While is often referred to as a dwarf hamster but it’s actually classified as a rat-like species; it most resembles a mouse. WhatsApp. Roborovski Hamster. Why is it so popular? Typically, … The first, and most common, is an agouti coat with a dark brown back, a black line of fur along the spine, and an ivory colored stomach. These additions keep the hamster physically fit and healthy. The Syrian hamster is the most well known type of hamster, and the most popular as well. By Gavin. The Roborovskii Hamster is the smallest of the small when it comes to different types of hamsters. If you’re a pet lover, it’s almost impossible to walk past a pet store without stopping to admire some hamsters. Why is it so popular? Roborovski hamsters are small and very agile. In the recent past, dwarf hamsters could only be found through professional breeders but as the popularity of these small types of hamster breeds among small pet owners has increased, some of these dwarf hamster types are becoming more readily available at local pet stores. If you have mixed genders in one cage, you will likely have hamster babies soon. Adults are around 3.2-5 inches (8.2-12.7 cm) long, and normally weigh 30-45 g. The average life expectancy is 1½ – 2 years. Chinese hamster. With 24 species of hamsters, these animals come in a wide range of sizes.The European breed can grow as large as 13.4 inches (34 centimeters) long … Hamsters are playful and sociable, range in size from 2 to 7 inches and live for one-and-a-half to two years. However, Roborovski hamsters have a noticeable brownish yellow coloring, as well as striking whiskers. This is a cage system with connecting tunnels. Pros of cage systems for hamsters . Syrian and Chinese hamsters live as long as three years when cared for as pets. Hailing from arid areas from Northern Syria to Southern Turkey, Syrian hamsters are the largest, growing up to eight inches long. Campbell’s Dwarf hamster. They are easy to handle and are great for children. There are five main breeds of hamster commonly kept as pets in the UK, each with their own unique care requirements and temperaments. They can grow up to 7 inches (18cm) and weight up to 6.5 ounces (180g). By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters: Species Profile, Campbell's Dwarf Russian Hamster: Species Profile, How to Breed Campbell and Winter White Dwarf Russian Hamsters, Breeding Information for Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters, Syrian Hamster (Golden Hamster): Species Profile, Learn to Tell If Your Hamster Is Male or Female, Why Syrian Hamsters Live Together in Pet Stores but Not at Your Home. Learn more about the different types of hamsters, including Syrian, Roborovski, Chinese and dwarf hamsters, and what makes them unique from each other, here. However, over the years many different colours, coat lengths, patterns and coat types have now developed due to mutations. Clean your hamster cages at least once a week but put some of the old bedding material back to have them recognize that the same cage is still their home. Adult males grow only to 8 cm or 3 inches. Another characteristic of the Russian dwarf hamster is that its coat is replaced by pearly white fur during the shorter days and dark, cold winter months. P. sungorus are the Russian winter-white dwarf hamsters. Pinterest. Your hamster could start chewing the metal bars, which can cause oral health issues with time. Hamsters love their cardio; be sure to provide an exercise wheel or ball for your hamster. Why is it so popular? There are 19 different species of hamsters classified under the subfamily Cricetinae and grouped into seven genera. Roborovski Hamster. There are two colors of Chinese hamsters. They have become established as popular small pets. Although there are 24 different species of hamsters, only 5 breeds are used as pets. Only the 4 dwarf hamsters detailed above and Syrian hamsters are kept in captivity. Also called a Russian Dwarf hamster, these pint-sized pets are native to the desert areas of... 3. Wild hamsters forage and fend off prey for themselves, so they usually live shorter lives. Chinese Hamsters: around 4 inches (10 cm) - and, unlike other hamsters, they have a noticeable tail as well. The five most common hamster breeds are Winter White Hamster, Chinese Hamster, Syrian Hamster, Dwarf Hamster, and Roborovski Hamster. Hamsters are nocturnal or crepuscular creatures recognized as common pets and laboratory animals. The natural color of most Syrian hamsters is golden brown with a lighter belly. 