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The question of how big do bearded dragons get is actually not a simple answer. The reason is that there are more than one species and even their gender makes a difference. So, really, we need to get more specific and ask, ‘how big do the Central bearded dragons get’ or ‘how big do Western bearded dragons get’.
Given that, then clearly, the same goes for their weight. ‘how much do bearded dragons weigh’ comes down to species, gender and age. So ‘how much does the Central bearded dragon weigh’ and ‘how much do the Eastern bearded dragons weigh’ are much better questions.
This article goes into a few of the species to answer exactly those questions and more. We look at differences in males and females, what size sexual maturity occurs and more.
For those outside of Australia who aren’t sure of what species you have, chances are it comes from the Central bearded dragon lineage. However, if it is smaller, it probably comes from the Pogona minor or other smaller species. Here are the averages of their size and weight regardless of gender or other factors:
| Species | Snout-to-Vent Length (SVL) | Weight |
| Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) | 20.5–24.7 cm (8–9.7 in) | 300–435 g (10.6–15.3 oz) |
| Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata) | 14.8–26.6 cm (5.83–10.47 in) | 435–588 g (15.3–20.7 oz) |
| Western Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor) | 9.7–12.9 cm (3.85–5.08 in) | 59–63 g (2.08–2.23 oz) |
How Big Do Bearded Dragons Get: A Story from Hatchling Adult
Every bearded dragon begins its journey as a tiny, fragile hatchling, just a few inches long and weighing just a few grams. They start rapidly growing, like a sprout that’s just been given the perfect mix of sunlight and rain. Growth is fastest during the first six months, when they might put on tens of grams in just a few weeks, reflecting their evolutionary drive to get big enough to avoid predation.
By 18 months, most bearded dragons reach their full size, though their weight might continue to increase as they add fat stores.
All the data used to establish how big bearded dragons get or how much they weigh are based on different researchers findings. This means it is generalized. It like asking how big a human gets, some of us will be small, and some of us much taller.
1. How Big do Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) Get?
The Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is one of the most well-known and popular pet reptiles. These remarkable reptiles are a mix of rugged adaptability and evolutionary brilliance. Like all bearded dragons, the size of this species depends on factors such as gender, life stage, environmental conditions and the quality of care.
- The wild adult Central bearded dragon from snout to vent reaches a maximum size of 25cm (9.84 in) (Badham, 1976) and ranges in size from 15–25 cm (5.9-9.84 in) (Cogger, 2014).
- The total length of a Central bearded dragon including tail is between 33 to 61 cm (12.99-24 in) (Ezaz et al., 2005) with the Australian Museum (2020) leaning to 55cm (21.65 in).
- The wild adult Central bearded dragon weight ranges between 306 to 350 grams (10.79-12.3 oz) (Badham, 1976).
The weights of the wild bearded dragon are quite different to specimens measured in captivity which is the data we will look at from here on. So, how big will a bearded dragon get based on its gender or age? Here is the data that we will be discussing.
| Life Stage | Snout to Vent Length (SVL) | Vent to Tail Length (VTL) | Weight (g/oz) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juveniles (1 to ≤2 years) | Up to 13 cm (5.1 in) | Mean: 308 g (10.86 oz) Range: 159–449 g (5.6–15.8 oz) | ||
| Adults (3 to 4 years) | Mean: 438 g (15.4 oz) Range: 265–392 g (9.3–13.82 oz) | |||
| Adult Males | Mean: 22.9 cm (9 in) Range: 19.9-24.7 cm (7.8-9.7 in) | 25.5 cm (10 in) | Mean: 350 g (12.3 oz) | |
| Adult Females | Mean: 20.05 (7.89 in) Range: 18.4-21.7 cm (7.24-8.54 in) | 23.2 cm (9.13 in) | Mean: 306 g (10.79 oz) |
1.1. Juvenile Bearded Dragons: Trailblazers of Rapid Growth
Juvenile Central Bearded Dragons, between one and two years old, are in a phase of rapid growth and development.
1.1.1. The Rapid Growth Stage: 1 to 2 Years Old
Juveniles between one and two years old are growing at a remarkable pace. Hepps Keeney et al. (2020) measured juveniles as an average weight 308 g (10.86 oz), with weights ranging from 159 g (5.6 oz) to 449 g (15.8 oz).
1.1.2. Similarities Between Genders
During the juvenile phase, males and females are remarkably similar in size and weight. The noticeable differences in size and weight between genders, such as the larger, more robust males and the slightly smaller females, only emerge once they reach adulthood. At this stage, all juveniles are focused on growth, not competition or reproduction.
