Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Could some one please explain the difference between German VS Rankins BD adn how to tell the difference.

Thanks
Ken

A German Giant is a line of Pogona Vitticeps which is the Inland Bearded Dragon. They are noted for their larger than avg size in body and head. Also their heartiness. They have the normal beard that dragons are noted for

A Rankin (which correct name is Lawson's Dragon)is the species Pogona Henrylawsonii, they are much smaller, do not develope the beard that Vitticeps and have a slightly yellow to orange inner mouth tissue

Also the they come from different areas of Australia

Which are more popular?

How do you specifically tell them a part?

Thanks
Ken

Size mostly as adults, for babies its harder to tell, checking the mouth for color I would think would be a good guess. Knowing the breeder who would tell you which they are is the safest way. One pet store chain was selling some "Rankins" and just had them listed as bearded dragons, so people did not know til the dragons did not get very big.

Pogona Vitticeps are the most common ones out of Australia. Then there are many lines and phases of them, German Giant is one of them. German Giants reach 22-26 inches.

Which is better? Its a personal choice, if you want a smaller dragon, a "rankin" would be better. There are smaller vitticeps also, but their normal size is 18-24 inches. Rankins are about 10 inches as adults.

The other species that you can find outside Australia is Pogona Barbata, these dragons are longer boned that Vitticeps without the bulky build.

For breeding purposes it is harder to find Rankins and Barbata's due to the lesser amount available. There are several breeders online that have some beautiful Rankins, but I know of no one that are selling barbata's

There are 5 (possibly a 6th, the real Rankin)other species of Bearded Dragons in Australia. I do not know of any other them for sale anywhere outside Australia

Thanks for the information.