Hamster Breeds – Differences, Similarities, and Choosing the Best One

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hamster breeds

Welcome to our complete guide to hamster breeds!

In this article, we will introduce you to the top five most popular pet hamsters on the hamster breeds list.

So, if you’re wondering which hamster will suit your family, you’re in the right place.

You will learn what each hamster breed needs, how long each lives and their unique personality traits. Not to mention plenty of fun hamster facts along the way.

If you want to skip ahead to the breed that interests you most, just click on one of these links:

Hamster Breeds

Did you know there are more than 20 distinct hamster species in the world today?

Although they are often referred to as hamster breeds by pet owners, technically these are separate species!

Some different hamster breeds look quite similar to each other.

On the other hand, some breeds of hamsters can vary greatly in size, temperament, and care needs.

Hamster Breeds - A Guide

While various hamster breeds hail from around the globe, their common name was a gift from the Germans.

The German word “hamstern” means “to hoard,”. Hamsters love to hoard nuts, seeds and other delicacies in the ample space in their cheek pouches. Thus, this tiny, furry hoarder became known as a “hamster.”

You can find out all about where hamsters come from here.

Speaking of which, here is a fun fact to marvel at: the hamster is able to carry half the amount of its own body weight in those same cheek pouches. That would be the equivalent of you stuffing several whole chickens into your cheeks!

However, only about five hamster breeds are commonly kept as pets. Of these five breeds, the Syrian or Teddy Bear hamster is both the best known and the most popular.

Syrian Hamsters

The Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, is also commonly called either the teddy bear hamster or the golden hamster.

Teddy Bear Hamster Facts

These are easily the most popular pet hamsters of all. They most likely owe their popularity to their early introduction into the United States in 1942. At that time they were used as laboratory animals.

As it turns out, even those early scientists were not immune to the charms of hamsters as pets! It wasn’t long before Syrian hamsters were released from their lab duties. From there they traveled home to meet the researchers’ spouses and children.

Today, Syrian hamsters are widely considered to be the friendliest hamster breed. Not only that they’re also considered the best breed of hamster for families with children.

They are the most popular of the big hamster breeds. The main reason for this is because they almost never nip and are very easy to handle. Their sweet personalities will quickly convince you that the Syrian hamster is the nicest hamster breed of all.

hamster breedsImportant Syrian Hamster Facts

However, there are some important things to know about the Syrian hamster before you considering bringing one home to be a family pet.

Syrian hamsters MUST be kept alone. If they are kept with another Syrian hamster, prepare for bloodshed!

Syrian hamsters are the largest hamster breed. They can grow to be seven inches long!

These hamsters’ relatively large size also means that Syrian hamsters need larger hamster wheels and bigger cages so they can move about and exercise.

Syrian hamsters can be short haired or long haired. The teddy bear hamster is one of the long haired hamster breeds, and males will have longer coats than females.

Syrian Hamster Health and Care

If you buy a Syrian hamster with long hair, you will need to groom him or clip the ends of his fur to prevent matting.

Female Syrian hamsters tend to be more active than males. While Syrian hamsters are nocturnal, females are more apt to rouse themselves during the daytime than males.

In terms of coloration, most but not all Syrian hamsters have golden coats. But some Syrian hamsters can also sport coats of chocolate brown, white, gray or even black.

Syrian hamsters can live up to 4 years.

Check out loads more Teddy Bear Hamster Facts here.

If all of this sounds appealing, then maybe a Syrian hamster is the right hamster breed for you. But there are plenty more to choose from!

Syrian Hamster Breeds

Your Syrian Hamster might not have a golden coat, or any of the coat colors we’ve mentioned so far.

Don’t worry. Since humans domesticated Syrian hamsters, we’ve introduced a whole host of coat colors. No matter the coat color, there is just one Syrian hamster breed. You can learn more about hamster coat colors here.

Every Syrian hamster can trace its lineage back to Aleppo in Syria in 1829, if not further! This was the year that British zoologist George Waterhouse came across these charming little furballs.

Of course their history goes back much further. 1829 was the year that they began to be considered as a research subject and a pet outside of their native Syria.

Dwarf Campbell Russian Hamster

There are two popular breeds of dwarf hamsters. Both are considered to be small hamster breeds. The first type is Phodopus campbelli, or the dwarf Campbell Russian hamster.

