Selective Breeding in Hamsters

Selective breeding is breeding for certain traits. Hamsters are selectively bred for coat color, coat texture and size. Selective breeding takes several generations. A population that consistently produces selected traits is called a strain.

  1. Hamster Breeds

    • Syrian hamsters are also called "teddy bear hamsters."

      There are five breeds of hamsters. Syrian are the largest and most solitary. Siberian, Chinese, Roborovski and Campbell are smaller and can be raised in pairs. Breeds should not be mixed. Variations of color, texture and size can be selected in every breed.

    Coat Color

    • This hamster's color is cream.

      Coat color can be solid or mixed, with spots or bands. Common colors are black, argente (reddish tan), agouti (brown with white flecks), cream and a variety of gray shades (also called blue and opal). Color and pattern are bred by selecting females and males with the most desirable look and mating them.

    Coat Texture

    • This hamster is a short-haired satin.

      Hamster coats can be long, short or rex, which is a mixture of long, short and curled hairs. Coats can also be standard or satin, which is thinner and more glossy. Hamsters with the most desirable traits are bred with each other.

    Size

    • Hamsters come in a variety of sizes.

      Hamsters from dwarf breeds will always be smaller than Syrians. The largest or smallest individuals from each generation are selected to breed.