What Is the Difference Between a Teddy Bear Hamster & an Angora Hamster?

Furry and cute, Angora and teddy bear hamsters belong to the Syrian breed. The Syrian breed is the most popular breed in pet stores because of its gentle temperament and a furry, teddy-bear-ish appearance. While these Syrian hamster varieties seem interchangeable, the Angora and teddy bear are distinguished by the length of their hair.

  1. Angora Hamsters

    • Syrian hamsters come in more than 40 different color combinations and can have either short or long hair. Angoras are defined as long-haired Syrians, "normally one with exceptionally long hair beginning at the nape of the neck all the way to the tail," according to the glossary of hamster definitions on the Hamsterific website. Only the male Syrians carry the DNA for the long fur found on Angoras.

    Teddy Bear Hamsters

    • Teddy bear hamsters technically don't have to have golden or short fur, but this combination seems to dominate in this variety of Syrian hamster. While Angora hamsters have only very long hair, teddy bear hamsters may have either long hair (though not as long as an Angora) or short hair.

    Similarities

    • Expect your Angora or teddy bear hamster to grow to around 4 to 5 inches upon reaching maturity. Syrian hamsters are solitary and do not tolerate other hamsters after 6 to 8 weeks. The breed will attack and kill other hamsters. Despite this fact, Syrian hamsters have a mild temperament around humans and make good pets for children. Most Syrian hamsters live two to three years when properly taken care of.

    Considerations

    • Angora hamsters need regular brushing. The fur of the Angora is long and may tangle if left alone. Messy cages and poor nutrition will also contribute to tangled and unhealthy fur.

    Choosing a Healthy Hamster

    • While teddy bear hamsters remain popular in pet shops, finding an Angora hamster may take more work. Look online for hamster breeders who sell Angoras. Observe the hamster's cage and check for fresh bedding and food. Ask to hold the hamster and make sure the pet doesn't bite or resist handling. A healthy teddy bear's coat has a smooth, shiny appearance, while a healthy Angora should have an untangled, fluffy mass of fur.