Most Popular Hamster Breeds

Hamsters are native to Asia and Russia, and also are popular pets worldwide. There are five different breeds of hamsters that are the most popular. They vary in color combinations, sizes and the ability to live in groups. It is important to know what types of hamsters you are buying as a pet to ensure their needs are met.

  1. Syrian Hamsters

    • Syrian hamsters are one of the most common breeds used for home pets. They are sometimes called golden hamsters because they originally came in only a golden color pattern. Today they come in a variety of different colors and schemes including cream, white, banded, tortoiseshell, calico and sable. They live alone in the wild and also need to live alone when they are a pet. This species of hamster can get aggressive with each other, and females are very territorial, leading to possible injuries if they are kept in groups. On average they are 4 to 7 inches in length, and will live between two and and two and a half years.

    Chinese Hamster

    • The Chinese hamster originated in northern China and the deserts of Mongolia. They are around 4 inches of length and will live between one and a half to two years on average. This species of hamster looks long and thin, and has what for hamsters is a long tail. Chinese hamsters have poor eyesight but good sense of hearing and smell. In the wild they are normally grayish brown with a white belly, and a black stripe down the back. That color combination is still popular for pet hamsters today, as well as a combination that includes a grayish white color all over and one black stripe down the back. As pets, they should live alone.

    Dwarf Campbell Russian

    • Dwarf Campbell Russian hamsters are about 4 inches in length and will live to an average of two years. This species of hamster originated in Asia. Dwarf Campbell Russian hamsters are sociable creatures and can live in groups. As pets they live well together in groups of the same sex, and they can live with hamsters of the opposite sex, but they do breed quickly and often. In fact, they become sexually mature at 5 weeks of age and the average litter contains between four and six pups. The fur is normally yellowish-brown and will turn slightly grayer in winter.

    Dwarf Winter White Russian

    • The Dwarf Winter White Russian hamster originated in Russia and Asia and grows to 3 ½ to 4 inches in length. They have an average life span of about two years. When kept outdoors they get a white coat, so between its small size, original location and white winter coat, it got its name. As pets they should be kept indoors, and they can be kept in groups. The groups should be of the same gender, and they can only be together in small groups if brought together at a young age.

    Roborovski Hamster

    • Roborovski Hamsters are the smallest breed reaching lengths of only 1 ½ to 2 inches. This species does live on average between 3 and 3 ½ years. They originated in Mongolia and are sandy brown in color. They also have white spots where their eyebrows are supposed to be. They make a good pet, but they do not like being held and they do not develop a trusting relationship with humans very easily. This species is able to live in groups.