Dragons are creatures with nearly unlimited life spans. They can survive for long periods of time, and no one has found a dragon that has died of old age. Adolescence is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling's wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. Once they hit adolescence, hatchlings change quickly, maturing to their full forms in only 2 years.

Dragons don't communicate with each other verbally, but they will growl to scare off predators and frighten prey. Young dragons will emit an extremely high-pitched squeal when they are frightened. To communicate, they use telepathy with each other and to speak to other creatures.

Guardian dragons have large shields on the end of their tails. Although the shields appear to be heavy, they are light, yet nearly unbreakable. Guardian dragons use their tail-shields, as well as their wings, to deflect attacks and protect others. Often, they will guard the eggs and hatchlings of a nest while others are away. They are generally peaceful, and will not retaliate unless necessary. They have no need to forage or hunt, as they are fed by those they protect.

Vulcan is a very proud and focused dragon.  He believes it is his duty to defend the cave from possible intruders, and lets nothing stand between him and his duty.  He is so one tracked that at first, he barely noticed the small white dragon who brought him food every day.  Then one day, a fierce black dragon came by, looking for trouble.  Vulcan fought him off, but the black was a good fighter and the battle was long and drawn out.  Vulcan realized that if that white dragon were not standing behind him, helping to keep him on his feet, he would not have been able to come out victorious.  Since that day, he and Zara Sehanine have been mates.  Vulcan is still devoted to defending the cave, but he fights with even more vigour, knowing Zara is sitting behind him.