Picking the right pet can be a tricky decision. When I was younger, I agonized over whether to get a dog or a cat. Now, as an adult, I recently faced a similar dilemma in choosing between two unique reptile pets – the bearded dragon vs the horned toad.
After doing my research, I realized there are some key similarities and differences between the two reptiles. Bearded dragons live longer, are calmer in nature, and are more common as pets in the USA. Horned toads, though native to North America, are not common as pets, are difficult to train, live shorter, and are smaller in size.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the key facts to determine if a bearded dragon or horned toad is the right exotic pet for you.
Bearded Dragon vs Horned Toad: An Overview
Let me give you an overall idea about the features and characteristics of these two animals. This will help you have an overall idea about these two reptile lizards.
| Criteria | Bearded Dragon | Horned Toad |
| Diet | Insects, veggies | Insects, small animals |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 5-8 years |
| Defensive Attack | Biting, puffing up | Squirts blood from eyes |
| Calmness | Generally calm | Can be skittish |
| Native to | Australia | North America |
| Intelligence | Moderate | Limited |
| Number of species | 8 | 14 |
| Size | 12-24 inches | 2-6 inches |
| Appearance | Scaled, spiky | Rough, horned |
| Phenomena | Brumation, sometimes borned with 2 heads | Antipredator behavior |
| Trainability | Low | Low |
| Grooming needs | Moderate | Low |
| Exercise | Moderate | Limited |
| Availability | Common as pets | Less common and the species is in danger |
Bearded Dragon vs Horned Toad: Differences
Bearded dragons and horned toads, or horned lizards, are both reptiles and lizards. Still, many differences put them apart.
1. They Have Different Diet
One big difference between these desert dwellers is what they like to eat. My bearded dragon Spike is totally obsessed with insects – he goes nuts for crickets, worms, and roaches. Being omnivores, they also like to eat fruits and vegetables.
I have to keep a steady supply of bugs on hand to keep him happy and healthy. Horned toads like Fred, on the other hand, aren’t as crazy for critters. They prefer munching on ants, termites, and other small invertebrates. Yes, they are carnivores and avoid plant-based foods.
Also see: Can bearded dragons eat dragon fruit?
2. Bearded Dragons Live Longer
Here’s an important difference to consider – bearded dragons generally have a longer lifespan than horned toads. With proper care, bearded dragons like Spike can live for 10-15 years or more. But for horned toads like Fred, their average lifespan is more in the range of 5-8 years.
The difference likely comes down to the fact that bearded dragons are hardier by nature. Beardies do not have some of the special care requirements of horned toads. So, if you’re looking for a pet lizard that will be by your side for over a decade, a bearded dragon is probably the better choice.
3. Horned Toad Has an Impressive Defensive Attack
While my bearded dragon relies on camouflage and attitude for defense, the horned toad has a very unique protective tactic. Horned lizards can shoot streams of blood from their eyes! I kid you not – when threatened.
Horned toads contract their muscles around his eyes to shoot two focused streams of blood. They can spray up to 5 feet away. This blood squirt is meant to startle predators long enough for the horned toad to get away.
4. Native Land
The native habitats of bearded dragons and horned toads provide clues into how to best care for them as pets. My bearded dragon Spike hails from the wide-open Australian Outback. They thrive in hot, arid deserts, and so you need to keep them warm.
Horned toads, in contrast, come from the deserts of the American Southwest. While they also prefer a warm, sandy environment, it doesn’t need to be quite as hot and dry.
Knowing the native lands of these reptiles helps me recreate the conditions they are best suited for in captivity.
5. Bearded Dragon Is More Intelligent
I’ve noticed that my bearded dragon Spike seems way more alert, aware, and intelligent than my buddy’s horned toad Fred. Bearded dragons like Spike have excellent vision and motor skills. It allows them to actively hunt insects. They also have a surprisingly good memory and can recognize their owner.
Horned toads like Fred have poor eyesight and aren’t the most perceptive reptiles out there. They basically sit in one spot, waiting for ants to come to them.
So if an interactive, inquisitive reptile is what you’re after, the bearded dragon is the Einstein of the two species.
6. Which Is Bigger In Size?
When it comes to size, bearded dragons definitely win out over horned toads. My juvenile bearded dragon Spike is already close to 2 feet long from head to tail tip. He’s expected to reach 2-3 feet at full adult size. Horned toads, on the other hand, max out around 5 inches in total length as adults.
7. How Do the Lizards Look?
The looks of these two desert dwellers are distinct. My bearded dragon has a wide, triangular head and flattened body covered in spiky scales. Their name comes from the “beard” of spiked scales around their throat that can change color. They really almost look like mini dinosaurs.
Horned toads such as Fred are much more smooth and rounded in shape, with a puffy body perfect for scrunching down on hot sand. Their small horns and camouflage coloration give them a mythical dragon-like appearance.
