Bearded Dragons 101

Name: Bearded Dragon

Personality: Generally docile and gentle, though the extent to which they enjoy human interaction varies, according to Dog Breed Info Center (which offers information on more than dog breeds!).

Care: Bearded dragons require a large tank with a screened top as well as proper lighting and temperature control (95–105 degrees Fahrenheit for hatchlings, 88–95 F for adults). They also need areas where they can hide in order to feel safe. They eat a varied diet, including crickets and worms, veggies and supplement powders for calcium and vitamins, according to Bearded Dragon Guide. They need clean, shallow water dishes, and you'll want to change the water daily.

Common Health Issues: This is a fairly hardy pet, but not entirely without health problems, says Bearded Dragon Care. Compaction, metabolic bone disease, mites, tail rot, and coccidia are all possible afflictions for which you'll need to watch.

Training Tips: The most important aspect of training is to teach your bearded dragon to be handled. While many are docile from the beginning, some can be more aggressive. Make sure that you're not always reaching into their enclosure with food in your hands. If your lizard associates your hands with food, he'll start treating your hands like food. Adults can be trained to sit calmly for long periods of time, according to Essortment. Bribing them with treats, like wax worms, can be very effective.

Best For: A range of pet owners from someone who is just becoming familiar with reptiles to expert enthusiasts.

What Owners Say: "Bearded dragons are by far the most friendly and sociable lizard you could own," says Heather Lopez of Davie, Fla., who has owned a number of different types of lizards, but loves her bearded dragon best. Lopez tells Paw Nation. "They are very hardy, so they don't get easily sick. I used to take [my first bearded dragon,] Weezy with me everywhere, like she was my baby. Do you know that they actually wave at you as a form of social communication? They also puff and darken their beard when they get angry or scared. Plus, if you're lucky, you get to see them pop out their eyes. They do this to cool off."

Tags: bearded dragons, BeardedDragons, lizards, pet lizard, PetLizard, reptiles, small pets, SmallPets