Are you considering getting a hamster in the more or less long term? There are several breeds of hamsters, but which one is best for you? They are, in any case, excellent pets, small, and don’t take up too much space, super cute and cuddly. However, each hamster has different personality traits and characteristics, which is good to know before adopting one.
You may have done some research and already have a type of hamster in mind. But have you taken into account the many factors in choosing the breed of hamster that suits you? For example: the amount of care they require, their sociability if you want to have more than one pet hamster, their lifespan, their general behavior.
To help you choose the breed of hamster that suits you best, we have gathered the five most common domestic hamster breeds and listed their common characteristics.
Syrian Hamster
The Syrian hamster is the most common and widely sold breed of hamster. They are also known as teddy bear hamsters and generally have a very friendly and affectionate personality. They are said to form a strong bond with their owners and are very easy to handle, making them perfect companions for young children.
This breed of hamster is primarily nocturnal, so they are not very active during the day, which may not suit you if you prefer an animal you can play with more frequently. A Syrian hamster can live up to about four years, but its average lifespan is usually 2 to 3 years.
The Syrian hamster is slightly larger than its counterparts, reaching a length of about 15 cm. It tends to be more relaxed than other breeds, making it easy to hold and pet.
Although affectionate towards their owners, this breed is not sociable with other hamsters, so they should be kept alone.
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
The Roborovski hamster is very sociable, but it should not be tamed! This breed of hamster loves to spend time with other hamsters of its species, but does not like to share, so if you plan to have several, they will need a lot of space to move around and their own food, toys, and water.
They are the fastest of the dwarf hamster breeds; Roborovski hamsters do not particularly like being handled, so if you want a pet you can cuddle, you would be better off with a Chinese or white Russian hamster. However, if you want a pet that will entertain you, then the Roborovski hamster will not disappoint you. If you provide it with a large tank and plenty of toys, you can spend hours watching it run around and tire itself out.
Overall, this breed of hamster requires little maintenance and its average lifespan is 2.5 to 3 years.
Chinese Hamster
Chinese hamsters are much smaller than Syrian hamsters, with a length of about 10 to 15 cm. They look more like mice, are quicker on their feet, and are much more playful than other hamster breeds. If you want a pet to play with, the Chinese hamster might interest you.
This breed of hamster is friendly and affectionate when given the attention it needs, and it will enjoy being held and petted without nipping at you. You can house more than one Chinese hamster together, but you will need to introduce them slowly to ensure they get along before placing them in the same cage. There is no guarantee in this regard.
They require a lot of attention and can become destructive when bored. In this sense, they need a bit more maintenance as you’ll need to keep them busy and happy as much as possible; otherwise, they might chew on absolutely everything.
Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster
For all dwarf hamsters, the hint is in the name, as they are tiny and look like voles. A Campbell hamster has a shorter lifespan of about 1.5 to 2 years and is much more shy than other hamster breeds. They are mostly nocturnal, but they enjoy being social and receiving attention from you.
You will need to make the Campbell dwarf hamster feel at home, with a warm and safe place to sleep and maybe some accessories for it to hide. Due to their shy nature, Campbell dwarf hamsters are not suitable pets for young children. They will prefer an owner with a calmer temperament who has the time to give them attention when they need it.
Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster
Another breed of dwarf hamster, the winter white Russian hamster, also known as the Siberian hamster or Djungarian hamster, is twice as small as the Syrian hamster and comes from colder climates.
This breed of hamster usually has a brown or gray coat, despite its name, but their coats turn white in winter as a natural defense against predators. They look a lot like Campbell dwarf hamsters, but white Russians have hairier feet, which helps in distinguishing them.
Overall, this type of hamster is very gentle and would be suitable for a family, but adult supervision is recommended when handling a winter white Russian as it can be very quick on its feet and may escape and hide if startled.
They are social animals and would appreciate the company of another hamster of the same sex, but ensure they have a spacious home to give them their own relaxation space. It is recommended to keep them in a quiet place but provide them with plenty of attention and toys to keep them adequately stimulated throughout the day.
As they are very small, regular hamster cages are not suitable as they can easily squeeze through the gaps, so you may consider housing them in a tank.
Choosing the Right Breed of Hamster Depends on Your Wishes
Whichever breed of hamster you prefer, they all make wonderful furry friends. The key to getting a pet is to do your research and be prepared before bringing one home. Make sure you have enough space, the right accessories, and enough time and love to devote to them.