Male vs Female Bearded Dragons: Comparing Size, Temperament and Care

Choosing between a male or female bearded dragon is one of the first and most important decisions a new owner makes.

As someone who has raised multiple beardies, I can help you understand the real-world differences you’ll see in your daily routine.

We will compare their potential size, typical temperament, and how care needs can differ to help you make the best choice.

Understanding Bearded Dragon Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is just a fancy science term for the physical differences between males and females of the same species. In bearded dragons, these differences become more obvious as they grow from cute little juveniles into full-sized adults. I’ve raised many dragons, and it’s always fascinating to watch these traits develop.

Knowing whether you have a male or female dragon isn’t just about picking a name. It’s vital for predicting behavior, preventing unexpected clutches of eggs, and planning for their long-term health needs. A female’s care can change dramatically if she starts producing eggs, even without a male present.

The primary differences between male and female bearded dragons are both physical and behavioral.

• Physical: Males typically have larger heads, thicker tails, and more prominent femoral pores.
• Behavioral: Males are often more territorial and display more frequent head-bobbing and beard-flaring.
• Reproductive: Females can lay infertile eggs, which requires specific dietary and habitat adjustments.

Comparing Size and Physical Differences

When it comes to sheer size, male bearded dragons often have a slight edge. An adult male typically reaches 18 to 24 inches from nose to tail tip and can weigh between 400 and 550 grams. Females are generally a bit more petite, usually measuring 16 to 20 inches and weighing in the 350 to 450 gram range.

The differences go beyond just length and weight. Males develop broader, bulkier heads and more muscular bodies compared to the sleeker, more streamlined build of females. The most reliable physical indicator is found at the base of the tail. Males have two distinct hemipenal bulges, while females have a single, central bulge.

Femoral pores are another key differentiator. These are a series of tiny dots on the underside of the back legs that release waxy secretions for marking territory. In males, these pores are much larger and more visible, often appearing as dark, raised spots.

Feature	Male Bearded Dragon	Female Bearded Dragon
Average Length	18 – 24 inches	16 – 20 inches
Average Weight	400 – 550 grams	350 – 450 grams
Head Size	Larger, broader	Smaller, narrower
Body Shape	More muscular, stockier	More streamlined, sleeker
Femoral Pores	Larger, very prominent	Smaller, less noticeable

Growth rates can also vary between the sexes. While both genders grow rapidly as juveniles, males often continue their growth spurt for a bit longer, leading to their final, larger size. From my experience, a well-fed male dragon might hit his full size around 18 months, whereas a female often stabilizes a little sooner. Proper nutrition and habitat size are critical for both to reach their healthy potential.

Behavior and Temperament: Male vs Female

Living with both males and females has shown me their distinct personalities. Males often act like the kings of their castle, while females tend to be more reserved engineers. Recognizing these behaviors helps you understand your pet’s needs and moods.

Typical Male Behaviors

Male bearded dragons are often more overtly expressive. You’ll see clear displays meant to show dominance or claim territory.

• Head-Bobbing: This is their signature move. A fast, jerky bob of the head is a dominant display, often seen when they see their reflection or another dragon.
• Beard Flaring: They puff out their signature “beard,” which often turns black. This can signal stress, excitement, or a warning to back off.
• Patrolling: Males will often pace the front of their enclosure, keeping a watchful eye on their domain.

Typical Female Behaviors

Females communicate differently. Their behaviors are often subtler and can be linked to their reproductive instincts.

• Arm-Waving: This is one of the cutest behaviors! A slow, circular wave of one arm is a submissive gesture. It’s like they’re saying, “I come in peace!”
• Digging: This is a huge one. Females will dig obsessively, even if they haven’t been with a male, to create nests for potential eggs.
• Glass Surfing: While both genders do this, in females it can often be a sign they are seeking a nesting site.

Aggression and Social Dynamics

This is a critical area where gender makes a big difference. You should never house two bearded dragons together, but males are almost guaranteed to fight. They are highly territorial and will see another male as a rival. My first male, Spike, would immediately start head-bobbing at his own reflection. Females can sometimes cohabitate in very large, expertly managed enclosures, but it’s still a major risk I don’t recommend. Solitary living is the safest and least stressful option for them all. For those curious about keeping more than one, the realities of cohabitation are rarely favorable. Even with an optimal setup, aggression, stress, and injuries are common, making separation the most reliable option.

A Personal Glimpse

My male, Ember, is a classic show-off. He bobs at the cat walking by and puffs his beard when I rearrange his furniture. My female, Saffron, is a planner. She’ll spend hours rearranging her dig box and gives a gentle arm wave when I offer her a treat. Living with both has taught me that males demand attention, while females quietly command respect.

Care and Husbandry Adjustments by Gender

The core care for all bearded dragons is similar, but a few key adjustments can make your dragon’s life much better. Tailoring your approach to their biological instincts is a sign of advanced, compassionate care. Understanding what bearded dragons eat is essential. This complete guide covers safe foods and feeding basics.

