Bearded Dragon Lizards Are Smarter Than You Might Think! - Reptiles Magazine (2024)

FAQs

How intelligent are bearded dragons? ›

They have strong memories, but their complicated social structures, tool usage, and altruistic acts best represent their intelligence. Although bearded dragons don't possess the same skills as some of the smartest animals, they're still intelligent. Their skills and mental abilities match their needs.

Reptile intelligence has long been considered inferior to that of birds and mammals. But recent studies in reptile cognition show reptiles have a profound understanding of their environment.

Bearded dragons make great pets for several reasons. They're low maintenance, requiring no live food and minimal space. They're also social creatures, enjoying the company of other dragons and humans. Their fascinating behaviors, such as color-changing and nuzzling, make them interactive and entertaining companions.

And coming in at the most intelligent reptile on the earth is the Monitor Lizard. Monitor Lizards can grow to be over a metre long and weigh more than 10kg. Monitors belong to a family of carnivorous lizards called the Varanidae.

Some may be fine with other beardies in captivity, but many prefer to be alone. Beardies love their owners. They'll recognize you, look in your eyes, beg for food, and sometimes want to be held. Unlike furry friends, beardies don't need constant attention or handling.

Yes! While not effusive and certainly not as emotional as dogs, cats, and other mammals, bearded dragons are known to show signs of affection to their owners. For example, they will remain calm when handled or sit still on their owner's lap.

Bearded dragons love to climb, explore, and burrow. To nurture these natural movements, add playful decor to the pet's enclosure. Large flat rocks to bask on, tall grasses to poke through, and faux tree branches to maneuver help mimic the animal's natural Australian environment.

Your beardie won't purr or wag his tail, but he will show affection in his own way. He might lick your hand, come when called, or change color to communicate. Another good indication is if your little buddy relaxes when you're holding him. He might even fall asleep!

Bearded dragons have amazing vision and hearing—they can see in color, and can even see things that are moving behind them by using their “parietal eye” (a small gap in their skull). Bearded dragons are omnivores—they eat both plants and meat!

Chimpanzees can learn sign language to communicate with humans. Topping our list of smartest animals is another great primate, the chimpanzee. The impressive intellectual abilities of this animal have long fascinated humans.

What is the smartest pet ever? ›

Researchers believe that the average intelligence of domesticated dogs ranks on par with human 2-year-olds, although intelligence varies significantly between dog breeds. The border collie, for instance, is the smartest breed, closely followed by poodles, German shepherds and golden retrievers.

A healthy bearded dragon is usually aware, active, and alert as evidenced by the front legs pushing the chest and head upright and high.

Bearded dragons ARE capable of feeling. They may feel excitement, anger, fear and pleasure. Bearded dragons also get to know and recognize their owner by their look as well as their smell. They may get excited when you enter the room and they likely trust you and associate you with food or even free range time.

They have personalities just like you or me. So most of them enjoy being handled or having time with you. Some of them are a bit more standoffish. Like Agave being your beardy brooch right now as we're talking about her family.