Most people are familiar with the Teddy Bear and dwarf hamster breeds without knowing it. These small, furry rodents have been a common household ‘pocket pet’ for the last few decades in the United States. Most people don’t realize, however, that there are several species of hamsters that are used as pets. Other breeds are not kept as pets.
The Teddy Bear Hamster is the Type
Found in Most Pet Stores
Source: Melbelle
The hamster that is classically used as the pet hamster was first
discovered in the 1930s in Syria. The Syrian hamster was the first to
be used in a laboratory, and the first to be domesticated and kept as a
pet. The Syrian hamster is also known as the ‘teddy bear’ hamster, the
golden hamster, and the fancy hamster. It is the largest of the pet
hamster species, at an average adult length of 6 inches long. It is a
strictly solitary animal, and should absolutely never be housed with
another hamster. Syrian hamsters who are housed together will fight
brutally.
Different breeds of the Syrian hamster also exist, such as the Angora hamster, which is known for the males of the breed having longer, thicker fur. The black bear hamster is another breed that is closely related to the Angora, differing in that the coat color is black and the temperament is thought to be more docile. Differences in the hamster species and breeds are primarily in size and coat type and color. The basic biology and behavior is consistent between the different types of hamsters, with a few exceptions.
These hamsters are good for children, come in a variety of colors and do not mind being held. They are solitary and should be housed alone. When selecting one as a pet, see how the hamster reacts to being held in the store and is easy to pick up without running away in the cage. Hair length can be short or long. Syrian Hamsters usually sleep during the day and are up at night.
The Syrian or Teddy Bear Hamster lifespan is 2 to 4 years. They grow to 2 to 4 inches in length.
For more information download this brochure on Syrian and Teddy
Bear Hamster Care (PDF Download)
Dwarf Hamster Breed
Source: Tanaya
After the original discovery of the Syrian hamster, other species were discovered in other parts of Central Asia and the Middle East. Campbell’s dwarf hamster, Roborovsky’s dwarf hamster, and the Chinese hamster are all considered ‘dwarf’ hamster species and are all common as pet hamsters. These species are not actually dwarfs, but are referred to as such because of their small size relative to the Syrian hamster.
Campbell’s dwarf hamster is known for its smaller ears and the presence of a narrow dorsal stripe of dark fur down its back. The Roborovsky’s dwarf hamster, or ‘Robo’ hamster, is the smallest of the dwarf breeds. It has patches of white fur above both eyes, and does not have the dorsal stripe of dark fur found on other dwarf breeds.
These Hamsters are not as good for young children since they are quick to move and are small. Because of this desire to run and also their natural instinct to burrow they are best kept in a large cage. They are fun to interact with in a cage and can be kept in pairs. If they start to fight with each other, they will need to be kept in separate cages since they can be territorial. These hamsters sleep during the day and look for food at night. Dwarf Hamsters have a gentle, inquisitive nature.
Dwarf Hamsters are nocturnal, but are full of energy after the sun
goes down. When carrying food in their cheek they can hold half their
body weight.
Click here for a free brochure on Dwarf
Hamsters (PDF download).
The main difference between the Syrian hamster and the dwarf breed is size. The Syrian hamster reaches an average adult size of 6 inches in length. The dwarf species only grow to, on average, 2-3 inches in length, making them half the size of the Syrian at best. The other major difference of note between the Syrian hamster and the dwarf breeds is that, while the Syrian hamster is a strictly solitary animal and should not be housed with others, the dwarf breeds are apparently more social and will often tolerate being housed with others. However, all hamsters should be monitored closely for aggressive behavior when housed together, especially when first introduced.
The Chinese
hamster is longer and thinner than the other hamster breeds, and is
often said to look more like a mouse than a hamster. It also is the
only hamster species that has a long prehensile tail. This hamster breed is not bred as
a pet due to its aggressive solitary
nature. They are often used in diabetes mellitus research since they
have a naturally occurring form of the disease. The Chinese hamster
weighs from 30 to 35g. The female is smaller than males.
Picture of European Hamster compared
to a Syrian Hamster. Note the big difference in Size
Source: University of Cincinnati
The European Hamster is much bigger than the Syrian Hamster and is
not bred as a pet. This hamster is primarily used in cancer
research. It is more commonly compared in size to a Guinea Pig.
The European Hamster originates from the lowlands of eastern and
central Europe. The hamster's coloring includes a white underside with
a dark brown coat. The hamster's personality is aggressive and
solitary. It is a burrowing hamster that naturally hibernates during
the winter months (October to March).
The Dzungarian Hamster (phodopsus
sungorus) is tame and non-aggressive
Source: University of Cincinnati
The Dzungarian hamster weights 30 to 50g. They have gray fur with a stripe down the middle and a white underside. They are small in size and originate from Siberia. The male is bigger than the female. The Dzungarian hamster is also used in research of several diseases. The hamster is tame when compared to other hamster breeds and is non-aggressive. The male will help females care for young hamster litters.
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