Do you love Bearded Dragons? Are you looking to purchase one as a pet? You’ve probably noticed that there are many different types and variations of bearded dragons. In the article below, we’ll introduce you to some of the different types of bearded dragons you can find.
Bearded dragons, often referred to as ‘beardies,’ can make a great pet. They are known for being very friendly and can even form a bond with their owner.
There are three main ways bearded dragons are classified: by their species, by their morphs, and by their colors. In the sections below, we’ll go into more details about what each of these terms mean and the different types of bearded dragons you can find under each category. But first, let’s talk a little about breeding bearded dragons.
Breeding Information
Most of the morphs and colors of bearded dragons that you’ll read about below have been made by breeding bearded dragons together. Breeders look for particular characteristics in two bearded dragons, and then breed them together to create a new bearded dragon that displays both of those characteristics. When you are looking for a bearded dragon, you might see some of the terminology listed below. These terms describe the different types of bearded dragons and what types of characteristics they possess.
Het: When you see ‘het’ in the name of a bearded dragon, it means they are carriers for a particular trait, such as transparency or hypomelanism, but do not display the trait. For example, a Het Trans bearded dragon carries the transparency trait, but does not appear transparent. When he is bred with another bearded dragon, his offspring could appear transparent.
Normal
These bearded dragons are the offspring of two bearded dragons that possess different characteristics.
Trans
These bearded dragons are the offspring created when two bearded dragons with translucent traits are bred together. They have skin that looks like it is somewhat see-through. Translucent traits usually happen on the tail and legs. In rare cases the body too.
Hypo
Hypomelanistic is a term that refers to things that have less coloring. Hypo bearded dragons are the offspring that is created when two hypomelanistic bearded dragons are bred together. These bearded dragons are typically much lighter in color than other bearded dragons. They can often appear almost pastel in color. Additionally, their eyes and nails are also lighter than those of other bearded dragons.
Hypo Trans
These bearded dragons are the result of breeding a Hypo bearded dragon and a Trans bearded dragon. They have skin that is a little transparent. They also do not have any darker colorings.
Het Trans
These bearded dragons do not appear to be translucent (see-through), but are carriers for the trait. Since they carry the translucent trait, when they are bred with another bearded dragon, some of their offspring may show the translucent trait.
Het Hypo
These bearded dragons are carriers for the hypomelanism trait (lighter coloring), but do not appear to be hypomelanistic. This means that they appear to be darker in color, but could still pass down the gene for lighter coloring when they mate with another bearded dragon. If the trait gets passed down, then their offspring will appear to be hypomelanistic and will have lighter coloring.
Hypo Het Trans
These bearded dragons are carriers for both the translucent trait and hypomelanism trait, but they only display the hypomelanism trait. This means that they appear lighter in color than many other dragons. However, since they still are carriers for the translucency trait, it is possible that when they are bred their offspring could be translucent. Their offspring could also have the hypomelanism trait since that could be passed down as well.
Trans Het Hypo
These bearded dragons are carriers for both the translucent trait and hypomelanism trait, but they only display the translucent trait. So, these dragons appear translucent and have skin that you can almost see-through. They can pass this translucency down to their offspring. Since they are also carriers for the hypomelanism trait, their offspring could receive this trait as well, causing them to appear lighter in color.
Double Het
These bearded dragons are carriers for both the translucent trait and hypomelanism trait. However, neither of these traits are displayed. If the bearded dragon has offspring, their offspring may show one or both of these traits; they may appear lighter in color, see-through, or both.
Types of Bearded Dragon Species
Bearded dragons are naturally found in Australia. There are nine different species of bearded dragons that can be found there.
Pogona Barbata
This species is mainly found in the dry and wooded portions of Eastern Australia. They can be as long as 24 inches. The Pagona Barbata move around on the ground or by climbing trees. They are most active during daylight hours.
Pogona Nullarbor
The Pogona Nullarbor is more commonly referred to as the Nullarbor Bearded Dragon. This species doesn’t grow to be longer than 14 inches. Nullarbor Bearded Dragons live in southern Australia.
Pogona Microlepidota
This species is nowhere near as common as some of the other species. They live on the coasts or woodlands in North Kimberly, Australia. They are also smaller than many other species, measuring only about four or six inches long.
