The 5 Smallest Tortoises You Can Keep as Pets (and Why They’re Perfect!)

Some tortoises grow big enough to need their own shed. These ones? You can hold them in one hand — but that doesn’t mean they’re “low effort.”

Here are five of the smallest tortoise species you’ll see in the pet world, how big they actually get, and what you should know before bringing one home.

Why Small Tortoises Appeal to People

• Space savings – They need less floor space than a sulcata or leopard tortoise, but still a lot more than most people expect.
• Manageable weight – You can actually lift and move them without feeling like you just deadlifted a cinder block.
• Personality in a small package – Even the tiniest species have quirks and habits that make them fun to watch.
• Less mess – Smaller appetites, smaller poops. Your mop will thank you.

Still, every tortoise on this list lives decades and needs proper heat, UVB, and diet. “Small” doesn’t mean “easy.”

5 Small Tortoises That Stay Small!

Tortoise	Average Size	Personality	Best For
Speckled Padloper	3–4 inches	Shy, secretive	Not available as pets; found only in South Africa under strict protection
Egyptian	4–5 inches	Shy but curious	Experienced keepers with legal, captive-bred sources
Pancake	6–7 inches (flat)	Social, agile	Keepers who like active, unique species
Russian	5–9 inches	Active, hardy	Anyone with space and secure enclosures
Hermann’s	Under 8 inches	Friendly, interactive	Beginners who can give large floor space
Greek	5–8 inches	Friendly, adaptable	Indoor or outdoor setups with warm climates

Note on the Speckled Padloper: This species is the world’s smallest tortoise, but it’s fully protected in South Africa and cannot be legally traded or kept as a pet in most countries. It’s here for fun fact value only — if you see one for sale, it’s almost certainly illegal or wild-caught.

1. Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)

• Size: Around 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) adult shell length.
• Status: Critically Endangered, CITES Appendix I — legal only if captive-bred and with paperwork.
• Space: At least 4×8 ft for a pair indoors; larger if possible.
• Personality: Shy but curious, best with calm keepers.

This is one of the rarest tortoises in the pet trade. They love warm, dry setups and don’t brumate.
Because they’re so threatened in the wild, make sure you’re buying from a reputable breeder who can prove captive origin.

Curious about Tortoise Inspirations + Tortoise Species? Let’s keep it simple and clear. 5 Colossal Tortoise Species You Need to See to Believe

2. Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)

• Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm).
• Status: Vulnerable, wild collection banned in many areas.
• Space: Big horizontal floor space with rocks and hides — 4×8 ft or more.
• Personality: Fast, agile, and more social than most tortoises.

Their flat shells let them squeeze into rock crevices in the wild, so they’ll use every hide you give them.

Great for people who want a tortoise that’s active and fun to watch, but still small enough to manage.

3. Russian Tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii)

• Size: 5–9 inches (13–23 cm), males smaller.
• Status: Common in captivity but many imports are wild-caught — avoid those.
• Space: 8×4 ft minimum indoors; more for outdoor pens.
• Personality: Hardy, busy, and a bit of an escape artist.

These are tough little tanks that can handle a wide range of climates.

They’re plant-eaters only — no protein — and love to dig, so secure fencing is a must.

4. Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

• Size: Usually under 8 inches (20 cm).
• Status: Widely bred in captivity.
• Space: At least 8×4 ft for adults.
• Personality: Friendly and interactive, often comes to investigate you.

Hermann’s are beginner-friendly as long as you can give them enough room and the right environment. They do well in warm outdoor enclosures during summer and can live 50+ years.

Got questions about Tortoise Inspirations + Tortoise Species? This post has the basics, turtle-style. Different Types of Tortoises: A Comprehensive Guide

5. Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca, various subspecies)

• Size: Typically 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) depending on subspecies.
• Status: Still common in captivity, but some subspecies are threatened.
• Space: 8×4 ft or more.
• Personality: Calm, adaptable, and good with gentle handling.

These have beautiful patterned shells and are adaptable to many setups if given proper heating, UVB, and humidity.

Like Hermann’s, some will brumate if kept outdoors in the right climate.

Before You Choose One

• Small still means big – Even the tiniest species need large enclosures, especially outdoors. Think “garden bed,” not “fish tank.”
• Heat and UVB are non-negotiable – Without them, your tortoise will get sick.
• Decades-long commitment – Most live 40–60+ years. They could outlive you.
• Captive-bred only – Wild-caught tortoises suffer high mortality and spread parasites. Buy from a trusted breeder or adopt from a rescue.
• Know their brumation needs – Some species sleep through winter, some don’t. Get this wrong and you can kill them.

If you want a tortoise that’s compact, charming, and full of life, these species are as small as it gets in the legal pet world — but only the right keeper can give them the space and care they need.