As a child, I used to imagine wonderful dragon creatures that were my friends and would display certain charms and personalities. As I got older, I realized dragons did not exist. Then, as an adult, I found them again. This information area is the accumulation of our experience with these unique creatures and information gathered from others that have found the simple magic in these most personable of all lizards.

Beardies are considered the most social to humans of all the reptiles and can display many personality traits not common in reptiles, but rather that of mammals. Their natural calmness and ease when handled have made them the most popular of the lizard family today.

There are several species of Bearded Dragons, the most common one is the Inland Bearded Dragon, Pogona Vitticeps. Other Species are:

• Coastal Bearded Dragon, Pogona Barbata
• Lawson's Dragon, Pogona Herny-lawsonii aka Rankin Dragons
• Dwarf bearded Dragon, Pogona Minor
• Western Bearded Dragon, Pogona Minima
• Mitchell's Beaded Dragon, Pogona Mitchelli
• Banded Bearded Dragon, Pogona Nullarbor
• Drysdale River Bearded Dragon, Pogona Micropidota

Fig. 1 - Juvenile Bearded Dragon happily basking in her enclosure.

These can come in a variety of colors and morphs, with some carrying the name of the breeders that first developed these variations.

The first known line of these Dragons outside of their native Australia was introduced to Germany and England, through The Netherlands, thought to come there from Papua, New Guinea.

German Giant lines trace back to a brown female from those first dragons. These are commonly referred to as hardy or high disease resistant Beardies and are a few inches larger than most Inland Bearded Dragons with higher clutch counts.

When thinking about adopting a Bearded Dragon, understand, that this is a long relationship, the lifespan of them is actually unknown at this time. As more is learned of their health and diets, the lifespans of these wonderful reptiles are increasing. There are many known now to be over ten years of age.

Also, the initial setup cost is not inexpensive as they need a tank or enclosure, heat lights with ceramic fixtures, UV light with fixture, basking logs in the hot area and a cave or platform to move under to cool off. They grow a lot the first year and will soon outgrow a small 10-20 gallon tank.

From experience, I can tell you, there is nothing like the bond that can develop from these most remarkable of reptiles with such distinct personalities and traits.