I really want a character of mine to have a dragon familiar, but I don't have room in the build for the Improved Familiar feat. So I'm thinking of getting a familiar that thinks it's a dragon even though it isn't. But I can't figure out what the best choice would be.
So what is the most dragon-like familiar? It does need to be able to fly and will be getting the mauler archetype.
Anything can think it's a dragon. Even a chicken. But a rhamporhynchus is a flying reptile which might fit your character best.
This pterosaur is a quick-moving reptile with a 5-foot wingspan, a narrow snout filled with dozens of needle-like teeth, and a long tail tipped with an arrowhead shaped ridge. Males are generally quite brightly colored, displaying brilliant reds, greens, and bright blues, often bearing complex patterns like stripes; females tend to be more drably colored.
Sounds pretty good. I will look at it.