Here's a breakdown:
* Origins: Domesticated hamsters were first bred from the wild Syrian hamster (also known as the golden hamster). These hamsters were originally found in the Syrian Desert.
* Breeding: Over time, breeders started selecting hamsters with desirable traits, such as specific coat colors or fur patterns, and breeding them together. This process, called selective breeding, has led to the development of many different "fancy" hamster varieties.
* Modern Varieties: Today, you can find a huge variety of fancy hamsters, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular examples include:
* Dwarf hamsters: These are smaller than Syrian hamsters, with different varieties like the Russian dwarf, Campbell's dwarf, and Winter white dwarf.
* Long-haired hamsters: These have longer, flowing fur, like the Angora hamster.
* Color varieties: Hamsters come in a huge range of colors and patterns, from classic golden to black, white, and even spotted.
So, "fancy hamsters" are the result of humans selectively breeding Syrian hamsters for desirable traits. They don't come from any specific place, but rather are the product of years of breeding and human intervention.