What Monitor for me?

Hello all! I have been keeping snakes for awhile now and I would like to expand outwards into other Reptiles. I've done a tiny bit of research and I think some sort of monitor would work great for me. I'm wanting to be prepared to get one in a couple of years (when I get a house!) and I was wondering if one of you could point me in the direction of what monitor might be right for me. Here is what I'm looking for/hoping for/interested in:

1. A monitor that has the potential to be dog tame to just mostly tame (a bit of an attitude isn't a problem)
2. Size isn't an issue...although I would prefer something that wouldn't get too much larger than 7ft (if there is such a monitor...I'm pretty much a novice at this point)
3. Something pleasing to look at (aren't they all though?)
4. Really all I want is a nice looking monitor with an interesting personality that isn't going to eat me

Any suggestions? Also if you suggest a monitor please state why.


Also would a tegu possibly be a good choice? why/why not?

Thanks for your help!

This is probably NOT the right monitor for you at this point in time, but you can get a baby when you're ready and have one just like him.

I've kept a few species and this is far and away my favorite.

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...ad.php?t=97167

Tegus are great choices. I find that other than space their care can be easier. I've no experiance really with either but it seems like Tegus (B&W Argentines) are a bit more "Tamable" than most monitors. Also you get to avoid buying WC and get a CB B&W Tegu. As far as the best monitor to start Ackies are the way to go. They are expensive initially but can be kept in a much smaller cage and in groups (if introduced at a very young age) usually.

If you want something larger I guess a water would be ok as I've heard good things about them in general and they get larger, 7-9 ft I think but mostly tail. I dont really know much about them because keeping one was never an option for me. Also I think some people breed them so you can get CB.

Really I think you should look @ the tegus and the ackies to start.

Okay...so Ackie, Tegu, Water Monitor...I guess I will start my search there then! Thanks.


Oh and Wes, that is a sexy monitor!!

if u do get a tegu or monitor i would stay away from feeding them live . the more live u feed them the more aggresive they will be because they have to kill it i would say savanna monitor stay small and tame out like dogs

BlackThroat Monitor. Its within your size limitation. They can be calm monitors. Check out some care sheets.