Bearded dragons are cool reptile pets that belong to the Pogona group.

They come from Australia and have pointy scales, triangle heads, and long tails. They can change the color of their beard genetically, and nod their heads for talking.

But like all other pets, not all bearded dragons are the same. There are different types, looks, and kinds of bearded dragons with different things about them.

This article will help you understand two kinds of bearded dragons: fancy ones and normal ones.

What is a Fancy Bearded Dragon?

A fancy bearded dragon is a special one that people have picked to look different from the usual wild bearded dragons. Fancy bearded dragons can have different colors, sizes, and shapes. Some of them even have genetically special things in their genes that make them look differently from each other. These special things can be passed down from their parents or show up out of nowhere. Fancy bearded dragons can have a mix of traits and special looks.

Examples of fancy traits made by breeding are:

1. Tiger: Bearded dragons with lines on them.
2. Red: Bearded dragons that are bright red because they were picked for that color.
3. Citrus: Bearded dragons that turn yellow as they get older.

Some examples of genetic morphs that affect the appearance of fancy bearded dragons include:

1. Zero – fancy bearded dragons that lack any pattern or color on their body, resulting in a white or silver appearance.
2. Translucent – fancy bearded dragons that have transparent scales, making their skin and organs visible.
3. Witblits – fancy bearded dragons that have no pattern or markings on their body, resulting in a solid color ranging from beige to lavender.
4. Dunner – fancy bearded dragons that have reversed scale direction, giving them a rough texture and a spiky appearance.
5. Leatherback – fancy bearded dragons that have smaller and smoother scales than normal, giving them a soft and shiny appearance.

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What is a Bearded Dragon?

On the other hand, a regular bearded dragon is like the ones you might see in Australia. They have normal colors, like tan or brown, with dark marks on their skin. They have big scales all over, even on their beard. Sometimes, they can have a bit of a different color because of where they live, what they eat, or how they’re feeling.

There are eight kinds of standard bearded dragons, but the most common one as a pet is the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). The others are:

1. Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata)
2. Pygmy bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
3. Western bearded dragon (Pogona minor)
4. Dwarf bearded dragon (Pogona microlepidota)
5. Mitchell’s bearded dragon (Pogona mitchelli)
6. Nullarbor bearded dragon (Pogona nullarbor)
7. Rankin’s dragon (Pogona brevis)

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Fancy Bearded Dragon vs Bearded Dragon

Now that we know what a fancy bearded dragon and a standard bearded dragon are, let’s compare them based on some criteria:

Appearance & Identification

Overall look is the most obvious difference between a fancy bearded dragon. A fancy bearded dragon can have a variety of colors, patterns, sizes, and scales that make them stand out from the crowd. A standard bearded dragon has a more natural and uniform look that resembles their wild counterparts large or indigestible items such as sand, gravel, or insects may have symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or constipation.

Care

Care is another major difference between these two. A fancy bearded dragon may need some special care and attention compared to standard one because of their special needs and sensitivities. Some of the care aspects that may differ for a fancy bearded dragon are:

• Lighting – fancy bearded dragons that have albinism or other color mutations may need less exposure to UVB light than normal, as they can get sunburned or blinded easily. They may also need more heat lamps to regulate their body temperature.
• Diet – fancy bearded dragons that have kinking or impaction may need more hydration and fiber in their diet than normal, as they can have difficulty passing food through their digestive system. They may also need supplements to prevent metabolic bone disease or other deficiencies.
• Handling – fancy bearded dragons that have enigma syndrome or other neurological disorders may need more gentle and careful handling than normal, as they can get stressed or injured easily. They may also need more stimulation and enrichment to keep them mentally healthy.

A standard bearded dragon may require less care and attention than a fancy one because they are more adaptable and resilient. However, they still need proper care and husbandry to thrive and live a long life. Some of the care aspects that are common for all bearded dragons are:

• Enclosure – bearded dragons need a large, strang, and secure enclosure that meet the needs of their natural habitat. They need a basking area, a hiding area, a substrate, and decorations.
• Temperature – bearded dragons need some specific temperature in their enclosure that ranges from 95°F to 110°F in the basking area, and from 75°F to 85°F in the cool area. They also need a night temperature of around 65°F to 70°F.
• Humidity – bearded dragons need a low humidity level in their enclosure that ranges from 20% to 40%. They also need a water dish and occasional misting or bathing to stay hydrated.
• Food – bearded dragons requires a balanced diet, including insects, vegetables, fruits, and pellets. You can also use calcium and vitamin supplements to prevent them from facing nutritional disorders.

Weight

Fancy bearded dragons tend to weigh less as adults, grow slower, have a leaner build, and be more prone to obesity if overfed compared to regular beardies. But individual feeding and care play a big role in final size and weight as well.

Fancy morphs often grow a bit slower than regular beardies. A regular bearded dragon is full grown at around 12-18 months old. Fancier morphs may take closer to 18-24 months to fully mature.

Some fancy morphs like silkbacks and leatherbacks have a slightly slenderer body shape compared to regular bearded dragons. Their legs and tail may be thinner.

Regular bearded dragons tend to have more noticeable muscle definition and bulk, especially in the limbs and chest. Fancy morphs look leaner in comparison.

Size

Fancy bearded dragons max out at a smaller adult size in terms of length, weight and individual body proportions compared to regular beardies. But exact sizes can vary based on individual genetics and care.

Fancy bearded dragons tend to be smaller as adults than regular bearded dragons. Regular adults can reach 18-24 inches long and weigh 300-500g. Fancy morphs usually max out at 16-20 inches and 200-400g.

The legs and tail of fancy morphs are often proportionally shorter relative to the body length.

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Bearded Dragon VS Fancy Bearded Dragon Comparison

Criteria	Fancy Bearded Dragon	Standard Bearded Dragon
Appearance & Identification	Have different colors, patterns, sizes, and scales that make them stand out from the crowd. May have unusual traits or morphs such as zero, translucent, witblits, dunner, or leatherback.	Have the same appearance as the wild-type bearded dragons found in Australia. Have a tan to brown color with dark markings on their body. Have large and spiny scales that cover their entire body, including their beard.
Cost	More expensive than standard bearded dragons because they are rarer and more in demand. The price can vary depending on the type, quality, breeder, and availability of the animal. Some fancy morphs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.	Cheaper than fancy bearded dragons because they are more common and less sought after. The price can also vary depending on the factors mentioned above, but they are generally more affordable. Some standard bearded dragons can cost as low as $30 or $40.
Health	May have some health issues that are related to their genetic mutations or selective breeding. Some of these issues are albinism, kinking, enigma syndrome, or sterility.	May have fewer health issues than fancy bearded dragons because they are closer to their natural state. However, they can still suffer from common diseases and parasites that affect all reptiles, such as metabolic bone disease, respiratory infection, or impaction.
Care	May require more care and attention than standard bearded dragons because of their special needs and sensitivities. Some of the care aspects that may differ for a fancy bearded dragon are lighting, diet, and handling.	May require less care and attention than fancy bearded dragons because they are more adaptable and resilient. However, they still need proper care and husbandry to thrive and live a long life. Some of the care aspects that are common for all bearded dragons are enclosure, temperature, humidity, and food.

Important Questions

Final Words

Fancy and regular bearded dragons are both awesome pets that can be your friend. They have some differences in how they look, how much they cost, how healthy they are, and what they need. Fancy ones have special looks, and regular ones look normal. If you want a special pet, a fancy dragon might be for you. If you want a simple and easy pet, a regular dragon could be a good choice. Remember, whichever dragon you pick, make sure you give them the right care so they can be happy and healthy!