Dwarf Hamster Breeds

Not surprisingly, the Russian dwarf hamster originally hails from Russia. You may have noticed this hamster has several names! This hamster is named after where it is from and also after the person who first captured this hamster in the wild. That man was W.C. Campbell.

For this reason, it is sometimes also called the Campbell’s dwarf hamster.

These hamsters are mini compared to their large Syrian cousins – they won’t ever grow more than four inches long.

They will live about two years and can be happy living with a same-gender adult or in a group, so long as they lived in a group when they were a baby hamster. Otherwise, it is best to keep an adult dwarf Campbell Russian hamster by itself.

Important Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster Facts

There are a few important facts about the Campbell’s dwarf hamster you should know.

They are more high-strung than other hamster breeds. This hamster breed is known to nip when startled or frightened.

They are still sweet natured, but you will need to supervise any interactions between your Campbell’s dwarf hamster and young children.

They are truly nocturnal.

Because of their small size and (apparently) overall deliciousness, these hamsters evolved to live in underground burrows. This meant they became more active at night when their natural predators were snoozing. However, sometimes a captive dwarf Campbell Russian hamster will wake for a bit during the day.

Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster Health and Care

You will need to take care when choosing a habitat.

These teensy hamsters can slip between wider cage bars, or worse, get stuck. So be sure you choose a habitat with suitably close-set bars for your hamster’s safety.

Campbell’s dwarf hamsters have a natural coat color. This is usually a grey-brown coloration on the back that is darkest along the spine and a white under-belly.

But, today’s captive-bred hamsters may display a surprising range of coloration due to the influence of breeders.

Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters

Biologists once thought that the dwarf winter white Russian hamster was a subspecies of the dwarf Campbell Russian hamster. Geneticists have since worked out that the two breeds are sufficiently different. So, this hamster has its own separate classification as a dwarf Winter White Russian hamster.

Dwarf Hamster Breeds

Like its counterpart, the dwarf Winter White Russian hamster also has several names. These include: the Djungarian hamster (after a region in Mongolia where it lives) and the Siberian hamster (after a region in Russia where it lives).

However, this doesn’t prevent the two breeds from getting easily confused. After all, they have a lot in common: Both are dwarf hamster breeds that hail from the same general region in northern Asia. In addition, they both have the same natural coloration and nocturnal habits.

It is only if you look very closely that you will observe the more stout and compact configuration of the Winter White dwarf hamster. This is contrast to sleeker and mouse-like facial features of the Campbell’s dwarf hamster. However, if you don’t see this, don’t worry. Sometimes even professional breeders still get the two hamster breeds confused!

Right now, it is still more common to see a Campbell’s dwarf hamster in a pet shop than a Winter White dwarf hamster. But that, too, is starting to change.

Important Winter White Dwarf Hamster Facts

Here are a few handy facts to know about the dwarf Winter White hamster.

The safest habitat is an aquarium. These tiny little hamsters rarely grow more than three inches long. Because they are so small, a habitat with cage bars is not advisable for safety. A glass or plastic aquarium is a much safer choice.

These hamsters love to work out. If you need motivation to get in shape, your new Winter White dwarf hamster can help you. They love to exercise and will absolutely need a running wheel and several climbing areas in their habitat.

As one of the nicest breed of hamster, they will also happily welcome a workout partner/cage-mate of their own kind.

If you are allergic to animal fur, you may not want to pick this hamster. More allergies have been reported by dwarf Winter White hamster owners than by owners of any other hamster breed.

They are mellow and sweet. If visions of a teensy furball sitting in your palm as you pet it sends you into cuteness overload, this is definitely the hamster for you! They love to be held and are easy to tame.

The Winter White dwarf hamster’s coat actually isn’t pure white. It comes in three colorations: pearl, sapphire and pearl-sapphire. The only time a Winter White dwarf hamster will turn fully white is if it is exposed to true winter conditions. This is not recommended in captivity.

The Winter White Dwarf hamster has an average lifespan of about two years.

Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters

Phodopus roborovski, or the Roborovski hamster, is both the smallest hamster breed and undoubtedly the fastest. These incredibly petite dwarf hamsters grow to just 2 and a half inches long.

The Roborovski Hamster Breed

Yet some have been clocked by their owners running more than 100 miles (about four marathon’s worth of distance) on their wheels in a single night!

Due to its incredibly tiny size, the Robo hamster is considered by many to be the cutest hamster breed of all.

