Information on White Dwarf Hamsters

Winter White Dwarf hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) are sometimes referred to as White Dwarf hamsters, Striped Hairy-footed hamsters or Siberian hamsters. According to Hamsterific.com, they were introduced to the pet trade in the 1970s.

  1. Size

    • Winter White Dwarf hamsters grow to an average of 4 inches (10 centimeters) long. They average a weight of 1 or 2 oz. (28.35 to 56.7 grams.)

    Color

    • The Winter White gets its name from a coat that turns white in winter with a dark stripe along the spine. In the spring, they are a silvery-gray with a pale belly that is identical to a Russian Dwarf hamster.

    Difference

    • Baby Russian Dwarf hamster.

      According to Sharon Vanderlip, DVM, Winter Whites are often mistaken for Russian Dwarfs. Their heads are longer and bodies are rounder than a Russian Dwarf hamster.

    Fun Fact

    • Russian Dwarfs and White Dwarf hamsters can breed together, even though they are two different species, but their offspring are sterile.

    Habitat

    • Winter White Dwarf hamsters originally are from the grasslands of Mongolia, upper China, Siberia and Kazakhstan. They dig burrows for their homes.