3072. The Syrian hamster (also known as the golden, teddy bear, or fancy hamster) is one of the most common types of pet hamsters, according to The … If your hamster is a climbing type, the bars of this cage provide a lot more entertainment compared to other cage types. Hamsters are one of the best pets to take home with you. Cons of Wire Cages. A hamster is considered as one of the best and cutest pets in the world, but there are so many different breeds of hamsters that it is difficult to decide which one is best for you. There are only 5, so if you hear any other names that are different they are probably just nicknames. Position the cage in a calm, quiet place in your house to avoid loud, sudden noises that can cause your hamsters some stress. We’ll be looking at these types of hamsters in more detail, so keep on reading. The Syrian hamster remains the most popular choice of pet hamster due to its low cost, ease of care and the many different variations available, although the various species of dwarf hamster and chinese hamsters are also commonly kept as pets. Pet Chinese hamsters are illegal in some places, such as California, so check with your state’s Department of Fish and Game or your local hamster club before getting this hamster species. What Should You Do If Your Hamster Has Babies? These are the three most common types of hamsters that are typically for sale in pet stores. There are two types of Russian dwarf hamsters, the Campbell’s Russian dwarf and the winter white Russian dwarf. Hair Length: Syrian hamsters can have either short hair or long hair. They are the biggest breed of hamster, which makes them a … Hamsters belong to the rodent family and are very playful and sociable. Syrian hamsters include the subtypes of golden hamsters, teddy bear hamsters, fancy hamsters and standard hamsters. There are two types of Russian dwarf hamsters and this dwarf hamster breed would be the first one. From tiny pocket pets like hamsters, gerbils and mice to larger animals like chinchillas and guinea pigs, we'll help you find the perfect little friend to welcome into your home and family. Unlike all other Phodopus hamsters, the Roborovski hamsters do not have a dorsal stripe. Features of Winter White Hamsters. While most hamsters look cute and fluffy nestled in your palm, they do tend to have a range of personality quirks. Syrian Hamster. Expected Life Span A Syrian hamster can be expected to live for between 2 and 3 years, although they can sometimes live for 4 years. Well, it has a good size (not too small), it’s cute, and it’s more social and curious than the other types. No need to help them— they’ve got it covered. Types of hamsters. There are 19 types of hamsters in the world, although this figure varies depending on the classification used. A tiny sandbox positioned inside the cage is good to keep the hamsters clean. The European breed can grow as large as 13.4 inches (34 centimeters) long and are some of the biggest varieties of hamsters. The first hamsters discovered had short hair, since thenn fancy breeders have managed to breed four different coated types. The most common types of pet hamsters include the Mesocritecus auratus or the Syrian hamster, the Phodopus or the dwarf hamsters, and the Crisetulus griseus or the Chinese hamsters. A third type of dwarf hamster, the Chinese hamster, can also be kept as a pet. Roborovski dwarf hamsters have lovely sandy-brown coats with white bellies, which just adds to their cuteness. 0. Syrian hamsters typically like to be alone in their cage, without the company of another hamster. They are solitary and should be housed alone. Here I have listed a wide variety of the colours/coats that are around today although it is not possible to list them all! The Syrian hamster is the most common and the largest type of hamster. For shelter, make sure you have enough cage space, digging, burrowing, climbing spots, and many things to keep them active. They are usually brown, have a dark stripe on their back, and have white bellies. Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters. There are many different types of hamsters, so researching them are important to pick out a good friend for your house. These hamsters are good for children, come in a variety of colors and do not mind being held. Initially, these hamsters only had shades of golden brown, but they developed various colors and shades over years of domestication. This can make them a better choice for families with older children. Syrian hamsters, or Teddy Bear hamsters, are also known as black bear hamsters, golden hamsters or fancy hamsters, depending on their coloring. Therefore, they are best left in their housing units as observational pets, like fish in a tank. These creatures... 2. The Chinese striped hamster is also known as the striped dwarf hamster, is a species of hamster. For many hamster lovers, the Syrian hamster is the cutest and the most manageable. Long Haired – Commonly referred to as ‘Teddy Bear’ or Angora Hamsters have longer fur than usual. Facebook. Adult Syrian hamsters range from 5 to 7 inches in length and as such are the largest type of pet hamster, but they are still easy for small children to handle.