What Is a German Giant Bearded Dragon?

A member of the reptile family and Pogona genus, the German giant bearded dragon is a special variety of pet lizard known for its immense size and personable nature. An adult male can grow up to 30 inches (76 cm) long. This creature gets its name from an expandable flap below the lizard's throat. Native to the Australian deserts and woodlands, this breed of lizard is one of the best suited for captivity, as it can be tamed, is rarely aggressive, and is easy to care for. Bearded dragons are some of the most popular reptilian exotic pets, thriving in captivity and active during the day.

The lizard's expandable throat flap helps it to defend itself against predators. When threatened, the lizard opens its mouth and its pouch inflates, causing the small spikes to branch out and blacken like bearded stubble. This defensive behavior is rarely seen in captivity unless conditions are extremely poor. A more common behavioral trait is "hand waving," the expression of submission to another lizard. Bearded dragons are mild-mannered creatures and rarely bite, and they are therefore popular small pets for children.

Australia forbids the exportation of bearded dragons, and therefore the lizards must be purchased through pet centers and breeders. In captivity, the German giant bearded dragon needs an environment very similar to its native Australian climate: sunny and extremely warm. Ultra-violet light is needed for the lizard to metabolize calcium, so an appropriate accessory for the terrarium is a full-spectrum light and white melamine panels that reflect the light onto the animal's rough skin. The lizard breeds well in captivity, producing up to two dozen or more eggs and requiring little intervention from the owners. The eggs usually hatch within 45 to 60 days.

Bearded dragons are omnivores, feeding on small mammals, insects, fruit, greens and flowers. In the wild, the German giant bearded dragon catches small mice and other reptiles and forages for plant matter. Generally, the animal's diet should consist of 25% animal and 75% plant material. The creature requires large amounts of calcium and vitamins during its early years when growth is very rapid. Juveniles may need their food dusted with supplements every other day, while adults need supplements once or twice a week.

Favorite foods of the German giant bearded dragon include kale, dandelion greens, broccoli and mustard and collard greens. They also eat peas, green beans, chopped apples, grated carrots and yams. Unlike other members of the Pogona genus, crickets and mealworms should not be part of this animal's diet. Crickets, consisting of high quantities of phosphorus, interfere with the dragon's high calcium intake; mealworms have chitin exoskeletons that are difficult for the lizard to digest in large quantities.

A German Giant Bearded Dragon is a larger variant of the common bearded dragon species (Pogona vitticeps) that was selectively bred for its size. These reptiles can grow significantly larger than their standard counterparts, sometimes reaching up to 30 inches in length. They share similar habitat needs and behaviors but require more space due to their size.

Identifying a German Giant Bearded Dragon typically involves looking at its size in comparison to standard bearded dragons. German Giants are notably larger, with some adults reaching lengths of 22 to 30 inches. It's important to note that size alone isn't definitive; lineage and breeder confirmation are also necessary to ensure you have a true German Giant.

German Giant Bearded Dragons require similar care to standard bearded dragons, including a diet of insects and vegetables, UVB lighting, and a temperature gradient within their enclosure. However, due to their larger size, they need a more spacious habitat—at least a 75-gallon tank for adults—to accommodate their greater activity levels and physical growth.

Yes, German Giant Bearded Dragons are known for their docile and friendly nature, making them excellent pets. They can be quite sociable and enjoy interacting with their owners. With regular handling and socialization, they typically become very tame, though individual temperaments can vary.

German Giant Bearded Dragons have a lifespan similar to standard bearded dragons, living on average between 10 to 12 years with proper care. Some individuals may live longer with exceptional care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to prevent and treat any health issues.

German Giant Bearded Dragons should be fed a balanced diet consisting of live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches, along with a variety of leafy greens and vegetables. Juveniles require more protein and should be fed daily, while adults can be fed insects every other day with daily greens. Always provide fresh water and avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.