Western Dragons: When you think of a dragon, these kind are what usually come to mind first. Residing in Europe, they are generally thought of as fierce and fire-breathing.
Eastern Dragons: Oriental dragons are quite the opposite of western dragons. They are commonly known as peaceful and kind, protecting the people of China from harm and danger. They ruled the seas, rivers, and rain clouds. In Chinese mythology, there are five types known: the celestial dragons who guard the abodes of the gods; dragon spirits, who rule over wind and rain but can also cause flooding; earth dragons, who cleanse the rivers and deepen the oceans; treasure guarding dragons; and the imperial dragons, who have five claws instead of the usual four. Long, one of the four Ssu Ling, was a bringer of good fortune and a symbol of the east and of the power of the emperor. Yu-qiang, a Chinese sea god and god of ocean winds, rode two dragons as the sea god. In Taoism, the dragon represents the yang principle and is often portrayed surrounded by water or clouds.
Ryujin: Ryujin is the Japanese dragon god of the sea. He lives in a palace under the sea called Ryugu, "Dragon Court." The palace is built from red and white coral and is guarded by dragons. On each of the four sides of the palace is a different season, and one day at the palace is like 100 years on earth.
Nagas: Nagas exist in many different cultures. In Hindu myth, they are half human and half snake. They are believed to protect rivers, springs, and wells. They bring the rain, and therefore are bringers of fertility. In Malay myths, they are many-headed dragons of enormous size. On Java and Thailand, the naga is a mythical serpent or dragon who lives in the netherworld and has emmense wealth. Also on Thailand, it is sometimes sculpted with five heads.
Snallygaster: The snallygaster is from Fredrick County, Maryland. It is derived from the German word for "quick spirit", "schnell geiste." Althought the true physical appearnace of this creature is vague due to several variations of the narrative, it is most commonly associated with the dragon: green, having scales and wings.
Faerie Dragons: These are the smallest dragons. Usually 1'-5' long, they have butterfly wings, very large eyes and are a vegetarian diet. Faerie dragons are extremely rare and are said to carry fairies from place to place.
Hydras: These dragons have many heads, ususally 6 to 9. They may or may not have wings. In Greek legend, Hercules fought an 8-headed hydra. Every time he tried to cut of one of its heads off, a new one would grow. Finally, the dragon was killed by burning the stumps of where the heads once were to prevent their growing back.
Wyverns, Amphipteres, and Wyrms: These types of dragons are all different from the previous dragons explained. Wyverns are dragons with wings and two legs, originated in Europe. They are found on sheilds and banners, and are symbols are strength. Amphiteres are dragons with only wings, and are thought to orginate from Mexican myth. Wyrms, originating in England, have no wings and no legs.