Important Robo Hamster Facts

Here are some helpful facts about the Robo hamster.

You won’t be able to handle them much. The reason for this is not because they can’t be tamed, but because they are really difficult to hold onto!

The instinct of any Roborovski dwarf hamster, when restrained, is to escape – and they are very good at it.

So unless you want to spend all your time looking for your pint-sized pet in closets and under furniture, you will probably do best to leave your hamster in its habitat.

Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters Health and Care

They outlive other hamster breeds. Except for perhaps the occasional Syrian hamster, the Robo dwarf hamster wins the grand prize for longest lifespan at four years and counting.

They are very social. So long as they lived in groups as a youngster, the Robo hamster will do well with a same-gender cage mate or even a group of Robo hamsters.

Roborovski dwarf hamsters have lovely sandy-brown coats with white bellies, which just adds to their cuteness.

Chinese Hamsters

The Chinese hamster, or Cricetulus griseus, is sometimes also called the striped hamster because of the darker stripe running down the spine. Size-wise, they can grow as long as four inches.

Chinese Hamster Breed

Like the Robo hamster, the Chinese hamster is unlikely to be happy to be handled for any period of time. Choosing instead to run as quickly as he can in the direction of his enclosure!

To some, the Chinese hamster looks more like a mouse than a hamster. This is because of its long, lean body and mouse-like facial features.

Important Chinese Hamster Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Chinese hamster.

They are best housed alone. While this hamster is timid and docile around people, they can get more aggressive when around other Chinese hamsters.

They need lots of toys and space. A bored Chinese hamster can quickly turn into a grumpy, aggressive, nip-happy Chinese hamster. They love to play and will need a large habitat with lots of toys. Digging is another big favorite activity, and they will love to hide in tunnels and burrow under their bedding.

Chinese Hamster Health and Care

They aren’t suitable pets for young children. The Chinese hamster is fragile, agile and quick. So, all interactions between this hamster breed and young children must be supervised.

An aquarium is the best cage choice. Cages with bars may look like a challenge to these petite and flexible hamsters. They are at risk of getting caught between the bars.

Chinese hamsters can live as long as three years.

hamster breedsFriendliest Hamster Breed

It may be difficult to find out which is definitely the friendliest hamster breed. Each breed has their own fanbase. It may be the case that some breeds are friendlier because of the environment they live in.

Also, hamsters are individuals that, like humans or other companion animals, have individual traits. A lot of their temperament might have to do with how they were raised before you got them.

That being said, it is often claimed that Syrian hamsters are the easiest to tame, and who are more likely to be sociable with humans.

This may be because we humans have been breeding Syrians for so long and they’re not very scared of us.

As with all companion animals, socialization is key!

Best Hamster Breed for Kids

Hamster have for some time being a feature of many classrooms. Adored by teachers and children alike, these furry amigos have brightened up many a school day!

But what if you want to bring a hamster home? Are some breeds more suited to energetic kids?

It may be the case that dwarf breeds are more fragile than larger breeds but all pets require care and consideration.

Certainly, Syrian hamsters are a popular choice as companions. However, this doesn’t mean that this breed is automatically going to warm to human friends.

One expert recommends involving children in the process of preparing the hamster’s habitat before he arrives. This is a good way of making sure everyone in the family knows how to be a responsible pet owner.

Caring For Your Hamster

Whether you own a hamster or don’t own one yet, we have lots of article that you might find useful:

  • Your Pregnant Hamster
  • Best Hamster Food
  • Best Hamster Travel Cage

The Best Hamster Breed

Now you know about the five most popular hamster breeds. Can you can make your choice about which one is the best pet for your situation and family?

We don’t expect it to be easy!

After all, they are all hamsters. As such, their beguiling cuteness transcends any breed differences!

You might also be wondering if there are other kinds of hamster. We’ve got you covered. Here’s our article about wild hamsters.

So, we wish you the best of luck in narrowing your choice down to a single breed. We’d love to hear about your new pet hamster in the comments section!

This article has been extensively revised in 2019.

Further Reading and Resources

Foran, J., “Caring for Your Hamster,” Weigl Publishers, 2003.

Bradford, A., “Hamster Facts: Diet, Habits & Types of Hamsters,” Live Science, 2014.

Banks, R.E., DVM, “Exotic Small Mammal Care and Husbandry,” Wiley Online Library, 2016.