1.1.3. Proportions and Body Structure
Interestingly, juveniles already show the body proportions that define them in adulthood. Badham (1976) notes that the tail length in juveniles reflects the same proportions seen in adults, with tails typically constituting 73% of the snout-to-vent length in males and 56% in females. This characteristic is just one of the many fascinating ways these young dragons prepare for life as full-grown adults.
1.2. How Big do Central Bearded Dragons Get: Adult Males
Adult male Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) can grow to a maximum of 25 cm (9.84 in) and have a mean length of 22.9cm (9.02 in).
The wild male Central beardies weigh around 350 g (12.3 oz) (Witten & Coventry, 1990). Captive bearded dragons can weigh a lot more with some research candidates weighing in at a range of 435 to an incredible 588 g (15.34-20.74 oz) (Bucy et al., 2015).
But weight isn’t the only thing that sets these males apart. Their tails are proportionally longer than those of their female counterparts, making up about 73% of their snout-to-vent length according to Badham (1976).
For a male with a snout-to-vent length of 25 cm (9.8 in), this means a tail length of approximately 18 cm (7.2 in), making a total length of about 43 cm (17 in). This elongation is important for balance and communication, especially in their wild habitats.
As they mature, males also develop broader heads and more pronounced beards compared to females, which they use for displays of dominance or to attract mates. These physical traits, combined with their size and proportional tails, make them the larger contenders.
1.3. How Big do Central Bearded Dragons Get: Adult Females
Adult female Central bearded dragons have a mean length of 20.05 cm (7.89 in) but can get as big as 21.7 cm (8.54 in). They are slightly smaller than their male counterparts, but they’re no less fascinating.
Their weight varies widely depending on factors like age, environment, and reproductive status. Badham (1976) reports an average weight of the wild female Central bearded dragons as 306 g (10.79 oz).
One of the captive female bearded dragons Hepps Keeney et al. (2020) brought in for their research reached a staggering 784 grams. She was probably gravid, but the research doesn’t indicate that detail.
Badham (1976) describes the wild female Central bearded dragons tails as shorter relative to their bodies compared to males, measuring about 56% of their snout-to-vent length. For a snout to vent length of 23.2 cm (9.13 in), this results in a tail length of approximately 13 cm (5.11 in). So, the wild female Central bearded dragon has a total length from snout to end of tail of 36.2 cm (14.25 in).
The difference between wild and captive bearded dragons is notable. Captive females often weigh more than their wild counterparts as do males. This is due to consistent food availability, enriched diets, and reduced energy demands compared to the challenges of living in the wild.
1.4. Big Desert Population: The Smaller Cousins of Pogona vitticeps
Oddly enough, not all Central bearded dragons are the same. In the remote Big Desert region of western Victoria, the Central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) turns out to be much smaller than their counterparts (Witten & Coventry (1990).
1.4.1. How Big do the Big Desert Central Bearded Dragons Get as Males?
How big do Central bearded dragons get in the western Victoria region? The desert males average a snout-to-vent length of 12.6 cm (4.98 in), with recorded sizes ranging from 8.3–17.5 cm (3.27–6.89 in) (Witten & Coventry, 1990).
These smaller sizes are significant compared to populations from other regions, where males average 22.9 cm (9.02 in).
1.4.2. How Big do the Big Desert Central Bearded Dragons Get as Females?
Big Desert females are marginally larger than their male counterparts, with an average snout to vent length of 13 cm (5.15 in) and a range of 11.3–16.3 cm (4.45–6.42 in) (Witten & Coventry, 1990). This size difference is unusual for the species and might be due to the reproductive demands in this resource-scarce environment.
1.4.3. Hatchlings from the Big Desert Population
Hatchlings from the Big Desert population measure 3.5–3.7 cm (1.38–1.46 in) in snout to vent length and weigh 1.3–2.0 g (0.05–0.07 oz) at birth (Witten & Coventry, 1990).
