Everything Dinosaur is regarded by many as the “go to” company for dinosaur and prehistoric animal model figures. We have been supplying prehistoric animal figures to a global customer base for nearly two decades. With so much experience and knowledge of a wide variety of dinosaur model toys and collectables we are quite well placed to provide advice on different prehistoric animal model brands.

The range of figures can be split into two broad and sometimes overlapping categories.  There are the collectables which are often limited editions, then there are those models that can be classified as toys.  However, dinosaur toys can be highly collectable.

In the first of this two-part series, we will focus on those brands that are generally classified as toys.  A second article will look at the collectables market in more detail.

There are lots of prehistoric animal and dinosaur toys.  New figures are introduced every few weeks.  These models are from the Mojo Fun range of prehistoric animal figures.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Prehistoric Animal Model Brands – Toys

There are a huge number of generic toy lines.  Some are better quality than others.  For example, Mattel has a good reputation of its “Jurassic World” toys.  If you are looking for something more accurate than the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range is worth considering.  These models are made by the US-company Safari Ltd.  They offer a substantial range of products featuring both popular and some of the more obscure prehistoric animal species.  This range balances scientific accuracy with affordability and durability.   These figures tend to be durable enough for children to enjoy whilst also appealing to collectors.

The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor model spotted at a trade show. The colourful Kentrosaurus figure can be seen to the left of the Utahraptor. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Safari Ltd Wild Safari Prehistoric World figures: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Figures.

One of the most popular brands in the prehistoric animal model environment is Papo.  Based in France, Papo have been making prehistoric animal figures for many years.  They have their own unique style.  Some models are more scientifically accurate than others.  The figures have intricate skin textures, impressive paint jobs and they are great for creative, imaginative play.  Papo models are also popular with collectors and have something of a cult following.

The new for 2023 Papo Kronosaurus figure has an articulated jaw. Papo figures tend to be very popular.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The range of Papo prehistoric animals: Papo Prehistoric Animal Models.

CollectA Prehistoric Animal Figures

If you are looking to collect a lot of models, then CollectA might be the company for you. This company has developed a strong reputation for their attention to detail and scientific accuracy. They also offer an extensive range of impressive figures. There are dinosaurs, including obscure ones, plus ammonites and other invertebrates as well as marine reptiles, pterosaurs and prehistoric mammals.

CollectA produces two model ranges.  There is a range of scale prehistoric animal models as well as a range of not to scale figures.

CollectA Deluxe scale models: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Replicas.

The range of generally smaller CollectA figures (not to scale models): CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Range.

The Mojo Fun range of prehistoric animal models is becoming increasingly popular.  For example, this company was praised for their recently introduced Woolly Rhino model.

Proudly holding the new for 2023 Mojo Fun Woolly Rhino figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mojo Fun prehistoric and extinct figures: Mojo Fun Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals.

Model Manufacturers in Germany

There are German model manufacturers too.  Bullyland offers a small range of figures. This range includes Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops and Velociraptor.  These models are great for robust, creative play.  One of the best-known of all model manufacturers is Schleich. Schleich is a Germany company that has been producing toy figurines for nearly a century. This range is focused on the toy market, but some models still appeal to the serious collector. Popular dinosaurs are featured such as T. rex and Stegosaurus. However, other more unusual dinosaurs are included such as the bizarre sauropod Bajadasaurus.

Schleich models tend to be reasonably priced. This makes them more affordable when compared to more accurate, museum quality figures.  One differentiating factor of the Schleich brand is its focus on play value.  Many of their prehistoric animal models are designed to be durable enough for children’s imaginative play.  Several figures have articulated joints as well as articulated jaws.  An example of good quality design is the Schleich Quetzalcoatlus figure.  It uses special hinges and joints that permit the wings to be folded out and also folded up.  This was the first pterosaur figure from a mainstream manufacturer to feature this innovation.

The new for 2023 Schleich Quetzalcoatlus pterosaur model. This cleverly designed figure has articulated wings so that they can be folded permitting the flying reptile to be posed in a resting position. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Schleich prehistoric animal models: Schleich Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals.

Everything Dinosaur is Happy to Help

In summary, there are a great many models and figures to choose from. The right choice for you will depend on what your needs are. Schleich, Papo and Mojo Fun replicas are great for imaginative play. Whereas CollectA and Safari Ltd models tend to be more scientifically accurate. Select the brand that best fits your own needs.

With so many impressive ranges on the market, it is easy to find a high-quality prehistoric animal model.  However, our knowledgeable team members are on hand to provide assistance if required.

Email Everything Dinosaur team members: Contact Everything Dinosaur.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.