Different Hamster Breeds: The Guide

Picking a hamster breed isn’t just a case of this or that, there are actually a surprising number of variants when it comes down to making the choice. Depending on their country of origin, hamsters all evolved a little differently to best suit where they are from. Hamsters from colder climates may have thicker fur. Many of the smaller breeds are more social, it might have benefitted them to maintain body heat in cold countries like Russia.

There’s also an element of selective breeding, especially in Syrian hamsters to produce different coat colours and breed pets that suit our needs.

The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) also goes by a few different names including the golden hamster and teddy bear hamster and it’s easy to see how they got both of these other names. Syrian hamsters are commonly a gorgeous gold colour however they do come in a massive number of different colourations. You won’t find this in the wild where naturally they are usually a dark golden brown colour to blend in with the sandy and rocky environment. They are naturally fluffy but relatively short coated, however we have bred them in captivity to produce longer coats that need some maintenance.

 They are the most popular breed of hamster mostly due to their size. They’re the largest species of hamster and can grow from five to nine inches in length. A larger hamster is usually beneficial, especially for children who may struggle to hold smaller and more flighty breeds. They live for around four years and need to be kept housed alone which is another reason why they make popular pets as you never need to look after more than one at a time.

They are known to be the most placid species of hamster, they’re a little slower, a little more curious and bond well when handled from a young age. It can be difficult to catch a glimpse of them during the day though as they are nocturnal. The best time to catch them up and about to interact with them is early in the morning or before you go to bed.

From the biggest to the smallest, the roborovski (Phodopus roborovski) reaches just two inches in length when they are fully mature. Being so tiny, they tend to live a little shorter at just three years but they’re a fun and interesting breed of hamster to keep. They have endless energy and absolutely love to play. If you want a breed of hamster that will really appreciate and explore everything you put in their house then these guys might just be the ones for you. They aren’t often very happy with a lot of handling but they are arguably the most fun breed to watch. If you want a pet that will be enjoyable to provide fun new things for but not have too much contact with, they are a great choice.

They can be housed with others of their own species in same sex groups, however, adults should be introduced very slowly and it’s much easier to house them together when they have lived together from a young age to avoid fighting. They’re so small that they are often best housed in a glass tank with a mesh lid instead of a classic cage. They can squeeze through very small spaces so their home should be secure.

The winter white (Phodopus sungorus) is named for its striking white coat. During warmer months their fur will be darker but their inter coat is a stunning white. They are adorable with their round little bodies and short faces. They are a dwarf breed but can still grow up to five inches long. They are a sweet breed of hamster and are not known for nipping but they’re still very quick and can startle by sudden movements.

They can be housed socially in same sex groups, however, even hamsters raised together can become territorial as they get older and start to fight. You should always consider splitting groups if they start to fall out over time. It’s recommended not to give them a cage with multiple layers as this makes them more likely to start to protect their space. Instead, a nice open space will help to prevent the behaviour.

The Campbell's dwarf (Phodopus campbelli) is another very pretty breed of hamster. They’ll have a dark grey-brown coat with a white belly and an adorable little dark stripe down their back. The Campbell hamster can grow up to four inches and while they are friendly and can get used to being held, they do get scared and can nip when they feel threatened. They can grow up to four inches in length and live for up to two or three years. To help these little guys feel safe, you should provide them with plenty of places to cuddle up and hide. They can live with other members of the same sex if they get along well.

Chinese hamsters (Cricetus griseus) are adorable little balls of fluff that can reach up to four inches in size. Of the dwarf species they are probably the easiest to tame and can learn to really enjoy affection and come running to sit on your hand when you want to interact. They are a fun and playful breed that enjoys exploring and aren’t quite as shy as other dwarf hamsters. They usually live for about two years and are another social breed that can live in same sex groups.

They’ll often wake up throughout the day if they hear that you are up and about to get some extra time interacting with you.

Some breeds of hamsters enjoy being handled more than others and some breeds can live in groups and some can’t. The first step to choosing the right breed is what kind of pet you want and how much interaction you would like to have with them.

Most other differences come down to their size. Smaller species will need a secure home. While the Savic Martha Triple White Cage may have plenty of space for a Syrian hamster, you might find that it’s not secure enough for smaller dwarf breeds. A home with solid sides and a mesh lid like the Savic Spelos XL Metro Small Pets Cage will help to make sure you have a safe and comfortable home for your smaller breeds. Most hamster feeds are made small enough for both larger and smaller species of hamster. The choice you have to make when it comes to feeding is the same for all breeds and that is choosing between a colourful mix like Tiny Friends Farm Harry Hamster Food and a uniformed nugget feed like Burgess Hamster, Gerbil & Mouse Nugget.

Once you have chosen your ideal little furry addition, you can be sure you have all the essentials ready to meet their needs by visiting us in store or online.