Their growth rate matches that of hatchlings from other populations, increasing by 0.17 mm (0.007 in) in length and 0.02 g (0.0007 oz) in weight per day during their first few months (Witten & Coventry, 1990). It is incredible how that increase in weight of 0.02 g is no more than a grain of salt or a single strand of human hair. However, they remain smaller as adults due to the desert’s harsher environmental conditions.
| Population | Mean SVL (cm/in) | Range SVL (cm/in) |
| Big Desert – Males | 12.6 cm (4.98 in) | 8.3–17.5 cm (3.27–6.89 in) |
| Big Desert – Females | 13 cm (5.15 in) | 11.3–16.3 cm (4.45–6.42 in) |
| Other Regions – Males | 22.9 cm (9.02 in) | 20.8–24.7 cm (8.19–9.72 in) |
| Other Regions – Females | 18.4 cm (7.26 in) | 13.2–21.7 cm (5.20–8.54 in) |
1.4.4. Adaptations to a Harsh Environment
The smaller size of the Big Desert population compared to other regions is a direct result of its challenging environment. Limited food resources, low water availability, and other harsh conditions mean that these dragons have adapted to require fewer resources to survive. Their modest size demonstrates how nature fine-tunes species to thrive under unique environmental pressures (Witten & Coventry, 1990).
2. How Big Do Western Bearded Dragons (Pogona minor) Get?
The Western Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor) may be smaller than its Central and Eastern relatives, but it has its own unique story to tell. How big will a Western bearded dragon get, and how much do Western bearded dragons weigh? Their story isn’t just about centimeters and grams—it’s about survival, adaptation, and the sheer will to thrive in a world full of challenges.
These rugged little lizards, native to the diverse landscapes of Western Australia, have evolved to thrive in challenging environments like open woodlands, sparse vegetation, and even rehabilitated mine sites (Thompson & Thompson, 2003; Pianka, 2005). Here is the data we will be reviewing:
| Life Stage | Snout-to-Vent Length (cm/in) | Weight (g/oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Juveniles (up to 3 months) | 6.5–8.5 cm (2.56–3.35 in) | 7–11.5 g (0.25–0.41 oz) |
| Adult Males | 9.7–12.6 cm (3.85–4.95 in) | 59.2 g (2.09 oz) |
| Adult Females | 11.1–12.9 cm (4.37–5.07 in) | 67.3 g (2.37 oz) |
2.1. How Big Do Western Bearded Dragons Get: Adult Males
Male Western bearded dragons are among the smaller members of the Pogona species. But their modest size is perfectly adapted to their rugged, often sparse, habitats.
According to Thompson & Thompson (2003), adult male Western bearded dragons measure on average snout-to-vent length of 12.5 cm (4.95 in), with an average weight of 59.2 g (2.09 oz).
2.2. How Big Do Western Bearded Dragons Get: Adult Females
Female Western Bearded Dragons, slightly larger than their male counterparts, are well-adapted for their reproductive role. According to Thompson & Thompson (2003), adult female Western bearded dragons have an average snout-to-vent length of 12.9 cm (5.07 in) and weigh approximately 67.3 g (2.37 oz).
3. How Big Do Eastern Bearded Dragons Get?
Eastern bearded dragons (Pogona barbata) are the giants of the bearded dragon world. They hold the title for the largest of the Pogona species, and their size shows why they are the kings and queens of their natural habitats. But just how big will an Eastern bearded dragon get? And how much do Eastern bearded dragons weigh?
The lizard is semi-arboreal and often basks on top of stumps and fence posts.
Referring to bearded dragons (Cogger 1994)
Eastern bearded dragons love climbing (semi-arboreal) and are often spotted basking on tree stumps or fence posts to soak up the sun (Cogger, 1994). Male bearded dragons are bigger overall, with longer tails and larger heads that might help them stay balanced or make space for their reproductive organs. Females, on the other hand, put their energy into laying eggs, sometimes producing up to 31 eggs in one clutch (Stauber & Booth, 2003).
Here’s a table showing how their size and weight change as they grow:
| Life Stage | Snout-to-Vent Length (cm/in) | Weight (g/oz) | Explanation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Grown Adult Males | Mean: 20.7 cm (8.15 in) Range: 14.8-26.6 cm (5.83-10.47 in) | Mean: 511.5 g (18.04 oz), Range: 435–588 g (15.3–20.7 oz) | lengths by Wotherspoon, 2007 These dragons have reached their full size and weight, ready for territorial battles and displays (Stauber & Booth, 2003; Bucy et al., 2015). | |||
| Fully Grown Adult Females | Mean: 20.95cm (8.25 in) Range: 16.4-25.5 cm (6.46-10.04 in) | Mean: 283.5 g (10 oz) Range: 212–355 g (7.5–12.5 oz) | lengths by Wotherspoon, 2007 Fully grown females are larger to support egg-laying and other reproductive demands (Stauber & Booth, 2003; Bucy et al., 2015). | |||
3.1. How Big Do Eastern Bearded Dragons Get: Adult Males the Majestic Giants
Male Eastern Bearded Dragons grow into an impressive size averaging 16 cm (6.34 in) snout-to-vent length, with exceptional individuals reaching up to 25.5 cm (10.04 in) (Stauber & Booth, 2003).
