The Types of Hamster Breeds

Hamsters are small, furry animals that are often chosen as a child's first pet. Children enjoy watching the hamster inside it's cage and learning the responsibility of feeding, watering and cleaning the living space of an animal. Nocturnal and solitary in nature, hamsters typically live between one and three years. Of the many types of hamsters, only five are suitable to keep as pets.

  1. Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamsters

    • The Campbell's Russian Dwarf hamster (Phodopus campelli) is a breed commonly found in pet stores. These animals live to be approximately two years old and typically grow to between 4 and 5 inches. Very small, Campbell's Russian Dwarf hamsters are more social than many other hamster breeds and can often live together in harmony with other hamsters.

    Winter White Russian Hamsters

    • Winter White Russian hamsters, or Winter White Dwarf hamsters, are very small animals. Weighing less than 1 oz., these hamsters typically grow to be approximately 3 inches and live for roughly two years. These hamsters earned their name because, in the winter, their fur changes from dark gray to white. Winter White Russian hamsters are similar to Campbell's Russian Dwarf hamsters but less common.

    Roborovski Hamsters

    • Roborovski hamsters are the smallest and fastest breed of hamster. With a lifespan that can reach over three years, these animals can be smaller than 2 inches long when fully grown. Due to their small size, Roborovski hamsters often escape from cages easily and are not recommended as pets for children. Uncommon in pet stores, Roborovski hamsters are social and friendly and often live happily with other hamsters of their own breed.

    Chinese Hamsters

    • Chinese hamsters resemble mice and have slender bodies and unusually long tails. Between 3 and 4 inches in length, these animals live up to three years. With dark brown or gray fur, Chinese hamsters have a dark stripe down their backs and are shy, calm, fast-moving animals. These hamsters are considered exotic and, in some areas, require a permit to own.

    Syrian Hamsters

    • Syrian hamsters are the most well-known breed of hamsters and often found in pet stores. Black Bear, Teddy Bear and Golden hamsters are all types of Syrian hamsters, with the Golden being the most common. These hamsters can grow to be over 6 inches in length, with the females often being larger than the males. With a lifespan of between two and three years, Syrian hamsters are suitable pets for children.