How long do bearded dragons live?

A pet bearded dragon typically lives 10 to 15 years in captivity, with some reaching close to 20 under excellent care. Diet, UVB lighting, and enclosure size drive lifespan more than genetics does.

What types of bearded dragons are there?

There are eight recognized species in the Pogona genus, but nearly every pet bearded dragon is Pogona vitticeps. Breeders have developed dozens of color and pattern morphs within that species.

Are bearded dragons good pets?

Bearded dragons make good pets for owners willing to maintain consistent heat, UVB lighting, and a varied diet. They are a poor fit for anyone wanting a low-maintenance pet.

How do you tell if a bearded dragon is male or female?

The clearest sign is a visual check around 6 months old: males show two hemipenal bulges near the tail base while females show one.

Can bearded dragons live together?

Bearded dragons should not be housed together as adults. They are solitary and territorial, and cohabitation commonly leads to stress and fighting.

Facts Library

Bearded Dragon Facts & Species Guides

Ask a new owner what a bearded dragon is and you'll get "a lizard." Ask someone who's kept one for a year and the answer gets longer: a social, surprisingly expressive reptile from the deserts of Australia that can live over a decade if you get the fundamentals right.

Start with what a bearded dragon actually is. "Bearded dragon" covers eight species in the genus Pogona, though almost every pet dragon in the US is Pogona vitticeps, the central or inland bearded dragon. Within that one species, breeders have produced dozens of color and pattern morphs, from classic sandy-brown to citrus, red, and the striking white-eyed leucistic line, which is where most "what color will mine be" questions start. The German giant is a larger line of the same species, not a separate one.