currency quality.

Culture Shift

The push toward integrating Ethereum development tools on the Chikyū testnet marks a significant shift in the Dogecoin development trajectory. This trend reflects a move away from the original minimalist philosophy toward a more complex, feature-rich infrastructure.

The discussion influences how investors and enthusiasts evaluate the long-term utility of the currency beyond speculative price movements. Users may need to reconsider their expectations for network features as development priorities shift toward security and core infrastructure.

The takeaway

Simplicity remains a cornerstone of the Dogecoin identity despite pressures to adopt complex decentralized finance models. Readers should focus on the underlying security and development progress of the network rather than short-term financial metrics.

Further reading

For more information on the evolving ecosystem of pet-themed cryptocurrencies, visit the Dogs section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by TokenPost.

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