The 5 Smallest Tortoises You Can Keep as Pets (and Why They’re Perfect!)
fact checked & review by
Dr. Partho Kumar Shaha
Veterinarian (DVM)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Picture this: a tortoise the size of a teacup with a personality that could fill a room.
Believe it or not, there are tortoise species that are so small, they could fit in your hand—and they make amazing pets!
Here are five of the smallest tortoise species that pack in all the curiosity and charm, proving that good things really do come in tiny shells.
Why Small Tortoises Make Great Pets
I totally get the appeal of tiny tortoises. Who wouldn’t want a little reptile buddy that’s cute, hardy, and doesn’t need a mansion-sized enclosure?
Here’s why they’re perfect:
Benefit | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Space-Friendly | Small tortoises need less space than their giant cousins. Perfect if you don’t have a backyard safari setup. |
Low-Maintenance | They’re hardy and adapt well to smaller habitats. Great for busy schedules or if you’re a newbie pet owner. |
Less Mess, Less Fuss | Smaller tortoises have smaller appetites and, well… smaller droppings. Easier clean-up! |
Super Cute | Small size = extra charm. There’s something adorable about a tiny tortoise peeking out from its shell. |
Easy on Space
- Small tortoises don’t need massive enclosures.
- A smaller tortoise can thrive in a cozy, well-organized tank or small outdoor area.
- I’ve had one live comfortably in a space no bigger than a large bookshelf!
Easy to Handle
- Their size makes them easier to manage, especially if you’re not a “pick-up-a-20-pound-tortoise” kind of person.
- Tiny tortoises feel more approachable, and kids love their gentle demeanor.
- My niece always “checks in” on our Russian tortoise, who seems to enjoy her soft voice and careful pats.
Lower Impact on Your Home
- They don’t make much mess, require little food, and have specific but manageable care needs.
- Small tortoises don’t cause the same wear and tear on your home as larger animals.
- Bonus: I’ve noticed they’re a lot quieter than my friend’s dog, so if you’re a peace lover, tortoises are the way to go!
In short, tiny tortoises are compact, charming, and relatively low-maintenance, making them the ideal pets for busy but animal-loving folks.
5 Small Tortoises That Stay Small Forever!
Here’s the inside scoop on each tortoise’s charm, quirks, and why they’ll fit perfectly into your life:
Tortoise | Average Size | Personality | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Egyptian | 4–5 inches | Shy but curious | Tiny spaces, calm owners |
Hermann’s | 5–7 inches | Friendly, interactive | Beginners |
Russian | 5–10 inches | Active, hardy | Anyone, low-maintenance |
Greek | 6–7 inches | Friendly, adaptable | Indoor or outdoor setups |
Pancake | 6–7 inches (flat) | Social, agile | Unique pet lovers |
1. Egyptian Tortoise
The Egyptian Tortoise is truly one of the smallest tortoise species, reaching only 4–5 inches in adulthood. Their compact size makes them ideal for small spaces, and they don’t require the large outdoor setups that many larger tortoises do.
These tiny desert dwellers are shy and reserved but full of curiosity. They often enjoy hiding under rocks and burrowing in sand, which reflects their natural desert habitat.
They’re also one of the rarer species in the pet trade, making them an exciting (and adorable) choice if you can find a reputable breeder.
Egyptian tortoises prefer warm, dry climates, so a cozy indoor habitat with a heat lamp is ideal for them.
2. Pancake Tortoise
The Pancake Tortoise is a truly unique species with a flattened shell, giving it an unmistakable pancake-like appearance. They grow to about 6–7 inches, making them easy to accommodate in smaller enclosures.
Unlike other tortoises, they’re surprisingly quick and agile, often able to squeeze into tight spaces thanks to their flat, flexible shells. Native to rocky hillsides in East Africa, Pancake Tortoises are great climbers and prefer habitats with plenty of rocks and hideouts to explore.
They can even be kept in small groups, as they’re more social than most tortoises and enjoy the company of other Pancake Tortoises.
Their quirky, active personalities and unusual body shape make them a fun and engaging pet option for anyone looking for something a little different.
3. Russian Tortoise
The Russian Tortoise stands out for its hardy nature and unique, active personality. Typically growing between 5–10 inches, this species is a bit larger but still well-suited for smaller spaces.
Russian Tortoises love to explore and are known for their love of burrowing, which makes their habitats quite lively. They can be escape artists if given the opportunity, often attempting to dig their way out of enclosures, so a secure habitat is essential.
Native to arid regions from Russia to the Middle East, these tortoises are tough and adaptable, handling a range of temperatures fairly well.
They’re an excellent choice for beginners because they thrive with basic care, simple diets, and a little extra “security” for their digging tendencies.
I asked a tortoise expert named Patty Mesich for her opinion on the best tortoise species for beginners. Here’s what she replied:
” I have always been a fan of the Russian tortoise or Hermann tortoise. They stay relatively small and are very friendly. Don’t get me wrong, every tortoise is very friendly and you can develop a nice bond with them given time and patience. Picking the right species for you is based on how much time and space you can give them. For example, so many people get Sulcata tortoises not knowing how large they get. They can get over 100 pounds and live many decades. In my opinion sulcatas are extremely overbred and too many wind up being given away since they get so large. It also seems like they are most prone to MBD since most keepers cannot meet their space requirements. Please do your research! “
4. Hermann’s Tortoise
Hermann’s Tortoise is popular with tortoise owners because of its friendly, approachable nature and moderate size of 5–7 inches. They’re known for being a bit more interactive than some other tortoises; they can even seem to recognize their owners and often enjoy mild handling.
Hermann’s Tortoises are native to the Mediterranean, so they thrive in warm, moderately humid environments and enjoy plenty of sunlight. They’re hardy, adaptable, and make excellent pets for beginners since they’re relatively low-maintenance.
With the right setup and diet of leafy greens, these tortoises can live happily indoors or outdoors and often have a lifespan that stretches over 50 years!
5. Greek Tortoise
Greek Tortoises are a well-loved pet species, reaching about 6–7 inches in size, making them comfortable in both indoor and outdoor habitats. They are known for their calm temperament and tolerance for gentle handling, making them a great choice for families or anyone new to tortoises.
Greek Tortoises have lovely, golden brown shells with intricate patterns, adding to their charm. Native to regions around the Mediterranean, they enjoy a warm environment with moderate humidity.
Their adaptability means they can thrive in a variety of enclosures, and they’re relatively easy going when it comes to diet, mainly needing leafy greens and occasional supplements.
Greek Tortoises are a wonderful option for pet owners who want a low-stress, manageable companion with a friendly demeanor.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.