Pogona Minor Minor
This is another rare species of bearded dragons. The Pogona Minor Minor lives in Central and Western Australia. Also known as the Dwarf Bearded Dragon, this species is typically between 14 and 18 inches long.
Pogona Minor Minima
This species is also very rare. They can be found near the Hourman Albrohos Islands and in Western Australia. They are also called the Western Bearded Dragon. This species can be up to 12 inches long.
Pogona Minor Mitchelli
Preferring a desert or semi-tropical woodland climate, the Pogona Minor Mitchelli species resides in North Western Australia. This species can grow to be up to 18 inches long.
Pogona Vitticeps
The Pogona Vitticeps is also knows as the Central Bearded Dragon. This species can be found in deserts or forests in Central Australia. They are typically gentle and love to climb.
Pogona Henrylawsoni
The Pogona Henrylawsoni, more commonly known as the Lawsons Bearded Dragon, can be found in the western and central Queensland. They prefer desert climates. This species loves to climb and can grow up to 12 inches long.
Pogona Vittikins
The Pogona Vittikins is a crossbreed of the Pogona Vitticeps and Pogona Henrylawsoni. There aren’t much information about this breed till date.
Type of Bearded Dragon Morphs
There are many different types of bearded dragon morphs. The term ‘morph’ refers to the looks, body type, and overall size of a bearded dragon. Different morphs have been created by breeding different bearded dragons together.
Classic/Standard/Normal Morph
The Classic Bearded Dragon is the one that will look most similar to what can be found naturally in Australia. Their backs are covered with small spikes, and they have a spiky beard. The head of a classic morph is more triangular in shape. These morphs are most commonly found in a brown or tan color. There are some Classic Morphs that can be other colors, such as orange, yellow, or red. Since this morph is very common, they are the least expensive to buy.
Leatherback Morph
The Leatherback Morph received its name due to its smooth back that looks like leather. While many other bearded dragons have a spiky back, the Leatherback’s back is smooth. However, Leatherbacks do have spikes on their sides and heads. Since this Morph is rarer than some other options, be prepared to spend more money if you would like to purchase one.
Below are some of the different varieties you can find within the Leatherback Morph:
- Hypo Leatherback
- Hypo Translucent Leatherback Dunner
- Red Italian Leatherback
- Het Hypomelanistic Leatherback
- Zero Hypo Leatherback
- Purple Paradox Leatherback
- Italian Leatherback
German Giant Morph
If you guessed that the German Giant Morph is a larger bearded dragon, then you’re right. This morph was created gradually over the years. Breeders mated larger bearded dragons together to create a larger dragon. They kept doing this with the offspring they created. Today, a German Giant Morph is about 50% bigger than a Classic Morph.
Other than its larger size, this morph looks just like a Classic Morph. In fact, until you know your bearded dragon is fully grown, it can be challenging to determine whether it is a German Giant Morph or a Classic Morph. Create an enclosure that will give it sufficient space. If you have a German Giant Morph, you will need to make sure you A few of the varieties of the German Giant Morph include the Hypo Red Dragon German Giant, the Hypo Red Orange German Giant, and the Greenie X Orange German Giant.
Paradox Morph
The Paradox Morph is a very popular type of bearded dragon. Many bearded dragon enthusiasts try to find a Paradox Morph because of their very unique and distinct markings. This type of bearded dragon can often look like an artist took a paintbrush to a canvas; they have very colorful and attractive patterns.
Since this is a highly sought-after morph, it is also more expensive. Paradox Morph dragons with more vibrant colors and attractive patterns will cost even more. Breeders determine the value of a Paradox Morph by looking at their coloring and how attractive or evenly distributed their patterns are (known as paradox shifts).
Paradox Morphs are the result of more than one genetic mutation, making them more complex and challenging to understand. Additionally, when they are first born, they typically look normal and will only start to display their distinct colors and patterns as they grow older.
Translucent Morph
Translucent means see-through, and while it may sound strange, that is what it refers to with a Translucent Morph. You can nearly see through this bearded dragon’s skin. When they are first born, a Translucent Morph has a practically clear blue belly. However, in most cases this blue coloring will disappear as the bearded dragon gets older and their skin thickens.
Translucency is a recessive trait. This means that both of the parents that were bred together did not necessarily display translucency, but carried the trait and passed it down to their offspring, making them appear translucent.