The male Western bearded dragons weight mirrors their size, averaging 59.2 g (2.09 oz). Males are built for dominance, their larger bodies and longer tails, heads and legs compared to females giving them an edge in territorial battles and attracting potential mates.
Males tended to have longer tails than females, which might serve purposes like balancing their larger heads or accommodating reproductive organs (Stauber & Booth, 2003).
3.2. How Big Do Eastern Bearded Dragons Get: Adult Females
While females are slightly smaller, their contribution to the species’ survival is no less significant. Female Eastern bearded dragons average 20.9 cm (8.25 in) in snout-to-vent length, with the largest recorded at 24.9 cm (9.8 in) (Wotherspoon, 2007). The female Eastern bearded dragon weighs an average of 283.5 g (10 oz) (Stauber & Booth, 2003). Females prioritize reproduction, laying between 15 and 31 eggs per clutch, with their size playing a crucial role in their reproductive success (Greer, 1989).
| Category | Males | Females |
| Body Shape | Bigger heads, longer legs, and tails | Smaller heads, shorter legs, and tails |
| Head Growth | Heads get smaller compared to body as they grow | Heads get smaller compared to body as they grow |
| Leg Growth | Legs are longer when males grow up | Legs are shorter compared to males when grown up |
| Tail Growth | Grows faster as babies but slower as adults (males have longer tails) | Grows faster as babies but slower as adults (females have shorter tails) |
3.3. Eastern Bearded Dragons are Sized Differently According to their Habitat
3.4. How Rainfall Shapes the Size of Eastern Bearded Dragons
The size and proportions of Eastern Bearded Dragons has been found to vary across three regions in New South Wales (Stauber and Booth, 2003) which is likely due to environmental factors such as rainfall, food availability, and predation pressures:
Western NSW: The Western NSWS region experiences lower and less predictable rainfall which results in sparse vegetation and reduced prey availability. The larger size of males, with longer heads and legs, may give them an advantage in traversing open spaces to find limited resources and compete for mates or territory.
Eastern NSW: With higher and more consistent rainfall, this area supports denser vegetation and a more stable food supply. Males have longer heads and tails, possibly as an adaptation for better movement through more complex, vegetated habitats or for displays to attract mates in less open terrain.
Central NSW: This transitional zone between the dry west and wet east experiences moderate rainfall and a mix of vegetation types. Males and females in this region show more similar proportions, suggesting less environmental pressure for sexual dimorphism. The balanced conditions likely allow for less specialization in body traits.
These findings highlight how localized conditions can influence the growth and proportions of Pogona barbata.
The Growth Secrets of Bearded Dragons Across Species
Have you ever wondered how a bearded dragon’s body transforms as it grows? Studies on Pogona vitticeps (Central Bearded Dragon), Pogona barbata (Eastern Bearded Dragon), and Pogona minor (Western Bearded Dragon) reveal fascinating differences in their growth patterns, shaped by their unique habitats and evolutionary adaptations.
1. A Tales of Tails: How they Change
All bearded dragons start life with relatively long tails compared to their body size, a characteristic that supports balance during their active early stages. For Pogona vitticeps, juvenile tails can measure approximately twice the snout-to-vent length (Witten, 1985).
For Pogona minor, Pianka (2005) observed that tails serve as crucial tools for mobility in their arid habitats, often curled off the ground to minimize contact with hot surfaces.
Pogona barbata males, on the other hand, have proportionally longer tails than females, a possible adaptation for balance or reproductive functions (Stauber & Booth, 2003).
As bearded dragons mature their tail growth slows relative to the rest of the body. This phenomenon is called negative allometry. The shift conserves energy for growth in other body parts critical for survival.
2. Limb Proportions: Slow but Steady
The limbs of bearded dragons grow at a slower pace compared to their overall body, another example of negative allometry. For Pogona vitticeps, juvenile legs are proportionally smaller, reflecting the energy priorities of early development (Witten, 1985).
Stauber and Booth (2003) noted that Pogona barbata juveniles also show shorter legs relative to their adult forms, prioritizing stability and survival in their semi-arboreal environments.
The Western bearded dragon develops robust limbs in adulthood which support it to move efficiently across rocky, arid landscapes (Pianka, 2005).
