Are G1 Spike and other G1 Dragons Monitor Lizards?

[Al-1701]

One thing I've noticed by the G1 design of Spike and the other G1 dragons is they're more lizard-like than the later generation versions of him.  Particularly, they look like monitor lizards.  The designers were probably not thinking of that when they created the mold and drew him for the cartoon.  Though, it would explain the lack of wings.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Tirak looks pretty lizard-y as well!

[LadyMoondancer]

I don't think they were based off of anything except pure imagination. If G1 Spike were based off a monitor lizard, he wouldn't have little pointy ears.  Monitor lizards don't have a row of spikes or spines on their backs, either.  I think Spike is only lizard-like as far as any fantasy dragon is lizard-like.

[Al-1701]

I just look at the structure of his face and it reminds me of the boxy heads of larger monitor lizards.  However, the spines are more like an iguana.  And the ears don't look like anything on a reptile, but help frame his head to make him cuter.

He also lacks me features often attributed to dragons, the fins on the side of the head and a spaded tail, G4 Spike has prominently.  I think that's what makes him look closer to a real lizard than G3 and G4 Spike do.

[Leave a Whisper]

Nope. Just wingless dragons.

[Carrehz]

They're dragons. If they were lizards they would've been labelled as such.

[Al-1701]

I know they're dragons.  I was just wondering what larger group of species dragons would belong to.  If dragon is a type of large lizard in this world.

[LadyMoondancer]

Of all the "real" animals that have existed, I would say the pony dragons are most similar to dinosaurs.  Legs that go directly down from their hips, rather than splaying outward like a lizard's.  And, to all appearances, a warm-blooded metabolic process; Spike can be outside in the snow without going into a torpor and he can breathe fire.  Spike walks on two legs (mostly), some dinosaurs also walked on two legs.  Some dinosaurs had decorative or protective spikes, too.

[Al-1701]

Dinosaurs sounds like a good origin.

[hathorcat]

Hmmm...this is one of those that everyone is going to have their own concept on. I think there is enough legend and myth for me to just go "dragon"...it could be that creators based the concept simply on what a "softer friendier" dragon may have looked like. In my head I am going to go with that

[Leave a Whisper]

The muzzle is too short and square, the claws and feet are wrong. Obviously the baby dragons have ears. Definitely not monitor lizard like.

[Al-1701]

I guess I'm the only one thinking it.

[TJgamer]

I can see what you mean, but it's not the first creature I visualize.

[jrr74]

Never thought much about it.   He has always been Spike the dragon to me and a cute one at that 

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[Leave a Whisper]

Never thought much about it.   He has always been Spike the dragon to me and a cute one at that 

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You own all the baby dragons? Soo cute! I'm definitely jealous!