Ranking the Dragon Species of the Wizarding World
There’s no doubt that dragons are some of the most iconic magical creatures featured in the Harry Potter books. Hagrid would surely form a dragon fan club if he could, and Charlie Weasley has dedicated his life to protecting dragons. The dragon challenge in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was my personal favorite scene of the book! While Potterheads are only really exposed to Norwegian Ridgebacks and Hungarian Horntails, there are plenty of other incredible dragon species featured in the Harry Potter series.
1. Swedish Short-Snout
I have to be honest – the main reason I love this species is that they are the least aggressive. I feel like if I could befriend any dragon species, this would be the one. Plus, I think it’s awesome that Swedish wizards have a special reservation just to protect this species! Their scales are blue and shimmering, and this species gives off a sleek, elegant look. Similar to most dragons, Swedish Short-Snouts inhabit rugged mountain regions.
2. Norwegian Ridgeback
Okay, I admit to being biased with this choice, but after meeting Norbert, how can I not love this dragon species? Despite Ron’s fears, Norwegian Ridgebacks don’t need to eat people, since they can eat any large mammals. Their scales are black, and they have those iconic black ridges across their backs. Their fangs are also venomous. Most importantly, this species isn’t native to Hagrid’s Hut.
3. Antipodean Opaleye
I would’ve loved to see this species in one of the movie adaptations! Their scales are so glittery that they resemble pearls, and their eggs have the same light grey color. This dragon species is native to Australia and New Zealand and prefers valley living to mountains. Their favorite meal is sheep, which isn’t good news for farmers of the region.
4. Ukrainian Ironbelly
One of my favorite moments in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is when Harry, Ron, and Hermione free the Ukrainian Ironbelly trapped in Gringotts. It was such a kind gesture, so did you ever wonder where the dragon flew off to? This species mostly keeps to itself, but it hails from eastern Europe and is the biggest species of dragon. Something cool we learn from the Fantastic Beasts guide is that these dragons have been known to hunt across the southern region of the Black Sea.
5. Welsh Green
This dragon is a classic – it’s the color of the earth, slightly terrifying, and exactly what you think of when you picture a dragon. This Welsh dragon nests in the tallest peaks of mountains and unfortunately also eats sheep.
6. Romanian Longhorn
This dragon hails from central Europe, where there is a prominent dragon reservation center. The only reason this dragon isn’t rated higher on the list is that Magizoologists and Dragonologist experts have little information on this species. It’s not even certain if these dragons inhabit mountains or not.
7. Hebridean Black
This dragon lives in Scotland, and it is also one of the largest species. This dragon has a temper, which it usually takes out on its meals of deer and cattle. The McFusty wizarding family, who lives near the Hebridean Black breeding ground, has been trying to watch over this dragon species so that it doesn’t get too out of control. However, this didn’t stop the reckless Quidditch team, the Banchory Bangers, from trying to abduct a Hebridean Black in 1814 for their sport. Needless to say, this effort didn’t end well for them.
8. Chinese Fireball
This gorgeous dragon is a stunning crimson color with a golden mane of spikes around its face. Even its eyes are golden too! The only reason this glorious creature isn’t rated higher on the list is that it has a taste for humans. No wonder this species basically goes around unguarded!
9. Hungarian Horntail
Sure, this dragon loses points for trying to kill Harry, but it was just trying to protect its eggs. Also, how cute is it that the little miniature version kept Harry company? I love the scene where Harry falls asleep after the competition and watches the mini dragon sleep too. This dragon is considered the most intimidating for several reasons: It can shoot flames up to fifty feet, it has a spiked tail, and it eats humans.
10. Peruvian Vipertooth
I hate to give any dragon on this list the last place, but this species is particularly vicious. This dragon is one of the tiniest, but don’t let its size fool you. Its fangs are venomous, but most importantly, this species has a sweet tooth for humans. In fact, it is believed that Dragon Pox was originally contracted from this species! Peruvian Vipertooths have been difficult to track, but Dragonologists assume these dragons likely live in the eastern rainforests and mountains of Peru.
