The Joys Of Keeping Bearded Dragons

Keeping bearded dragons as pets has become a popular trend amongst young reptile enthusiasts over the past decade. For years the iguana was king of the hill when it came to lizards kept within captivity, but as the 1990's rolled in a new kid had arrived on the block. Hailing from Australia, the Pogona vitticeps began to pry its way into the pet trade and was gaining notoriety fast. It wasn't long before captive breeding took hold and the availability of these pets exploded, putting the iguana's title at risk.

One main reason these pets are a top choice is because of their dinosaur-like appearance. The arrow-shaped head, spike-lined body, and distinctive scale patterns make them one of the most appealing lizards on the market. Let's not forget about their trademark beard either, as seeing this displayed for the first time is quite entertaining. If you want to step it up a notch you can splurge for a "morph", or selectively bred dragons that produce specific colors. You can find anything from bright yellow, orange and red breeds, to a scale-less "silkback".

Aside from these stunningly unique looks, bearded dragons are also known for their mild temperament. It's a pretty rare occurrence for an owner to be bitten by a dragon, as they take to humans quite well. It has been said that even in the wild, the pogona may be approached with little or no fuss. They enjoy our interaction so much that if they feel starved of attention, they may pace the length of the cage and perform what is known as the "glass dance." This is when a rambunctious beardie claws at the sides of its enclosure in an attempt to let you know he wants to get out and play.

There are also a few, more-practical advantages to choosing a beardie as pet, such as their size and durability. An average sized dragon will reach up to two feet in length. This is considered a comfortable handling size, but not big enough to eat your poodle. Matching their rugged look is the beardies hardiness. These lizards are well-known for surviving even the harshest of conditions, making them a great choice for beginner reptile owners and young enthusiasts.

So it's easy to see why the bearded dragon has become one of, if not the most popular reptile pets today. They are a more manageable size and much less aggressive than the iguana, but not too tiny to handle like the small and fidgety anole. Their exotic appearance is sure to make them a conversation piece, especially if your dragon is from a morphed bloodline. Above all, it's the bond that is created between the lizard and its owner that makes this a very special pet. You will find yourself quickly possessed by the gentle charm of this beast, and you will both love every second of it.