At present, there are limited viable animal models of bipolar disorder. The limited knowledge of endophenotypes of bipolar disorder that can be assessed in animals further reduces the chances of developing viable animal models. While the behavioral measure in most animal models of bipolar disorder is that of hyperactivity, it is only recently that the activity levels in bipolar disorder patients have been quantified. Specific exploration and locomotor patterns have also been quantified providing a phenotype of bipolar disorder that can be modeled specifically in animals. Attempts are also being made to model other aspects of mania in animals, such as aggression and irritability. Increased knowledge of the cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder also provides further opportunity to provide directly translatable models. Developing an animal model that encompasses each of these quantified domains may lead to more appropriate animal models of bipolar disorder. Finally, increased knowledge of the genetic contributions to bipolar disorder may allow the creation of a combined genetic and pharmacological model, providing greater insight into the neurobiological underpinnings of bipolar disorder, as well as allowing testing of putative therapeutics.