Dog Side Eye Meme Phenomenon

The internet has been captivated by various famous dogs, but the ‘side eye dog’ meme stands out for its unique appeal and widespread recognition. This meme gained extraordinary popularity, even inspiring the creation of a new cryptocurrency.

Origins of the Meme

The ‘side eye dog’ meme, primarily featuring a Shiba Inu dog named Balltze, first captured the internet’s attention in 2017. The meme originated from a photo of Balltze with crossed paws and a seemingly disgruntled expression. This image was humorously enhanced with Comic Sans text, representing the dog’s supposed thoughts. Quickly, Balltze became known by various names, including Cheems, side-eye dog, and Doge. The latter name, Doge, was particularly influential, as it led to the creation of a cryptocurrency in 2013.

Evolution of the Meme

Balltze’s initial meme, focusing on his facial expressions and internal monologue, set the stage for other Shiba Inu dog memes. The ‘Doge’ meme, featuring various Shiba Inus with humorous captions, gained widespread popularity. Among the notable iterations is the ‘Swole Doge,’ a muscular version of a Shiba Inu, often paired with Cheems to represent different historical eras humorously.

Other Shiba Inus, such as Kabosu, also achieved viral fame. Kabosu’s wide-eyed stare contrasted with Balltze’s more judgmental look. Balltze’s notable appearances include the “Go to Horny Jail” meme, where he humorously disciplines another dog.

Balltze’s Legacy

Sadly, Balltze passed away in August 2023. His owner commemorated him on Instagram, emphasizing the joy and comfort Balltze brought to many during the pandemic and asking followers to celebrate his life rather than mourn his passing.

Continued Impact of the Meme

Although discussions about Cheems have diminished since the meme’s peak, its influence remains significant. In a notable example, Elon Musk briefly changed Twitter’s homepage icon to a picture of ‘doge,’ coinciding with a surge in Dogecoin’s value. The reasons behind Musk’s actions remain unclear, but the incident underscores the meme’s enduring impact.

Understanding Dog Behavior: The Side Eye

Beyond the meme, the ‘side eye’ expression in dogs, often called ‘whale eye,’ can be a sign of discomfort or defensive behavior. It usually indicates that the dog feels threatened or is protecting something. Dog owners should heed this warning, respecting their pet’s space to avoid a potential aggressive response.

Conclusion The ‘side eye dog’ meme, with its origins and evolution, not only provided humor and entertainment but also influenced the digital currency landscape and offered insights into canine behavior. Its legacy, through Balltze’s memorable expressions and the meme’s cultural impact, continues to resonate in the digital world.