What Are the Sizes of Hamster Breeds?

Hamsters are common household pets and are oftentimes good pets for young children who need to learn about taking care of another creature. Hamsters vary in size but do not typically exceed 7 inches in length. Choosing the right size hamster breed depends upon the type of environment in which the hamster will live.

  1. Syrian Hamsters

    • Syrian hamsters, which are also called Goldens or Teddy Bears, are the most common type of hamster kept as pets in the home. This type of hamster does not socialize well with other hamsters, and two hamsters left in a cage together may fight until one or both of them die. For this reason, it's important to keep them solitary after about 10 weeks of age. The average Syrian hamster grows to be between 4 and 7 inches in length, with females typically growing larger than males.

    Dwarf Campbell Russian Hamsters

    • Dwarf Campbell Russian hamsters may not be as appropriate for children as Syrian hamsters because they have a tendency to bite when they feel threatened or scared. They are, however, better with other hamsters of the same breed and sex, so long as the hamsters are introduced to one another at an early stage. These hamsters typically grow to a maximum length of 4 inches by adulthood.

    Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters

    • Dwarf Winter White Russian hamsters are active during the daytime and can also be kept in groups of the same sex, but this breed is smaller and faster than the Campbell Russian hamsters and may be difficult to catch if released from their cage. When fully grown, the winter white Russian hamsters reach a size no larger than 4 inches long. Because of their small size, an aquarium-style cage is generally better than a wire cage.

    Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters

    • Roborovski hamsters can live together in same-sex pairs and rarely nip at humans. This special breed of hamster is best for observation because of its small size and agility. This breed is nocturnal by nature and should only be taken out of the cage in areas where you will be able to quickly and easily grab it. Adults grow to be only about 2 inches in length.

    Chinese Hamsters

    • Chinese hamsters do not typically live well with other hamsters but are even-tempered with humans and rarely nip at their owners. Although a Chinese hamster may be active at times during the day, it is often most active during the nighttime. Chinese hamsters are commonly mistaken for dwarf hamsters because they typically only grow to be about 4 inches in length, but the Chinese hamster is not a true dwarf hamster because its body is slender like that of a mouse.