Hamster Breeds

So you’re in the market for a new pet? Hamsters are a great pet! While the do require some care, their level of maintenance is much lower than that of a dog or cat. In order to choose the best for your home, here are the 5 most common varieties of hamsters:

Syrian hamster: Long-haired variety is usually referred to as the Teddy Bear hamster, and they are most often the more sociable of the five most popular hamsters. You may want to get another Syrian hamster as a friend for your first, but refrain! Adult Syrians kept together will fight, they do not like to have their personal space invaded by another hamster. They are quite happy to be left to themselves, enjoying the company of their owner.

Dwarf Campbell Russian hamster: This hamster species is much like the Syrian in looks, but it can be kept in same sex or mixed sex pairs. However, if you don’t want to have multiple litters of “pinks,” as baby hamsters are called, be sure to keep only same sex pairs. The normal coloring for this hamster is much like that of the Roborovskii hamster in general and they are often confused in pet stores.

Chinese hamster: This hamster breed tends to be the most distinguishable of the five. Their coloring is usually white with a grayish stripe down the back from head to tail with its tail being a little longer than other hamsters. Female hamster of the Chinese breed are the only ones kept as pets, as the males have much more noticeable genitalia than that of other species. It is important to note that these hamsters require a permit in some states to keep as pets.

Roborovskii hamster: These are the smallest of the five hamster varieties. Their small stature makes them very skittish as they are used to being prey out in the wilderness. These hamsters are not recommended for small children who will want to handle them all the time. Instead of handling, these hamster are more often kept for children to watch in pairs or small groups. While they do not fight as often as Syrian hamsters, fights are still common.

Winter white Russian hamster: The winter white Russian hamster is categorized by it’s coat. In warmer months it has a dark coat, but once the colder winter months come, it’s dark fur is shed and a white coat replaces it. This white coat helps them in the wild when the snow begins to fall, so they may hide better and blend with the white scenery.