List of Hamsters

The hamster is a rodent that belongs to the Myomorpha family, which means "mouse-like." Each hamster breed includes the name of its country of origin in its name, and can be identified by its physical characteristics. According to AnimalCorner.co.uk, five types of hamster are suitable to be kept as pets.

  1. Syrian

    • According to HamsterHideout.com, the Syrian is the most popular type of hamster to be kept as a pet and it also is the largest. The male is slightly larger than the female, sometimes reaching a length of 18 cm. This hamster also is referred to as the golden hamster, teddybear hamster, fancy hamster and standard hamster. The breed is available in over 40 color types.

    Russian Campbell Dwarf

    • The Russian Campbell is the most common species of dwarf hamster to be kept as a pet, according to HamsterHideout.com. This hamster generally is grey-brown in coloration with a white underside and a black stripe down the length of it's back. The breed is recognized by it's furry feet and short tail. It is named after W.C. Campbell, who discovered the hamster in 1902 in Mongolia.

    Winter White Russian Dwarf

    • The winter white Russian dwarf hamster often is confused with the Russian Campbell as they can look extremely similar during the summer, when the days are longer. During the winter when the days become shorter, the winter white's coat will begin to change to become significantly lighter. As this hamster is unable to be entered into shows during it's winter coat phase, breeders sometimes keep their hamsters in a cage that is placed beneath artificial light to create the illusion of longer days.

    Roborovskii

    • The Roborovskii hamster originated in Mongolia and is the smallest hamster to be kept as a pet, reaching five cm in length when fully grown. The Roborovskii has a light brown and white coloration with a completely white underside. The breed also can be identified by it's distinct, white eyebrows. This hamster is extremely fast moving and active, although it is known to be a docile hamster that rarely bites according to HamsterHideout.com.

    Chinese

    • The Chinese hamster originated in Southern China and can be identified by its long thin body shape. The Chinese also has a longer tail than other hamster types. This hamster can be seen sporting a variety of colors, although a dark line usually is present down the length of its back. This hamster is extremely territorial in nature and, therefore, should be housed separately.