10 Land Turtles That Make the Best Pets
Thinking about getting a pet turtle? Great choice! Turtles are low-maintenance, fascinating, and can live for decades. Don’t be surprised if some live even longer than their owners. But before you bring one home, there’s one important thing to know: not all turtles are suitable for home life.
Some grow way bigger than expected, some need specialized care, and others are escape artists in disguise. But to help you make the right choice, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best land turtles that are great for beginners and experienced reptile lovers alike.
Russian Tortoise
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If you want a hardy, low-maintenance pet, look no further than the Russian tortoise. These little guys are tough, handling temperature extremes like champions. They stay small (4–8 inches) and great for indoor or outdoor enclosures. Plus, their diet is super simple—just leafy greens and some calcium supplements.
Hermann’s Tortoise
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This one’s a laid-back, easygoing reptile. The Hermann’s tortoise is one of the most sociable tortoises, often walking right up to their owners. They stay relatively small and have a beautiful golden-brown patterned shell. They don’t bite, rarely get aggressive, and thrive in a well-planted outdoor enclosure.
Greek Tortoise
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These tortoises have been around for millions of years, and they still haven’t lost their charm. These small tortoises are highly adaptable and one of the best pet tortoises for beginners. Their stunning golden-brown shells make them a favorite among tortoise enthusiasts. They need a warm, dry environment and love basking in the sun.
Sulcata Tortoise
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If you’ve got a lot of space and want a tortoise with a lot of personality, the Sulcata tortoise is for you. These gentle giants can grow over 100 pounds and live for 70+ years! They’re curious, interactive, and love to roam, but they need a massive enclosure. Keep in mind—these guys are strong and will bulldoze through fences if they’re not secure.
Indian Star Tortoise
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With their stunning star-patterned shells, Indian Star tortoises are one of the most beautiful tortoise species. They’re shy and non-aggressive and suitable for calm households. However, they’re not the easiest pets. They need precise humidity levels and a warm climate to thrive. If you’re up for the challenge, they make a gorgeous companion.
Leopard Tortoise
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Named for their spotted shell, Leopard tortoises are big but gentle. They grow up to 18 inches and love roaming in spacious outdoor enclosures. Unlike some tortoises, they don’t burrow much, which makes them less destructive than other large species. They’re friendly, don’t mind interaction, and are a great choice if you have plenty of room to spare.
Red-Footed Tortoise
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Want a tortoise that stands out? Red-footed tortoises have bright red and orange markings that make them truly unique. They’re curious, social, and even recognize their owners over time. Unlike most tortoises, they eat some fruit and protein along with their greens.
Pancake Tortoise
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Most tortoises are slow and sturdy, but the Pancake tortoise is different. Its shell is flat and flexible, allowing it to squeeze into tight rock crevices when threatened. They’re excellent climbers, so if you keep one, make sure your enclosure is escape-proof! These unique tortoises grow no more than 6–7 inches and have a great personality.
Marginated Tortoise
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With their flared shells, Marginated tortoises look like they’re wearing a spiky skirt. They’re easy to care for, love basking in the sun, and are active during the day. They’re also friendly and less shy than other species. If you want a tortoise with a bit of flair, this is the one.
Desert Tortoise
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If you live in a dry, warm climate, the Desert tortoise is an excellent choice. These guys are low-maintenance, hardy, and thrive in outdoor enclosures. They don’t need a ton of water, but they do love digging burrows to escape the heat. Just make sure you’re ready for a lifelong commitment as they can live over 80 years.
Box Turtle
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Unlike other turtles, Box turtles are land-dwellers that don’t need a large water setup. They grow only a couple of inches and have a varied diet of insects, fruits, and vegetables. They’re curious and interactive, but they don’t love being handled. This one’s a solid choice if you want a turtle that’s easy to care for but still fun to watch.
Wood Turtle
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Did you know some turtles can learn tricks? Wood turtles are shockingly intelligent and even recognize their owners quickly. They enjoy exploring and climbing, so they need a secure enclosure. These semi-aquatic turtles need access to both water and land.
Speckled Padloper Tortoise
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If there’s a lack of space, the Speckled Padloper is perfect. This tiny tortoise grows only 3–4 inches and is one of the rarest pet tortoises. They’re shy but adorable, and they need a secure setup to prevent escapes. Since they’re harder to find, they can be expensive.
Yellow-Footed Tortoise
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Similar to the Red-footed tortoise, the Yellow-footed tortoise is a gentle, slow-moving species. They enjoy humid environments, love eating fruits and greens, and are larger than their red-footed cousins. You can’t go wrong with this one if you want a big, friendly tortoise with a great personality.
Elongated Tortoise
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Elongated tortoises aren’t as common as other pet tortoises, but they’re a fantastic choice. They’re calm, easy to care for, and adaptable. Unlike some species, they don’t mind a bit of humidity and are more active than most tortoises. Although underappreciated, they’re different and very unique.