The Different Types of Hamsters

Hamsters are mammals belonging to the rodentia (rodent) family. There are 25 species of hamsters belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. Hamsters usually live in burrows (tunnels or hole underground). They have poor eyesight, but have an outstanding sense of smell and superb hearing. Different types of hamsters are commonly kept as household pets.

  1. Chinese Hamsters

    • Chinese hamsters have mouse-like bodies with prehensile tails, meaning their tails can wrap or grasp around objects. Chinese hamsters love to cling to objects such as fingers or clothing. They also wrap themselves around rod-like objects. They are nine centimeters in length. Chinese hamsters are fast and timid, but have a low temperament and rarely attack humans. Their lifespan is between two to three years.

    Russian Hamsters

    • Russian hamsters are comprised of two sub-species: the Winter White Russian and the Campbell Russian. Winter White Russian hamsters come in a variety of colors, such as sapphire, pearl, dark gray or imperial. Campbells Russian hamsters are normally gray in color, but they can also be black, albino, opal, platinum, argent, dilute platinum and mottled. Russian hamsters tend to live together either in pairs or as the same sex. Each pair can produce babies every 18 days. These hamsters are fully independent in three weeks, but are born naked and fully blind. Russian hamsters are eight centimeters in length and have furred tails and feet.

    Roborovski's Hamsters

    • Roborovski's hamsters are the smallest type of hamster. They weigh only one ounce and are seven centimeters in length. Roborovski's are highly sociable and tend to live in groups. Their natural color is gold, but those bred for captivity come in other colors. Roborovski's hamsters have distinctive eyebrows that are white in color. Their lifespan is three years.

    Syrian Hamsters

    • Syrian hamsters are also known as fancy hamsters, teddy bear hamsters, golden hamsters and standard hamsters. They have long hair. Black Syrian hamsters are known as European black bear or black bear hamsters. Hairless Syrian hamsters are known as alien hamsters. Syrian hamsters are between four to six inches long and six to seven inches in length. They live for about two years. Syrian hamsters are nocturnal and solitary by nature. They are born naked and fully blind, but grow quickly within four weeks after birth.