Most Social Types of Hamsters

Hamsters are small rodents that make friendly, low-maintenance pets. With the right care hamsters will live, breed and entertain for several years. Like with all animals, some hamsters do well in group situations while others are solitary creatures. Some hamsters are also friendlier to their owners than others.

  1. Riborovski Dwarf Hamsters

    • Riborovski dwarf hamsters are the smallest in the hamster family, measuring only a couple of inches in length. They require the same care as standard hamsters, with the additional consideration of smaller bars and careful monitoring, as they can escape through very small spaces. Riborovski dwarfs are extremely social and must live with other hamsters.

    Russian/Siberian Dwarf Hamsters

    • Russian dwarf hamsters are another breed of very social dwarf hamsters. Russian dwarfs come in several shades of brown, but are also sometimes born white, and can turn white if they spend time outdoors or under specific lights. Russian dwarfs are best kept in breeding pairs, but can be grouped, and are almost always highly social to people.

    Standard Hamsters

    • Syrian, or golden, hamsters are the standard full-sized hamsters. They grow to 5 to 7 inches in length and have more stamina than dwarf hamsters, which makes them good pets for young children who want to handle their hamsters often. Although golden hamsters are social to their family members, they are not as group oriented as dwarf hamsters. Golden hamsters are very friendly to their owners and enjoy lots of personal attention.

    Teddy Bear Hamsters

    • Teddy bear hamsters are specialized golden hamsters characterized by their long hair. Female teddy bear hamsters have thick coats, while males grow a "skirt" around their bellies. Teddy bear hamsters are very friendly to owners but prefer to live alone in their cages. Teddy bears benefit from occasional grooming sessions.