In addition to appearing transparent, many (but not all) of these morphs have very distinct, solid black eyes. It is also possible that the way a Translucent Morph’s eyes look could change over their life. The eyes of some of these morphs will begin to look more ‘normal’ as they grow older. Some Translucent Morphs even have eyes that will switch back and forth between the darker black coloring and a more typical look.
There are many different variations of Translucent Morphs. They include:
- Hypo Het Translucent
- Polar Translucent
- Citrus Tiger Hypo Translucent
- Red and Orange Hypo Translucent
- Belgium Translucent
- Hypo Translucent Genetic Stripe
- Leatherback Genetic Stripe
- Rally Red Trans
- Dark Translucent
Silverback Morph
While baby Silverback Morphs may be born with a few patterns, the adults are completely patternless. These bearded dragons are typically a lighter color, such as beige or light brown. Silverbacks were the first patternless bearded dragons that were bred.
Many people don’t prefer the appearance of Silverback’s, so finding one is often difficult since they are not bred very often.
Hypomelanistic Morph
The dragons in this category make less melanin than other dragons. Since melanin is a pigment that makes skin look darker, Hypomelanistic Morphs look lighter than most other bearded dragons. They tend to have a more subdued, almost pastel-looking coloring. The dragons in this category also have nails that are clear. Breeders have made many different variations of a Hypomelanistic Morph. Some of these different variations include:
- Hypo Het Translucent
- Red Het Hypomelanistic
- Red Hypomelanistic
- English Belgium Hypo
- Hypo Yellow
- Blood Hypo Orange
- Hypo Red Crawley
- Hypo Snow
- Pastel
Micro Scale Morph
Micro Scale Morphs look very similar to a Leatherback. However, they have many fewer spikes than Leatherbacks do (they don’t have any on their sides or their beards). This morph is created by breed a bearded dragon with a recessive Leatherback mutation with a bearded dragon with a dominant Leatherback mutation.
Silkback Morph
As you might suspect, a Silkback Morph has silky and smooth skin. Unlike other bearded dragons, they do not have any spikes. Due to this soft skin, Silkbacks are often referred to as silkies. Silkbacks are created when two Leatherback Morphs are bred together. Silkbacks are a very unique and sought-after bearded dragon morph because of the special traits they have.
Since their skin is smooth and not protected by scales, you need to be very careful with these dragons. They are more challenging to take care of than other types of bearded dragons since it is much easier for their skin to get injured. If you do adopt a Silkback Morph, it is important to make sure there are no sharp objects in their enclosure that could cause harm to their delicate skin.
Because of how easy it is for Silkbacks to get injured, some breeders believe it is unethical to produce this type of bearded dragon. This also contributes to why they are one of the more difficult types of bearded dragons to find.
The Red Italian Silkback is one variation of a Silkback Morph.
Dunner Morph
At first glance, you may confuse a Dunner Morph with a Classic Morph. However, there are a few notable ways that these two morphs are different. Dunner Morphs often have more scales than other bearded dragons, and their scales are not organized into any particular pattern. Some of the varieties of Dunner Bearded Dragons are solid in color; this can also contribute to making it more difficult to identify them.
If you are trying to determine whether a particular bearded dragon is a Dunner Morph, there are a few key characteristics you can look for. Instead of pointing down like other bearded dragons, a Dunner’s beard is irregular spikes pointing out to the sides. Dunner Morph’s scales also look like they are more textured than other bearded dragons due to the random and disordered way they are arranged on their bodies.
Dunner Morphs often do something strange when they eat as well. Instead of just swallowing their food, they may hold it in their throat for some time. If you notice this trait in your Dunner Morph, don’t be alarmed by it. Unless you are seeing other signs that your bearded dragon is not healthy, there is nothing dangerous about them doing this.
There are a lot of different varieties of Dunner Morphs that have been bred over the year. These variations include:
- Yellow & Orange Hypo Citrus Dunner
- Hypomelanistic Dunner
- Hypo Translucent Dunner
- Hypo Translucent Leatherback Dunner
Zero Morph
Zero Morphs have a recessive genetic mutation that causes their skin to be completely void or any colors or patterns. These bearded dragons are a whitish silvery color. This can make this bearded dragon stand out when placed near other beardies. A Zero Morph is the result of breeding two dragons that have a recessive trait which was then passed down to create the Zero Morph.
