Hamsters

The Syrian Hamster has a short, cobby, barrel shaped body measuring about 7–8 inches long. They come in many colors such as the original Golden, Cinnamon, Rust, Dark Grey, Light Grey, Yellow, Cream, Black, and even Tortoiseshell. They also come in a number of different coat types including Short Haired, Long Haired (also known as Teddy Bear), Rex, and Satin.

The Syrian Hamster is a solitary animal, and must be kept singly after age of 8–10 weeks. If kept together any longer than that, vicious fighting will break out resulting in either serious injury or death.

Russian Dwarf Hamsters

An opal Russian dwarf Hamster. Photo ©1998 Larry Ferris

The Russian Dwarf Hamster is a relative newcomer to the world of domestic pets. In 1963 they were being kept in zoos in England, and in 1970 they were introduced to the pet market. They came to the United States in the early 1980s and have only been legal in California since 1994.

There are two types of Russian Dwarf Hamsters, the Campbell’s Russian Dwarf, Phodopus sungoris campbelli, and the Winter White Russian Dwarf, Phodopus sungoris sungoris. A third type of dwarf hamster, the Chinese Hamster, is currently illegal in California.

The Russian Dwarf Hamster has a bullet shaped body, about 3 inches in length, with the male being slightly larger than the female. They have short, broad heads with small round ears. Their tail is barely visible, and their feet are furred. Their fur is dense, with a thick undercoat, and the natural color is grayish-brown with a slate undercoat. They come in a number of colors including Normal, Albino, Argente, Opal, and Platinum. There are only two coat types, Normal and Satin.

Dwarf Hamsters are gregarious animals and can be kept in same sex pairs or groups. Dwarfs do squabble from time to time making annoying noises. In spite of all the noise, rarely is even a scratch seen on the animals. This seems to occur more often with females than males.

Hamsters As Pets
Both the Syrian and the Dwarf hamster make good pets. Because of their size and affordability, hamsters are an obvious choice for first time pet owners. When handled often, they become quite tame. Both are similar in their needs and care, but are somewhat different in temperament and personality.

 

An argente Russian dwarf Hamster. Photo ©1998 Larry Ferris

Syrian hamsters are very nocturnal and do not like to be disturbed while the sun is up. They quickly learn to tolerate and even enjoy gentle handling, though they do not necessarily crave it. Dwarf hamsters are gregarious, and are more people oriented than their Syrian relatives. Though supposedly nocturnal, they can often be seen running on their wheels during the day. Neither type of hamster is as demanding of attention as a rabbit, guinea pig, or rat.

Hamsters are not just “kids pets.” In fact, they are not necessarily ideal for kids. There are, however, enthusiasts all over the world who collect, breed, and show these little critters strictly because they are such wonderful animals.

As with all animals, it is always best to get a hamster from a breeder since these people handle their animals and breed for good temperaments. Like puppies, small animals such as hamsters sold in pet shops are mass produced without any thought to temperament or health.