What Hamsters Are Good for Pets?

Hamsters are small rodents native to Europe and Asia. These herbivorous creatures are common in the pet trade, but not all hamsters make the best pets. Some species are naturally more aggressive toward humans. Others do well in captivity when kept alone, but don't live well with other members of their own species. Choosing the right type of hamster can help you get a friendly, affectionate pet that's easier to care for.

  1. Syrian Hamsters

    • Syrian hamsters, also known as golden hamsters, teddy bear and fancy hamsters, are the largest species commonly sold as pets. These animals were first used as laboratory animals and entered the pet trade in the 1940s. Syrian hamsters naturally have a golden-brown coat, but you may also see them in black, yellow, white and in a wide range of markings. Syrian hamsters are quite territorial and may attack other members of their species. They can sometimes live with others if raised together from infancy.

    Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster

    • The Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster, Phodopus campbelli, is often sold as a Russian or Siberian hamster. This species is the most common dwarf hamster in the U.S. pet trade. Their fur is agouti (speckled gray-brown) with a white underbelly, although albino and light gray specimens also exist. Campbell's hamsters are sociable and can live in colonies as long as they're introduced when young. Avoid housing males and females together, as these animals breed readily. Poorly socialized Campbell's hamsters are prone to biting.

    Winter White Dwarf Hamster

    • Winter white dwarf hamsters are also called Siberian hamsters, which may lead to confusion with Campbell's dwarfs in the pet trade. These hamsters are dark gray with a stripe down their backs in summer, but turn white, retaining the stripe, in cold weather. Winter white hamsters are relatively rare in U.S. pet stores and must usually be purchased from a breeder. This species is also called the Djungarian hamster, and it is more "human-friendly" than the Campbell's. These hamsters can sometimes live in colonies, but they may fight or become stressed.

    Roborovski Dwarf Hamster

    • The Roborovski dwarf hamster closely resembles the Campbell's, but it is much smaller, only about 2 inches long. These extremely active hamsters are hard to handle and are best kept in cages most of the time. Roborovskis are moderately difficult to breed compared to other species. Roborovski hamsters are naturally shy although they rarely bite. They can live in same-sex groups when introduced at a young age.

    Chinese Dwarf Hamster

    • Chinese dwarf hamsters are also called rat hamsters. This species is among the most difficult to keep in captivity, and they make good pets only for experienced owners. This brownish-gray hamster looks more like a mouse than other species, and has a short, visible tail. Chinese hamsters have unpredictable temperaments, with individuals ranging from very tame to aggressive toward humans. Adult Chinese hamsters are solitary and may even attack members of the opposite sex during breeding.

    European Black-Bellied Hamster

    • The European black-bellied hamster, also known as the European hamster, Cricetus cricetus or the common hamster. This solitary hamster is native to Europe and western Asia and is endangered in some parts of western Europe. This very large hamster species lives much longer than other hamsters, but it is rarely kept as a pet. They are generally considered exotics and may be more difficult to care for than Syrian or dwarf hamsters. Black-bellied hamsters will fight other members of their species if kept together.

    Considerations

    • All hamster species are more shy and prone to bite if poorly socialized. Good pet hamsters should receive regular, gentle handling from a young age. When possible, buy hamsters from a reputable breeder, rather than a pet store.