Stern, L., “Super weird hamster facts that you may not know about your cuddly pet,” Mashable, 2016.

Bond, C.R., “The Golden Hamster (Cricetus Auratus) Care, Breeding and Growth,” Physiological and Biochemical Journal, 1945.

Sikoro Siino, B, ‘Hamster’ 2007, Wiley

14 COMMENTS

  1. You say Syrians don’t nip much… some do not and are so gentle and loving but others – I’ve had chunks taken out of my fingers by friends Syrians (as did they) and a lady I was speaking to recently for advice (she’s owned at least 8 hamsters in her adult life) has had numerous Syrian biters, one of which bit her finger so hard she had to have stitches.

    • I have a Syrian and I was lucky enough to get the nicest hamster I have ever seen he has bitten only once in the time I have had him 2.5 years and that was bc my little sister picked him up while he was sound asleep.

  2. But it also depends on the care they receive. If the animal is taunted, not fed enough or board you will creatw an aggressive monster…

  3. I’m thinking about getting one for my son but I have no idea who to pick .. I’ve had 2 when i was younger and she was loving always. But I’d hate to get a mean one .. I had one in my teen years and he was miserable the day I got him . But I loved him anyways .. with a distance of fingers. Lol

  4. I went to 6 pet stores and was bitten a total of 9 times by “Winter White’s” AKA the pitbullshark of the hamster world. I have owned 2 that were nicknamed “Jaws” and “Cujo”. Finally went with a nice normal Syrian named “Fatty Patty” and she is the sweetest little thing. Was I just unlucky with the winter whites? My niece really wants one but as I said, I had no luck with these fluffy little piranhas!

    • I have a female winter white that I’ve had for about 2 years now. Winter whites are normally more aggressive until you get them tamed. She took a long time to take though. I worked with her for about 6 months before she was completely tamed. Now I can safely say she is one of the best pets I’ve ever had. I would not reccomend a winter white for young children though, especially as a first hamster.

  5. I have a Syrian very friendly doesn’t bite or any thing and I have 2 robos they are definitely the fastest little hamsters u can get with robos I do prefer plastic ones but u can get bar ones I just think that in the night they will escape from the cage and be dead by the morning also I do like the idea of a bin cage as it’s plastic but might be moving them into a bigger cage they got now they share a cage as sisters are very friendly and tamed but they are just so so fast u can barely get them

    • I have a question about keeping 2 hamsters in 1 cage because I am thinking about doing that with dwarfs. Do you have more than 1 wheel, and house in the cage? Also how big is the cage and do they get along?!

      • Hi! I have two dwarf hamsters. I keep them in the same cage and they get along very well since they grew in the same place, along with other dwarf hamsters,at the pet store. The cage i’m keeping them in is quite big, about 50 cm tall and 30 cm wide and has two floors above the bedding,so they have plenty of space. I only have one wheel and it’s enough for them. Also I have one house in which they sleep together most of the time. My hamsters are both males and they only fight for food sometimes but they never hurt each other. So, getting two dwarfs is a good idea, they like company. I hope I helped you:).

  6. My Syrian is only nippy if bothered while asleep during the day. I quickly taught Miss Rosita her hamster house is her safe space if being bothered, and she learned well. Miss Rosita also learned to climb to the top of her hamster house when she wants to be petted or held. She is very adventurous and demanding, and reminds me of a fuzzy queen piglet!

    My little Winter White, Bug, is not at all nippy, except for once when my fingers smelled like walnuts (her favorite food.) She is undeniably the sweetest, gentlest hammy I’ve had so far.

  7. I have a male winter white dwarf hamster named Freddie, and I can safely say that he is the sweetest, most gentle little white ball of fur I’ve ever seen. He’s still a little timid, but he is so adorable and sweet and he doesn’t bite at all. He’s not generally aggressive. If you want a hamster, depending on your kids, I’d recommend a male winter white dwarf.

  8. I have a male dwarf roberovski and it took a long time to tame him and he bites us all the time but he is so funny and sweet I just can’t resist him! Jaden is actually my 5th hamster (yes it’s sad I know but all my other hamsters lived to at least 3 years) and I had 1 of the sweetest hamsters ever named Pie and she would sleep on me so I guess it depends on what hamster you’ll get. Besides, it took the person at the shop 15 minutes to catch jaden

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