3. The Head-to-Tail Connection
The head is another key area where growth patterns differ. In Pogona vitticeps, the snout-to-ear length grows faster than other parts of the body, creating the distinctive triangular head shape of adults (Witten, 1985).
For Pogona barbata, Stauber and Booth (2003) observed broader male heads compared to females, a feature associated with dominance displays and reproductive competition.
Pianka (2005) noted that Pogona minor shows more modest head growth, consistent with its smaller body size and reduced territorial behaviors compared to its larger relatives.
4. It’s all about Proportions
These growth patterns—slower tail and limb growth combined with unique head development—are more than just quirks of biology. For Pogona barbata in wetter, vegetated regions, larger heads and tails enhance mating displays and balance during semi-arboreal activities (Stauber & Booth, 2003).
In contrast, Pogona minor in arid habitats benefits from smaller proportions that reduce water loss and energy expenditure (Pianka, 2005).
Meanwhile, Pogona vitticeps balances energy demands for territorial displays and efficient terrestrial movement.
Did you Know? Unexpected Bearded Dragon Trivia
1. Bearded Dragon Biology: Testicle Trivia Tales
Now, here’s something you might not expect when thinking about your bearded dragon: their testicles!
Fun fact: as a male bearded dragon grows bigger and eats more crickets, his testicles change. Bucy et al. (2015) found something surprising. As your bearded dragon gets fatter, the width of his testicles shrinks!
2. Veterinarian Measures of a Bearded Dragon Equals an A4 Paper!
Body Surface Area (BSA) is a measure used for many animals, not just bearded dragons. It helps veterinarians determine how much medicine an animal might need, especially for treatments like chemotherapy.
Dr. Hepps Keeney and their team (2020) investigated the body surface area (BSA) of bearded dragons as no accurate formula existed for this species. This research was pioneering for bearded dragons, as it used advanced CT scan technology to develop a species-specific formula, addressing a gap in veterinary resources for these reptiles. The average body surface area for a bearded dragon is about 580 square centimeters, which is roughly the size of a sheet of paper. This measurement helps veterinarians give the right amount of medicine, tailored to the unique needs of a bearded dragon.
References
- Badham, Judith. A. (1976). The Amphibolus barbatus Species-group (Lacertilia : Agamidae). Australian Journal Zoology, 24, 423–443.
- Bucy, D. S., Guzman, D. S.-M., & Zwingenberger, A. L. (2015). Ultrasonographic anatomy of bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 246(8), 868–876.
- Cogger, H. G. (1994). Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. (5th ed.). Reed, Sydney.
- Ezaz, T., Quinn, A. E., Miura, I., Sarre, S. D., Georges, A., & Marshall Graves, J. A. (2005). The dragon lizard Pogona vitticeps has ZZ/ZW micro-sex chromosomes. Chromosome Research, 13(8), 763–776. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10577-005-1010-9
- Greer, Allen., Koshland, Phyllis. A., & Kent, Deborah. S. (1989). The Biology and Evolution of Australian Lizards. Surrey Beatty & Sons.
- Hepps Keeney, C. M., Nelson, N. C., & Harrison, T. M. (2021). Use of computed tomography to determine a species-specific formula for body surface area in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). American Journal of Veterinary Research, 82(8), 629–633.
- Pianka, Eric. R. (2005). Ecology and Natural History of Dwarf Bearded Dragons (Pogona minor ) in Australia’s Great Victoria Desert. 1–8.
- Seebacher, F., & Franklin, C. E. (2003). Prostaglandins are important in thermoregulation of a reptile ( Pogona vitticeps ). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 270(suppl_1).
- Stauber, A., & Booth, D. (2003). Allometry in the Bearded DragonPogona barbata(Sauria: Agamidae): Sex and Geographic Differences. Australian Zoologist, 32(2), 238–245. https://doi.org/10.7882/az.2003.005
- The Australian Museum. (2020, November 19). Central Bearded Dragon. The Australian Museum.
- Thompson, S. A., & Thompson, G. G. (2003). The western bearded dragon, Pogona minor (Squamata: Agamidae): An early lizard coloniser of rehabilitated areas. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 86, 1–6.
- Witten, G. J., & Coventry, A. J. (1990). Small Pogona vitticeps (Reptilia: Agamidae) from the Big Desert, Victoria, with notes on other Pogona populations. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, 102(2), 117–120.
- Wotherspoon, A. D. (2007). Ecology and management of Eastern bearded dragon : Pogona barbata. Western Sydney University; UWS Research Direct Website.
