There are several different species of hamsters, which you might not be aware of. When you picture this sweet rodent in your head, you’re probably seeing the Syrian variety. In fact, there are numerous varieties of hamsters, and depending on your circumstances, one breed may end up being more effective for you than another. Investigate further and learn about their distinguishing characteristics to decide which of the 5 best hamster breeds may be the best choice for your household.
How many hamster species are there?
There are about 20 distinct species that can be found living in the wild in Asia and Europe. However, we typically only keep five different kinds as pets. The three types of hamsters that fall into this category are Syrian, Dwarf (there are three that fit here), and Chinese. Although the Chinese hamsters are occasionally grouped with the dwarfs, they actually belong to their own unique group that isn’t as prevalent as the other four. These five people all have very different looks, and their personalities also differ greatly. You will need to learn a little bit more about them in order to make the best decision.
What are the 5 best hamster breeds?
We’ll begin with the largest and work our way down from there. Never forget, though, that just because something is more typical doesn’t necessarily mean it’s best for you. It might turn out to be one of the less popular species.
- Syrian hamster
The most prevalent, largest, and presumably friendliest of all hamsters is this one. However, keep in mind that these guys only ride alone; if you capture one, you must retain just that one, as they will otherwise fight. If you have young children nearby, you should probably stick with this species because it is actually simpler to handle because of its slightly larger size. It almost seems as though this guy was designed to be the ideal pet – up to seven inches long, a pleasant golden color, an inquisitive (yet cuddly) disposition.
- Winter White dwarf hamster
This hamster breed goes by many names, but we’re talking about Phodopus sungorus, which is distinguished by its stripe and friendly disposition. This breed, unlike the Syrian or Chinese, can live in pairs or small groups if you give them enough room. You must, however, stick with a same-sex colony because they reproduce quickly, more so than the larger animals. Last but not least, they might change hues in the winter, which is entertaining to watch (and great for Instagram).
- Campbell Russian hamster
Though the names can be a little confusing, consider this to be the largest dwarf. They are friendly to people of their own species but can also bite on occasion. On the plus side, despite the fact that they are nocturnal, you might catch sight of your pet outside during the day. Additionally, there is a larger selection of this breed available.
- Chinese hamster
These tiny hamsters, which have only recently become pets and are probably the rarest, resemble rats more than anything else. They have a very long tail that is much longer than what you would see on a true dwarf, making them about five inches tall. You should only keep one of these animals at a time, just like their cousin in Syria. They’re regarded as the most submissive and can exhibit extreme timidity. The standard colors of brown and tan or spotted are available.
- Roborovski
The littlest and maybe cutest of the hamsters, this sweetie is half the size of the Campbell, so only two inches or so. While it might seem that would make them easy to hold onto it usually means the opposite: they can slip right out of your hands. You should always start socializing your Robo at a young age and keep it up with daily petting, so long as you’re careful since they’ll leap away at any opportunity. Perhaps due to their smaller size, this pet can live longer compared to the others, around four years.
Final thoughts on choosing your pet
Choosing a rodent for a pet is only the first step to finding the perfect furry friend to get your family. You should start by thinking about which characteristics matter most to you: maybe you want to keep a few at a time or perhaps you wish a bigger variety for a smaller child. But there’s another way to do it – meet hamsters and see what clicks. Make sure you find a reputable breeder and check that the little mammals all look happy and healthy, then select the one that you take a liking to. Because the cage setup and food are similar, you can bring home whichever one calls for you.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
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