5 Types of Hamsters Kept as Pets: Info, Pictures, History & Vet-Verified Info

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Although there are more than 20 species of hamsters in the world, only a small number of these are generally considered suitable for keeping as pets. Some owners do look for and keep some of the rarer species, but the Syrian, Dwarf Winter White, Campbell’s Dwarf, Roborovski, and Chinese hamsters are the species that are kept as house pets.
Below, we look at these five types of hamsters as pets to help you choose the one that is best for your home.
The 5 Types of Hamsters Kept as Pets
1. Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)
The Syrian hamster is the most popular pet species of hamster. They are the largest of the pet hamster species. They are relatively easy to tame when compared to other hamster species, and therefore, are popular as a first time pet for many.
They don’t usually bite, although bites are always a possibility when handling small animals, especially if they aren’t used to being picked up and handled. Syrians usually live around 3 years but usually need to be kept alone because they will attack other Syrian hamsters.
2. Dwarf Winter White Hamster (Phodopus sungorus)
The Dwarf Winter White hamster, or Winter White hamster, is very similar in appearance to the Campbell’s Dwarf hamster. The wild hamsters of this species turn white during the winter as a way to camouflage themselves from predators.
There exists, in the pet trade, a pearl white variation of this hamster, which is white all the time and doesn’t change color with the seasons. It’s often mistaken for an individual that’s changed their fur coat.
These hamsters can take well to handling and grow much smaller than the likes of the Syrian hamster, so they do need extra careful handling.
3. Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus campbelli)
The Campbell’s Dwarf hamster, sometimes referred to as the Russian Dwarf hamster, looks similar to the Dwarf Winter White hamster. It is small and has a brown coat.
It is slower than some other species, which makes it easier to handle, and it is sometimes possible to keep two Campbell’s hamsters together as long as you introduce them when they are young (ideally from the same litter), so they have time to get used to one another. That being said, it’s still best to house them alone to avoid the potential of a territorial squabble.
4. Roborovski Hamster (Phodopus roborovskii)
Though they are the smallest among the dwarf hamsters, the Roborovski hamster can live as long as 3.5 years, with a confirmed record of one individual reaching the age of 4.8 years, an impressive feat for a hamster! Roborovskis rarely bite but are very fast and quite timid, which makes it arguably the hardest of the species to handle.
The Roborovski can be housed in community setups, provided the other hamsters are of the same species, introduced at a very young age, and of the same sex. However, hamsters that are seemingly accepting of each other can sometimes turn aggressive, and this is very common in setups where both females and males coexist and some animals decide to breed.
5. Chinese Hamster (Cricetulus griseus or Cricetulus barabensis griseus)
Chinese hamsters are often called dwarf species; however, they are from a different genus when compared to other “dwarf” animals. These hamsters are, nonetheless, small and perhaps best known for their tail, which is much longer than that of other hamster species. Their tails can reach an impressive 1 inch in length!
Do Hamsters Make Good Pets?
Hamsters can make excellent pets for the right owners. They aren’t as high maintenance as cats and dogs and with regular handling from a young age, they will tolerate handling. They do require regular cleaning, however, and they aren’t the best pets for small children. They are small and can be easily squashed if not handled properly.
Most species of hamsters are not very sociable and do better when kept as a solitary hamster without other hamsters. However, some species, like the Roborovski hamster, can do well when kept in pairs or small groups.
Which Is the Friendliest Hamster?
The Syrian hamster is generally regarded as the friendliest of the hamster species, which is part of the reason why they are the most popular pet species. They will tolerate handling but, as with any species, it is important that you handle them from a young age and on a regular basis.
What Is the Most Aggressive Hamster Breed?
Although it does depend on the individual hamster, it is generally accepted that Chinese hamsters tend to be some of the most aggressive of the popular species. Many owners keep them as pets for observing rather than interacting with them.
Anecdotally, male hamsters tend to be friendlier and less aggressive than females. They are considered better for young children than female hamsters, which can be more prone to biting if they are startled.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters can make good pets for the right owners, but they do need regular care, and, if you want a friendly hamster, you will need to handle them regularly from a young age. You should also perhaps choose a species that is considered friendly. However, generally speaking, the idea of a “friendly” species seems to be very much anecdotal. Even the “non-friendly” species do have their merits and make excellent hands-off pets for those who like to watch, but not handle, their pet rodents.
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Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock