Various animate and inanimate objects can appear as charges on a coat of arms. On the animate side, a number of animals appear as charges (bears, lions, bulls, eagles, dolphins, and so forth…mythical beasts also appear such as dragons and griffins). Trees, flowers, and the like are also commonplace.

When an animal is shown with its legs raised, it is said to be rampant. If seen from the side, the animal is said to be rampant displayed, seen looking directly at you it is said to be rampant guardant, looking away rampant reguardant, and sitting is rampant sejant.

When an animal is show as walking it is said to be passant. Animals lying down with their heads up are referred to as couchant. When the animal appears to be leaping, it is referred to as salient.

On the inanimate side, almost anything can appear as a charge on a coat of arms (chess pieces, buildings, parts of buildings, candles, and so forth).

A few representative charges are presented below. Again, go to a site that specializes in Heraldry for detailed information about various charges and their meanings.