So, while the bearded dragon has an other-worldly look, the horned toad seems like a little magical creature. Each has a unique aesthetic that appeals to different tastes.
Also: Do Bearded Dragons Eat Jackfruit?
8. Phenomenal Feature
One of the coolest things about bearded dragons is their ability to change colors. My pal Spike turns darker when he’s trying to warm up and regulate his body temperature. Stressing him out literally turns him black! He also puffs out his beard and can turn it jet black for an intimidating display.
Horned toads may not shape-shift, but they do have signature features. The primary one is the horn that gives them their name.
I find the color-changing abilities of the bearded dragon to be more attractive. However, you can watch some YouTube videos and decide which one is more phenomenal.
9. Can You Train Them?
With the right approach, bearded dragons can be trained to some degree. My pal Spike has learned to walk up a ramp into my hand for treats. He also recognizes his name as being called.
Horned toads have a reputation for being quite sedentary. They are hard to motivate with food rewards or interaction. They are docile, and you won’t be able to teach them any tricks.
10. Grooming Needs
In terms of grooming, bearded dragons require a bit more care than horned toads. I give Spike a bath 1-2 times per week to hydrate his skin. It keeps him clean and looks shinier and better. Their nails also need periodic trimming.
Horned toads have drier skin that doesn’t need frequent bathing. And since they are far less active than bearded dragons, their nails don’t get overgrown as quickly.
For natural desert animals, both species keep themselves pretty tidy overall. But the bearded dragon’s more intricate grooming routine makes them slightly higher maintenance.
11. Horned Toad Are Lazier
If having an active, energetic reptile is important to you, the bearded dragon is definitely the livelier choice. My pal Spike is curious and alert and loves to explore when I take him out. He’ll crawl all over me and climb onto my shoulder.
Fred, the horned toad, is just, well, lazier. They prefer to sit in one spot waiting for food to pass by. Handling a horned toad is like handling a small, squishy rock. They don’t move around much.
I think horned toads are better suited to someone wanting a quiet, low-energy companion that doesn’t need much stimulation.
12. Bearded Dragons Are More Common
Bearded dragons are very easy to find at pet stores or from breeders. They have increased in popularity as pets in the United States. Their reasonable cost and manageable care make them widely available.
Horned toads were also common pets in the past, but they are rarer today. Conservation efforts restrict wild collection. They are still difficult to breed consistently in captivity. Their species are in danger. Keep them as pets only if you know they can look after them. Also, don’t forget to check the legality in your area.
Bearded Dragon vs Horned Toad: Similarities Between the Lizards
It is not that they have differences. No. I noticed many similarities between the lizards, such as:
13. Both are reptiles
While they differ in many ways, at the core, bearded dragons and horned toads are both reptiles. This means they are
- Cold-blooded
- Rely on external heat sources
- Cannot produce their own internal heat
- Have scaly skins
- Lay eggs rather than giving live birth
14. They Exhibit Territorial Behavior.
Bearded dragons and horned toads both have natural territorial instincts, particularly the males. My beardie Spike likes to stake out his favorite basking spot.
Male horned toads are also known to skirmish over prime spots in the terrarium. And neither species likes having new tank mates introduced after they have been alone.
So proper space and planning are crucial to house them together safely. Even though they are small reptiles, they have big attitudes and like having their own turf. Providing multiple hideouts and basking areas can help minimize confrontations.
15. They Require Similar Environmental Conditions.
Bearded dragons and horned toads have comparable needs for housing in captivity. They both thrive in warm, dry environments between 75-100 F. I use sand substrates and provide hiding spots and rocks for climbing/basking.
Access to clean, dechlorinated water and regular misting is also important for hydration. The main difference is bearded dragons require higher basking temperatures, around 105 F. But otherwise, their terrarium setup is quite similar.
FAQ
More information about bearded dragons and horned toads. You will get more idea about their nature.
Can you pick up a horned toad?
No, it’s not advisable to pick up a horned toad. They are delicate creatures with sensitive skin and can be easily stressed. They may feel endangered and make an attack on you for defense.
What lizard is most like a dragon?
The bearded dragon (Pogona genus) is most like a dragon due to its appearance and behavior. It has scales, a triangular-shaped head, and a beard-like pouch under its chin. Additionally, it exhibits territorial behavior and can puff up its throat to appear larger.
Are horned toads good luck?
Horned toads, also known as horned lizards, are sometimes considered symbols of good luck in certain cultures. It is more common among Native American tribes. However, this belief varies among different communities and is not universally held.
Do bearded dragons bite?
Yes, bearded dragons can bite. Nonetheless, it is not common behavior if they are properly handled and not provoked. Biting may occur if they feel threatened or stressed.
Conclusion
So, who do you think is the winner between the bearded dragon and the horned toad? This really depends on personal preferences. For me, bearded dragons are more pet-like than horned toads. Carefully read about their features again and decide which one is going to bring home. Don’t forget to let me know in the comment section.
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