Sometimes, in cooler climates or areas, this morph may appear more of a gray color. However, when warmed up, they will return to their silvery color. More bearded dragon enthusiasts are starting to get interested in Zero Morphs. However, they are still pretty rare. This combination of high demand and low supply makes a Zero Morph pretty expensive to purchase.
Genetic Stripe Morph
Genetic Stripe Morphs have stripes that go down their spines. These bearded dragons have a dominant genetic mutation that creates their stripes. These non-colored stripes go from the neck to the tail.
Genetic Stripe Morphs are the only type of bearded dragons that have stripes caused by a genetic mutation. If you see other bearded dragons that are described as being ‘striped,’ there are other factors that make them appear to be striped.
Witblits Morph
A Witblits Morph has lighter, more muted skin. Their skin is normally a color such as light brown or orange. This morph also does not have any patterns. This morph was discovered by a South African Breeder. Witblits means “white lightning.” Today, there are white bearded dragons, however at the time this morph was discovered they were likely the closest thing to a white bearded dragon that people had seen, hence the meaning of the name.
As a rare bearded dragon, a Witblits is typically more expensive and more challenging to find.
Wero Morph
The Wero Morph is the resulting creation of breeding a Witbilts Morph with a Zero Morph. This variation closely resembles a Zero Morph. It is white and does not have any patterns. Wero Morphs frequently have darker colors near their tails than Zero Morphs do.
Bearded Dragon Colors
A bearded dragon’s color is separate from their morph. Many of the morphs above can be found in different colors. It used to be that a bearded dragon’s color was determined by their habitat. However, now with selective breeding, breeders can make bearded dragons in all sorts of colors. Certain colors are more sought after than others, so bearded dragons with more popular colors may be more expensive.
Standard Colors
Brown and Tan are the most common colors that you can find a bearded dragon in. Some other more standard colors can include combinations of red, yellow, and green.
Yellow
To make a bearded dragon that is yellow in color, breeders mate two dragons that have a good amount of yellow coloring. By repeating this process with future generations, they can create bearded dragons that have a deeper yellow coloring. To make a golden bearded dragon, a yellow bearded dragon is bred with a red bearded dragon. There are lots of different bearded dragons that have been bred to be yellow in color. Some of these include:
- Lemon Fire
- Gold
- Citrus Tiger
- Sandfire Gold
White, Gray, or Silver
White, gray, or silver bearded dragons are often Leucistic Morphs. Bearded dragons of these colors are bred when two dragons that have a white or very pale coloring are bred together. Albino Bearded Dragons and Snow Bearded Dragons are two of the types of dragons that have white, gray, or silver coloring.
Orange
Some bearded dragons are also orange. These bearded dragons are relatively common and can be easy to find. Some of the different variations within this subgroup include:
- Tangerine
- Sunburst
- Citrus Tiger
Red
Many bearded dragon owners seek out a red dragon. Breeders create red bearded dragons when they mate two dragons that have a large amount of red coloring. The exact skin color on a red bearded dragon can vary. Some have a lighter red coloring, while others have a very deep red coloring. Bearded Dragons that have a deeper coloring are the result of multiple years of breeding. Some of the variations of red bearded dragons that you may be able to find include:
- Belgium x Blood
- European Red
- Ruby Red
- Sandfire Red
Blue or Purple
Blue or purple bearded dragons will only stay blue or purple when they are very young. When two Translucent Bearded Dragons are bred, a blue or purple offspring results. However, as they get older, the young dragon’s skill will change and become translucent.
Conclusion
As you can now see, there are a wide variety of species, morphs, and colors of bearded dragons. Some of these different variations are more challenging to find and can even be worth a lot more money than the other types.
If there is a specific type of bearded dragon you are looking for, you’ll want to research and call some breeders in your area. Let them know what you are looking for, and they should be able to give you some guidance to help you find it.
If you purchase a bearded dragon for its specific appearance, just be aware that their appearance may change over time. Sometimes, as bearded dragons get older, their skin colors seem to fade. Other times, their colors may become more pronounced.
The patterns on your bearded dragon may also fade and become less distinct over the course of his life. Also, be cautious of purchasing a bearded dragon after only looking at a photograph of it.
Since lighting conditions can change the way a dragon’s coloring or patterns may look, it is always a good idea to get an in-person look if you are planning to make a purchase.
So what do you think? Which color is your favourite? Tell us by commenting down below.
