Beards are amazing. No, not those beards, although those are fine too. I’m talking about bearded dragons. The spiky, adorable, great beginner lizard is what I’m referring to. I just recently got one, who I named Eragon, and even just having him for a short time, I can definitely attest to the fact that beardies are awesome. Here I have compiled some reasons why bearded dragons are so incredible, and why they make such great pets. Unless you’re scared of reptiles...in which case, maybe don’t get one. Or do, because they’re awesome…

1. They don’t stink.

This one might seem silly, but coming from experience with a lot of animals that do stink, it’s a pretty desirable trait. Unlike most small animals, their tanks do not become rancid in odor moments after you cleaned it. They don’t poop all that often, and they really just don’t stink. They’re a fairly tidy pet to keep.

2. Beardies are just cool.

I mean come on, they’re spiky, the word dragon is in the title, and they’re generally just epic looking. The variety in colors and types of bearded dragons allows for most people to find one seriously awesome looking dragon.

3. Feeding time is super entertaining.

One of my favorite things about having Eragon is that I know he’s there. It will be perfectly quiet and then you’ll hear him (yes, hear him) ninja-nom his food. They’ll chase crickets, and they just get SUPER excited about live food, and I mean come on, who doesn’t get excited about food? Relatable AF. You might also be surprised to know that adult bearded dragons actually primarily subsist off of greens and fruit, so if insects gross you out, maybe get an adult one.

4. They are a great beginner pet.

Although you look all big and bad, they’re really not. Okay, they can get a little big, but not excessively. As I mentioned, their diet isn’t all that complex, they don’t smell, and they don’t make noise other than their munching sounds at feeding time. They’re pretty chill for a reptile, or any pet for that matter. So if you’re someone who doesn’t have a ton of energy, or you have little kids who can’t handle something as big and hyper as a cat or dog, they’re a great option.

5. Beardies are actually incredibly docile.

This is the primary reason I got mine. I can’t have a cat right now, as I’d rather wait until I’m in a more ideal living situation for a playful kitty, but I really love the comfort and companionship of pets. My fish is great and all, but you don’t really notice them, and they’re not usually one to interact with you. Bearded dragons can easily be tamed by spending time with them every day. So much so, that many bearded dragons actually enjoy cuddling, playing, and being held. It’s pretty neat to have a hypoallergenic pet that makes no noise, no smell, no damage, and yet can still be a perfectly competent pet.