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.

Baltazar the Valiant was quite adventurous as a hatchling. Before he even grew wings, he would sneak away from his caregivers to explore the world. It was on one of these expeditions that he found the egg of Puchi the Unimpressive, who can be considered the Ruda Clan's pet chicken. Since his days as a hatchling, however, Baltazar has settled down, finding his role as a protector a very satisfying one. Very agreeable and laid back, no dragon in the clan can remember Baltazar arguing with anyone, and as a result, he is very popular, especially with the hatchlings. Every day, he has at least one hatchling asking if they can take a nap in his tail.