Dramatic Bearded Dragon Acts Like Tiny Dog When Showing Mom He's Excited

Dogs can be pretty excitable cuties. Just one bath can send any canine into a tizzy, zoomies and all. If said doggo is a puppy, there may even be some unwanted chewing involved (like when this little Shih Tzu acts out while teething). But who knew dogs and bearded dragons had so much in common? In a hilarious Instagram video, one dramatic bearded dragon shows epic levels of energy, much like a tiny dog. We gotta say, it's hard to look away!

Samson is an active bearded dragon with a pretty curious hobby; he loves to bite! Throughout the video, Samson's seen biting his mom's ankles and socks between quick little head bobs and sprints across the carpet. He looks a lot like a tiny dog during the teething phase — or a tough guy! According to some viewers on an identical Facebook Reel, Samson totally "chose violence."

However, owner Valerie insists Samson's a sweetheart who's "very misunderstood by the internet." She says he's actually quite loving. To her point, the end of the clip shows a tired Samson cuddling sweetly with his mom on the couch. It's a total 180 from the hyperactive reptile we witnessed before. Perhaps it's because he had the perfect day full of "sunshine, lots of bites, and lots of love," according to his mom.

Much like this list of the most unusual pets owned by celebrities, bearded dragons aren't the most common pets around. For context, Pet Nurture shares that only 4%of U.S. households own a reptile, compared to nearly 44% with dogs per the AVMA. So, if you're not as familiar with bearded dragon behavior, no worries. Here's the lowdown on these super cute reptiles, from what they should eat to what it really means when they bite (we're looking at you, Samson).

Bearded dragons (or beardies) come from Australia and live anywhere from four to ten years. They get their name from how their beards change color depending on their temperature, mood, or what they might be communicating. Now, these omnivores can thrive on a diet of crickets, certain worms, and even mice. As cold-blooded creatures, they should live in a temperature-controlled tank. Oh, and no males or different reptile species should be housed together (they're super territorial!).

Bearded dragons communicate with little head bobs that can signify dominance, excitement, or an attempt to attract a mate. Pay close attention to the context of the situation to better understand what your beardie might be saying. As for the biting? Experts say they may bite out of fear, hunger, or lack of proper socialization, so keep your little guy fed and out of stressful situations. Follow these tips with your bearded dragon, and you may have a soul pet in the making.