Enclosure Size Considerations

A 120-gallon tank is the recommended minimum for an adult, regardless of gender. However, active, territorial males and egg-carrying females will truly benefit from the largest enclosure you can provide. More space helps dissipate territorial stress for males and gives females ample room for their nesting behaviors.

UVB and Basking Needs

Good news here! The requirements for high-output UVB lighting and a proper basking spot (around 100-110°F) are identical for males and females. Both need these fundamentals for calcium metabolism, digestion, and overall health. Don’t skimp on this for either gender.

Dietary Specifics

Their insect and veggie needs are largely the same through most of their lives. I have noticed that my male seems to have a slightly higher drive for live insects, especially during periods of high activity. The major difference comes for adult females. When they are gravid (carrying eggs), their appetite can skyrocket. You may need to offer more frequent insect feedings to support the energy demands of egg production.

The Critical Role of Calcium

This is the single biggest care difference. All bearded dragons need calcium, but for females, it’s non-negotiable. Egg-laying drains a female’s calcium reserves at an astonishing rate. I dust nearly every feeding for my female with a high-quality calcium powder (without D3 if using proper UVB). Proper calcium supplementation is crucial to their health. Failure to provide enough calcium can lead to life-threatening egg-binding.

Enrichment Tailored to Instincts

Keep their minds active by catering to their natural urges.

• For Males: Create a complex landscape with multiple climbing branches and basking platforms. Rearranging these features every few weeks satisfies their need to “reclaim” their territory.
• For Females: A deep dig box is not just enrichment; it’s a necessity. Fill a sturdy container with a mix of organic topsoil and play sand. This gives them a dedicated, safe space to satisfy their powerful nesting instinct, which can prevent stress and egg-laying complications.

How to Determine Your Bearded Dragon’s Gender

Figuring out if your scaly friend is a boy or a girl is one of the first big questions for a new owner. I’ve found that the most reliable methods involve a combination of looking at physical traits and a simple, safe test. With a calm hand and good lighting, you can usually get a confident answer.

Key Physical Characteristics to Check

Before you even pick up your dragon, look for these tell-tale signs. The two most prominent differences are found at the base of the tail.

• Hemipenal Bulges: This is the most obvious sign. Males have two distinct bulges on the underside of the tail, just behind the vent. Females will have a single, more centralized bulge or a much flatter area.
• Femoral Pores: Both sexes have femoral pores on the underside of their thighs. However, males typically have much larger, more prominent pores that often appear as dark, waxy dots. In females, these pores are usually far less noticeable.
• Head Size and Shape: Generally, mature males develop larger, broader heads than females. This is a secondary characteristic and not a definitive way to sex them on its own.

The Flashlight Test: A Step-by-Step Guide

This technique, called transillumination, is my go-to method for a clear confirmation. You just need a small, bright flashlight.

1. Find a quiet, dimly lit room and ensure your bearded dragon is calm and relaxed.
2. Gently lift their tail and curve it upwards towards their back. Do not force it if they resist.
3. Place the bright flashlight directly against the top side of the tail base, right where you see the bulges.
4. Look at the underside of the tail. You should be able to see shadows through the skin.
   • Male: You will see two dark, oval-shaped shadows side-by-side. These are the hemipenes.
   • Female: You will see a single shadow in the center or no distinct shadows at all.

When is the Best Time to Check?

Patience is key here. You will get the most accurate results once your bearded dragon is at least 6 to 8 months old and around 12 inches in length. Before this age, their sexual organs are simply too underdeveloped to see clearly. For a step-by-step process, consult our complete guide to determining bearded dragon gender. It covers reliable signs, proper timing, and how to avoid common misreadings.

The Challenge of Sexing Young Dragons

I cannot stress this enough: trying to sex a hatchling is mostly a guessing game. Many well-meaning pet stores get it wrong with juveniles, which is why you sometimes hear stories of a “female” suddenly developing male traits. Their tiny size makes the bulges nearly invisible and the flashlight test inconclusive. If you have a young dragon, it’s perfectly okay to wait until they’ve grown a bit.

Considering Breeding and Its Implications

Once you know your dragon’s gender, the thought of breeding might cross your mind. It’s a fascinating process, but it’s a massive commitment that goes far beyond just putting two lizards together.

Breeding bearded dragons is a full-time project that requires deep knowledge, dedicated space, and a significant financial investment. It involves creating precise brumation (reptile hibernation) cycles, introducing the pair carefully, and then being prepared to incubate dozens of eggs.

Special Care for a Gravid Female

If you have a female, she can lay eggs (become gravid) even without a male, though these eggs will be infertile. The process is incredibly taxing on her body. A gravid female needs immediate and specific care to stay healthy.

• Dietary Changes: She will need a massive increase in calcium and protein. I dust her insects with calcium powder at almost every feeding during this time.
• Laying Box: You must provide a deep container filled with moistened soil or sand for her to dig in and lay her eggs. Without it, she can become egg-bound, a life-threatening condition.
• Veterinary Backup: Have a reptile vet lined up. Complications like dystocia (egg-binding) require immediate medical intervention.

The Ethical Side of Breeding

This is the part I feel most strongly about as an animal advocate. The reptile trade is already saturated with bearded dragons, and many end up in rescues or are cared for improperly. Ethical breeding is done to improve the health and genetics of the species, not just to create more pets.

