Reptiles aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Unlike many other pets, they’re not fluffy or cuddly. Yet, for those who appreciate them, they can make fascinating companions.
That said, choosing the right type requires careful consideration of various factors. If you’re torn between bearded dragon vs. horned toad, you’re in the right place. Before bringing a scaly pet home, it’s important to understand what each has to offer.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between both species to help you make the best choice for your lifestyle.
Species Overview: What To Expect
There are thousands of reptile species, each with its own unique shape and size. Lizards, in particular, are among the most diverse reptile groups with over 6,000 different types and species.
So, when it comes to having a pet lizard at home, the options are endless. However, today we’re talking about two of the most popular choices among reptile enthusiasts:
Bearded Dragon (Pogona)
Bearded dragons originate from Australia’s dry, arid regions. They thrive in environments like open woodlands, savannas, and deserts.
These bearded lizards have a spiky appearance. In fact, one of their most distinct features is their “beard,” an area with pointy spikes under their throat that can puff up when they feel threatened or excited.
These magnificent creatures typically reach about 18–24 inches, including their tail. Their bodies are robust and covered with rough, textured scales.
By nature, bearded dragons come in a range of colors, including sandy browns, yellows, and oranges. On top of that, breeders have developed various color morphs, resulting in shades like red, pastel, and even white.
Horned Toad (Phrynosoma)
Horned Toads live in the semi-arid areas of North America, including parts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They live in dry, open environments with plenty of sun and sparse vegetation.
Despite their name, horned toads are actually lizards, not amphibians. Also known as horny toads, they’re recognized by their short, round bodies and the distinctive horn-like structures on their heads.
Compared to bearded dragons, horny toads are much smaller, growing to about three to five inches in length. Their coloration helps them blend into their desert surroundings, with shades ranging from brown to gray.
Bearded Dragon vs. Horned Toad: Temperament and Behavior
When it comes to temperament and behavior, bearded dragons and horned toads offer very different experiences.
Bearded dragons are known for their friendly and easygoing nature. They’re often described as docile and enjoy interacting with their owners, making them a great choice for those who want a more engaging reptile companion.
Moreover, bearded dragons are also quite active. You can spot them while exploring their habitat, basking in the light, or even doing small displays of behavior like arm-waving or head-bobbing.
On the other hand, horned lizards are much less interactive. They tend to be more reserved and less responsive to human interaction. Their behavior is more focused on camouflage and defense; they prefer to stay still and blend into their surroundings to avoid predators.
Horned toads are also less active and don’t show the same level of curiosity or engagement as bearded dragons. Their calm and somewhat aloof demeanor can make them less hands-on but still interesting to observe in their natural behaviors.
Bearded Dragon vs. Horned Toad: Care Requirements
Both bearded dragons and horned toads need specific and correct care to thrive, but their requirements differ slightly:
- Enclosure: Bearded dragons need a spacious tank with UVB lighting to mimic natural sunlight, while horned lizards require a well-maintained tank but don’t need UVB lighting as much.
- Temperature: A temperature gradient with warm basking areas and cooler zones is a must for bearded dragons. As for horned toads, they need a dry environment with temperatures that replicate their natural desert environment.
- Diet: Being omnivorous, bearded dragons need a varied diet of live insects (like crickets and mealworms) besides fresh produce. Yet, horned toads eat live insects (such as ants) primarily. In all cases, both reptiles need a shallow water dish in their enclosure.
- Maintenance: Like all pets, both lizards require regular habitat cleaning. Most distinctively, bearded dragons need careful monitoring of humidity levels, while horned lizard species need their environment to remain dry.
Bearded Dragon vs. Horned Toad: Health and Lifespan
Both bearded dragons and horned toads have their own health concerns and lifespan expectations. Here’s a quick overview:
Bearded Dragons
Typically and with proper care, bearded dragons can live between 10 and 15 years. A healthy and happy bearded dragon pet should be active, have clear eyes, and exhibit normal eating (and defecation) habits. It should also have smooth skin free of lesions or parasites.
If they don’t get enough proper UVB lighting and calcium, bearded dragons can suffer from conditions such as metabolic bone disease. They may also experience impaction, where they have difficulty passing food, or respiratory infections from poor enclosure conditions.
Horned Toads
In captivity, horned toads generally live around five to eight years. When in good physical condition, they should be alert, have smooth, intact skin, and show normal feeding behavior. Horny toads should also be active, especially during their feeding times.
If they don’t get the right types of insects, horned lizard species may face issues like dehydration or problems related to diet. They’re also prone to stress, especially when living in an environment that isn’t properly maintained.
Bearded Dragon vs. Horned Toad: Which One Should You Go for?
There’s no winner in the bearded dragon vs. horned toad comparison. In general, choosing between two species depends on your experience level, lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in a pet.
Bearded dragons are often an awesome reptile choice for beginners due to their friendly and interactive nature. They enjoy engaging with their owners and are relatively easy to handle, making them suitable for those who want a more active and social pet.
While they still require regular care, including monitoring their habitat conditions and natural diet, their size and personable behavior make them somewhat manageable.
On the other hand, horned toads are better suited for more experienced reptile keepers. Due to being less interactive and preferring to stay still, they’re ideal for those who enjoy observing their pets rather than handling them.
Although their care requirements are simpler than their bearded counterparts in terms of lighting and temperature, they still need proper habitat setup and diet management. Overall, horned lizard species are a good fit for those who want a fascinating, low-maintenance reptile.
