What Are the Different Types of Hamsters?

Hamsters are small, furry, short-tailed creatures with large cheek pouches which carry food. They exist in a variety of breeds, coat types and colors, and belong to the family of rodents known as Cricetinae. The Syrian hamster is probably the type most commonly kept as a pet, and it exists in more than 40 different coat colors. Dwarf hamsters are smaller in size, requiring gentler handling. Campbell's Russian, Winter White Russian, Chinese and Roborovski hamsters are all classed as belonging to the dwarf group, although the Chinese variety are quite different, have longer tails and may be described as mouse-like.

Syrians are the biggest hamster type, being around 7 inches (about 18 cm) in length. They need to be kept alone to prevent fighting. The original coat color of the Syrian hamster is described as golden, appearing as a golden brown body with a white underside, gray ears and black eyes. Many other coat colors may be seen, including white, gray, yellow, cream, cinnamon and black. Coat colors may be solid or can occur in bands, spots or a tortoiseshell pattern, where there are flecks of two different colors.

Most Syrian hamsters are short-haired but they may also have long fur, or what is known as a rex coat. In a rex coat, the hairs have a slight wave which serves to make the fur stand out from the body. Satin coats are another possibility, where the fur is glossier than usual.

Campbell's Russian dwarf and Winter White Russian dwarf hamsters are small, only around 3 inches (about 8 cm) long, and both types have a short, grayish coat. In the wild, the coats of Winter Whites normally turn white in the winter months. While Campbell's and Winter Whites can live in groups, it is important to make sure that all members of a group are of the same sex, or breeding can quickly lead to large numbers of pets which could be difficult to look after. Roborovski hamsters are the smallest of the dwarf group, and are extremely active, making them difficult to handle. They are less than 2 inches (about 5 cm) in length, with short sandy gray fur, and may be kept in pairs.

Chinese hamsters are less commonly found as pets than the other hamster types. They are similar to mice in appearance, although they have much shorter tails, and the most common coat color is brown. Their bodies are slender and they are around 4 inches in length (about 10 cm). While they can live together, Chinese hamsters may need to be separated if fights break out.

The most common pet hamsters include the Syrian hamster, often known as the teddy bear or golden hamster, which is solitary and needs its own space. Dwarf varieties like the Campbell's dwarf hamster, the Winter White Russian dwarf hamster, and the Roborovski dwarf hamster are also popular, known for their sociable nature when housed with same-species companions.

Different hamster species can be distinguished by size, color, and behavior. Syrian hamsters are larger (up to 7 inches) and come in various colors and coat types. Dwarf hamsters, like the Campbell's, Winter White, and Roborovski, are smaller (2-4 inches) and often have distinctive markings, such as the Winter White's winter color change. Roborovskis are the smallest and fastest.

Generally, different types of hamsters should not live together. Syrian hamsters are solitary and can become aggressive if housed with others. Dwarf hamsters, such as Campbell's, Winter Whites, and Roborovskis, may cohabit with their own kind if introduced properly, but inter-species cohabitation is not recommended due to potential aggression and breeding issues.

The lifespan of hamsters varies by species. Syrian hamsters typically live 2-3 years, while dwarf hamsters like the Campbell's and Winter White have similar lifespans of 1.5-2 years. The Roborovski dwarf hamster is known to live slightly longer, averaging 3-3.5 years with proper care, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

For beginners, the Syrian hamster is often recommended due to its larger size, which makes it easier to handle, and its solitary nature, which eliminates the need for multiple pets. They are known for having a more docile temperament compared to the more active and skittish dwarf species, making them a great first choice for new owners.

Less common types of hamsters include the Chinese hamster, which is often mistaken for a dwarf species but is actually a separate type. It has a longer body and a tail that is more prominent than other hamsters. The European hamster, also known as the black-bellied hamster, is larger and less commonly kept as a pet due to its conservation status and more complex care requirements.