• Responsible breeders screen for genetic issues like Atadenovirus and only breed animals with excellent health and temperament.
• They have a proven plan for housing, feeding, and finding responsible, lifelong homes for every single hatchling.

A Word Against Casual Breeding

From my lived experience caring for multiple dragons, I strongly advise against casual or “backyard” breeding. The reality is far from the cute idea of baby lizards; it’s stressful, expensive, and can put the health of your beloved pets at risk. The world does not need more bearded dragons; it needs more informed and committed owners for the ones that already exist. Focus on giving your current dragon the absolute best life possible—that is the most rewarding path. When you’re caring for juveniles, they typically need daily feedings of appropriately sized prey and greens to support growth. Keeping a regular feeding schedule helps prevent nutritional issues and stress.

Making Your Choice: Male or Female?

So, you’re at the final hurdle, trying to decide which little dragon will scamper into your home. It can feel like a big decision, but let’s break it down into simple terms.

Quick Guide for First-Time Owners

If this is your first foray into bearded dragon care, you want a setup that’s as straightforward as possible. Understanding the care requirements and maintenance costs helps you plan effectively. Based on the general traits, here’s a simple summary.

• For a more predictable, often easier-going companion: Consider a female. They tend to be less territorial and may display fewer demanding behaviors like constant glass surfing or head bobbing, which can be confusing for a new owner.
• If you’re drawn to bold displays and a “king of the castle” personality: A male might be your match. Just be ready for his potential territorial antics and more pronounced physical features like femoral pores and hemipenal bulges.
• The biggest wildcard for any new owner: Egg-laying. Even without a male, females can lay infertile eggs, which requires specific care and can be a surprise.

Matching a Dragon to Your Lifestyle

Your own daily routine and personality should play a huge role in your choice. Think about what you can consistently provide.

• The Busy Professional or Calm Household: A female’s generally more placid demeanor can be a better fit. She’s less likely to see her own reflection as a rival that needs conquering during your workday.
• The Reptile Enthusiast Who Wants the “Full Show”: You might appreciate the dramatic head bobs and beard flares of a male. His vibrant, often larger beard is a stunning display for someone who loves classic reptile behavior.
• The Family with Gentle, Observant Children: Either gender can work, but a mature, well-socialized female often presents a calmer handling experience for quiet, respectful kids.

The Most Important Factor: The Individual Dragon

I’ve owned dragons that completely defied the “rules.” I once had a male who was the most docile creature I’ve ever met, and a female with more sass than a dragon ten times her size. The individual dragon’s unique personality will always, always matter more than its gender. Spend time with the specific dragon you’re considering. Watch how it reacts to you. Does it seem curious? Relaxed? That connection you feel is real and is your best guide.

A Final Word on Welfare and Commitment

Choosing a pet is a commitment that spans years. These aren’t decorations; they are living beings that rely on us for everything. Whether you choose a male or a female, you are promising to provide a spacious enclosure, proper heating and UVB, a varied diet, and most importantly, your time and attention. The best pet for you is the one you are fully prepared to care for throughout its entire life. Make your choice with both your heart and a deep sense of responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bearded dragons change their gender?

No, bearded dragons cannot change their gender; their sex is determined genetically at birth and remains fixed for life. This is a common misconception, but unlike some reptile species, they do not undergo sex reversal. Like other reptiles, bearded dragons are cold-blooded and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Providing proper basking spots and temperature gradients is essential for their digestion, activity, and overall health.

What are some good gender-neutral names for bearded dragons?

Popular gender-neutral names for bearded dragons include Spike, Ember, or Puff, which focus on their appearance or personality rather than sex. Choosing a neutral name can be helpful if you’re unsure of your dragon’s gender or prefer a versatile option. If you’re exploring morphs, a bearded dragon species morph identification guide can help you connect a dragon’s look to common color morphs. That context can also inspire naming ideas that reflect specific morph traits.

How reliable is the flashlight test for sexing young bearded dragons?

The flashlight test is generally reliable for bearded dragons over 6 months old, but it can be inaccurate for younger juveniles due to underdeveloped hemipenes. For the best results, wait until your dragon is at least 12 inches long to avoid misidentification.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the biggest difference between male and female bearded dragons isn’t just about size or a few behavioral quirks. The most significant factor is the long-term responsibility that comes with a female’s ability to lay eggs, fertile or not. This is a health consideration that many new owners don’t anticipate. Understanding the pregnancy and egg-laying timeline helps owners plan feeding and enclosure needs, and underscores why careful health monitoring is important.

From my own experience, your choice should come down to your personal preference for a more display-oriented, sometimes head-bobbing male, or a typically mellower female. Both genders make fantastic, personable pets when given proper husbandry and lots of love. Focus on providing excellent care, and you’ll have a wonderful companion regardless of sex.

Further Reading & Sources

• r/BeardedDragons on Reddit: Curious question about gender differences
• Sexing your Bearded Dragon – ExoticDirect
• Male vs Female Bearded Dragons: How to Tell Them Apart – A-Z Animals