Best Tortoise to Have as a Pet: 5 Top Picks for Keepers

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Tortoises are some of the most charming and fascinating reptiles you can keep. With their ancient looks, deliberate movements, and surprisingly big personalities, it's no wonder so many people want to bring one home. But finding the best tortoise to have as a pet isn't as simple as picking the cutest one. These animals can live for over 50 years, and their needs are very specific.

Choosing the right species for your lifestyle and home is the most important first step you can take. It's the difference between a thriving, happy companion and a stressful, expensive veterinary case. We're here to help you make that choice. In this guide, we'll break down the top species that are widely considered the best tortoise to have as a pet, especially for those new to the hobby.

What Makes a Tortoise the 'Best' Pet?

Before we dive into the list, let's define what makes a tortoise a great pet. The "best" choice depends entirely on you, the keeper. You need to be honest about the space, time, and budget you can provide over the next several decades.

Adult Size & Space

That tiny, palm-sized baby at the pet store won't stay small forever. Some species grow to weigh over 100 pounds! The best pet tortoise for most people is one that stays a manageable size. A smaller tortoise can live comfortably in a large indoor enclosure, often called a tortoise table, or a secure outdoor pen in the right climate. A giant requires a custom-built, reinforced shed and a large, fenced yard.

Temperament & Handling

Tortoises are not cuddly pets that enjoy being handled like a dog or cat. Most simply tolerate it. However, some species are more outgoing and inquisitive, while others are shy and prone to stress. A tortoise that is active and doesn't spend all its time hiding is generally a more rewarding pet. We've selected species known for their manageable and interesting personalities.

Diet & Care

All tortoises have specific dietary and environmental needs. They need proper heating, and most importantly, UVB lighting to process calcium and stay healthy. Some species have simpler diets based on weeds and greens, while others need a mix of fruits and vegetables. We've focused on species with relatively straightforward care requirements, but remember: no tortoise is "easy." They all require dedicated effort. Finding the best tortoise to have as a pet involves matching their care needs to your ability to provide for them.

Lifespan & Commitment

This is the big one. When you get a tortoise, you are signing up for a lifelong—and possibly multi-generational—commitment. Many of the species on our list can live for 50 to 80 years or more. You must have a plan for their care for their entire life, which may even involve putting them in your will. This long-term bond is part of their appeal, but it's a serious responsibility.

Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Pet Tortoise

Here are our ranked choices for the best tortoise to have as a pet. We've prioritized species that are relatively small, hardy, and have engaging personalities that make them a joy to keep.

1. Russian Tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii)

Universally recommended as the top choice, the Russian Tortoise is arguably the best tortoise for beginners. They are small, packed with personality, and more tolerant of temperature variations than many other species. They are active, curious, and love to burrow and climb, making them incredibly entertaining to watch.

These tortoises are known for being feisty and personable. They quickly learn to recognize their owners and will often come to the edge of their enclosure for food. Their manageable size means you can provide them with an excellent habitat without needing a dedicated room in your house.

Housing & Environment

Russian tortoises are active and need more space than you might think. A single adult should have an enclosure that is at least 4 feet by 2 feet, but bigger is always better. A DIY tortoise table or a commercial one works great indoors. They need a deep substrate—at least 6 inches of a mix of topsoil, coconut coir, and cypress mulch—to allow for their natural burrowing instincts.

You'll need to create a temperature gradient. One end should have a basking spot of 90-95°F, while the cooler end should be around 70-75°F. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the 60s. A high-quality mercury vapor bulb is an excellent all-in-one solution, providing both heat and essential UVB radiation.

Diet & Feeding

Their diet in the wild consists of broadleaf weeds. You should aim to replicate this. Dandelions, clover, plantain weed, and hibiscus leaves are all excellent staples. You can supplement these with store-bought greens like spring mix, escarole, and endive. Avoid fruits, as their digestive systems aren't built for sugar. Dust their food with a calcium with D3 supplement a few times a week to ensure strong bone and shell growth.

2. Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

Coming in at a very close second is the Hermann's Tortoise. They share many of the same fantastic qualities as Russian Tortoises: a small, manageable size, a friendly disposition, and hardiness. They are often split into two subspecies, the Eastern and the Western, with the Western being slightly smaller and more brightly colored.

What makes them one of the best tortoise to have as a pet is their beautiful yellow and black patterned shell and their gentle nature. They tend to be slightly less aggressive and burrow less obsessively than Russians, which some keepers prefer. Their care is very similar, making them an equally good choice for a first-time tortoise owner.

Housing & Environment

Like a Russian, a Hermann's Tortoise needs a spacious enclosure. An outdoor pen in a secure, predator-proofed garden is ideal during warm months, but a large indoor tortoise table is necessary for most climates. Their temperature and lighting needs are nearly identical to a Russian's: a 95°F basking spot, a cooler ambient temperature, and a full-spectrum UVB light source. Provide plenty of hiding spots and a shallow water dish for soaking.

Diet & Feeding

Their diet is also a mirror of the Russian Tortoise. Focus on a wide variety of high-fiber, low-protein weeds and leafy greens. A high-quality commercial diet like Mazuri Tortoise Diet can be offered once or twice a week as a supplement, but fresh foods should be the bulk of their meals. Calcium supplementation is a must.

3. Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca)

The Greek Tortoise, also known as the Spur-thighed Tortoise, is another fantastic Mediterranean species. They are a bit more variable in size than the previous two, but are generally still very manageable. Their name comes from the small, conical spurs on their hind thighs. They are known for being very personable and are a great display animal.

They are a wonderful choice and certainly rank high on the list of the best tortoise to have as a pet. They are hardy and their care is straightforward, following the same basic principles as other Mediterranean tortoises. They are a great option if you're looking for something a little different from the more common Russian or Hermann's.

Housing & Environment

An enclosure of at least 4'x2' is a good starting point for a single adult. Greek tortoises appreciate a slightly more humid environment than Russians, so a substrate like cypress mulch that holds moisture can be beneficial. Mist the enclosure every day or two to keep the humidity around 40-60%. Of course, the standard 90-95°F basking spot and full-spectrum UVB lighting are essential. Use a digital thermometer/hygrometer to monitor the environment closely.

Diet & Feeding

Their diet is classic Mediterranean tortoise fare. A foundation of weeds and flowers, supplemented with dark leafy greens. They should be fed a varied diet to ensure they get a full range of nutrients. Like the others, avoid fruit and feed only a small amount of commercial diet. Consistent calcium dusting is crucial for their long-term health.

4. Red-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)

Now we move to a different continent and a different kind of tortoise. The Red-Footed Tortoise comes from the humid forests of South America, and their care reflects that. They are stunningly beautiful, with black shells dotted with yellow and distinctive red scales on their legs and head. They are also known for their intelligence and incredibly docile nature, making them a top contender for the best tortoise to have as a pet if you have a bit more space.

Unlike the Mediterranean species, Red-Foots are more tolerant of being housed in groups and have a more varied diet that includes some protein and fruit. They are a fantastic intermediate-level choice for a keeper who wants a larger, more tropical species.

Housing & Environment

(Estimates only — actual prices on Amazon may vary.) Red-Foots need warmth and high humidity (60-80%). This makes them poor candidates for outdoor living in most of the US. You'll need a large, enclosed chamber to maintain this environment. A 6'x3' enclosure is a minimum for an adult. Because they don't burrow as much, you can use a substrate like cypress mulch or a soil/moss mix to hold humidity. They still need a basking spot of around 90-95°F, but their ambient temperature should be higher, in the 80s. A UVB source is still vital.

Diet & Feeding

This is where they differ most. Red-Foots are omnivores. About 60% of their diet should be greens and weeds. Another 30% can be fruits like mango, papaya, and melon. The final 10% should be animal protein. You can offer them earthworms, slugs, or a high-quality, low-fat canned dog food once a week. This varied diet makes them very interesting to feed, but it also requires more effort to balance correctly.

5. Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis)

The Leopard Tortoise is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful tortoises in the world. Their high-domed shells feature striking black and yellow patterns that resemble a leopard's spots. They are gentle giants with a calm and shy demeanor. While they get much larger than the other tortoises on this list, their placid nature and relatively simple diet make them a manageable large species for a dedicated keeper.

They are not a beginner tortoise due to their size, but for someone with the right space, they can be the best tortoise to have as a pet. They are not aggressive and spend their days placidly grazing. It's important to get a captive-bred individual, as wild-caught specimens often carry a heavy parasite load.

Housing & Environment

Leopard Tortoises need a lot of space. An adult needs an enclosure of at least 8'x8', but ideally a secure, predator-proofed outdoor yard. They come from the dry savannahs of Africa and need hot, dry conditions. Their basking spot should be 95-100°F, with ambient temperatures in the 80s. They do not hibernate and need stable heat year-round. An insulated, heated shed like a dog house with a heater is often required for them to retreat into at night and during colder weather.

Diet & Feeding

Their diet should be high in fiber and consist mostly of grasses and weeds. Orchard grass, timothy hay, and various broadleaf weeds are perfect. You can supplement with greens like collards and turnip greens, and offer prickly pear cactus pads as a treat. They should not be fed fruit or animal protein. A constant supply of fresh food and a calcium supplement are all they need.

A Warning on Giant Tortoises

You might have noticed the African Spurred Tortoise, or Sulcata, is missing from our list. This is intentional. While commonly sold in pet stores as cute babies, Sulcatas grow to be the third-largest tortoise species in the world, easily exceeding 150 pounds. They are incredibly strong, destructive burrowers, and require a habitat the size of a small car. They are frequently surrendered by owners who were unprepared for their size and strength. We do not recommend them as pets and urge you to choose one of the more manageable species from our list.

Choosing Your Perfect Companion

Choosing the best tortoise to have as a pet is a journey of matching an animal's needs to your own capabilities. For most people, a Russian or Hermann's tortoise is a perfect start. They offer the classic tortoise experience in a small, manageable package. If you have more space and want a more tropical challenge, the Red-Footed Tortoise is a wonderful, personable option.

Once you've chosen your species, understanding the Best Food for Tortoise: A Complete Keeper's Guide is your next critical step. For those still exploring different types of pets, our guide to the Best Reptiles to Have as Pets: A 2026 Keeper's Guide can offer more ideas. And if you're focused on starting small and easy, don't miss our detailed breakdown of the Best Tortoise for Beginners: 5 Hardy Species Ranked.

No matter which you choose, always buy from a reputable, captive breeder. This ensures you get a healthy animal and doesn't put pressure on wild populations. With the right choice and dedicated care, you will have a fascinating, shelled friend for many decades to come.