Leopard Geckos and Bearded Dragons both come close to being perfect reptile pets (no wonder reptile expos seem to overflow with both!). However, there are major differences in their habits and needs, and it’s important to be aware of these when choosing a pet. Activity patterns, care costs, habitat needs, general hardiness and other factors will affect your experience and your lizard’s quality of life. 

Handling
Many lizards are high strung and best considered as “hands-off” pets, but both Leopard Geckos and Bearded Dragons break this rule. Individuals vary, but both adapt well to gentle handling.

Activity Levels
Both species have fascinating behaviors that are well-worth watching for. Bearded Dragons are diurnal (active by day), at which time you can see them bask, feed, and display to tank-mates.

The nocturnal Leopard Geckos are ideal for “night owls”. However, they will become active by day in a dimly lit room, especially when hungry. For nighttime viewing you can use a black or red bulb (Leopard Geckos do not sense light produced by these bulbs).

Life Span
A Leopard Gecko in the St. Louis Zoo’s collection lived for a record 28.6 years. Bearded Dragons often reach age 12-15 years, with some approaching 20.

Breeding
Both species are fairly reliable breeders, and a wide variety of color phases, or morphs, are available. 

Cost
Bearded Dragons require larger terrariums and higher temperatures than do Leopard Geckos, and must be provided with UVB radiation. Nocturnal lizards such as Leopard Geckos get along fine without UVB bulbs, assuming they are provided a proper diet. Therefore, Leopard Geckos are the less-expensive pet, in terms of supplies and electricity use.

Terrarium Size (single adult)
Leopard Gecko: 10-20 gallon tank (20 is preferable)
Bearded Dragon: 30 long style - 55 gallon tank

Temperature
Leopard Gecko: 72-85 F, with a basking site of 88 F
Bearded Dragon: 75-88 F, with a basking site of 95-110 F

Lizard Diet
Leopard Geckos are carnivorous. In contrast to most lizards, they do well on a diet comprised largely of mealworms (if given adequate vitamin/mineral supplements). However, a more varied diet that includes roaches, crickets, moths, calci-worms, hornworms, and other insects is preferable.

Young Bearded Dragons feed largely upon insects. Adults require a variety of greens, fruits and vegetables along with smaller amounts of live food.

Health Concerns (Pet and Pet Owner)
An intestinal impaction caused by ingestion of sand and gravel (in the course of feeding) is the most commonly-encountered health concern for both species. This can be avoided by the use of cage liners or newspaper as opposed to sand (on the terrarium bottom), or by feeding your lizards in large bowls or via feeding tongs. 

Bearded Dragons that do not receive adequate UVB exposure will suffer Metabolic Bone Disease. Nutritional diseases are common in both species if attention is not paid to diet and supplements.

If a moist shelter is not available, Leopard Geckos sometimes retain bits of old skin and the eyelid lining after shedding.

Atadenovirus infections are becoming increasingly common among captive Bearded Dragons. Unfortunately, the resulting “Wasting Disease” or “Star Gazing” is incurable. Please deal only with reliable breeders.

Salmonella bacteria, commonly present in reptile and amphibian digestive tracts, can cause severe illnesses in people (while leaving their original hosts unharmed). Salmonella infections are easy to avoid via the use of proper hygiene because the bacteria must be ingested in order to cause illness in people. Please speak with your family doctor concerning details.

Please post any question you may have concerning this article, or about care and breeding in general (I'll cover these topics in future articles). 

Hope you enjoy a new lizard pet soon!  

Photos:

Leopard gecko eating cricket: CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Bearded Dragon: Andrew Tisinger, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons