Best Hamster Breeds To Have as Pets
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Introduction
If you're considering a hamster as a pet then this is the guide for you! Together we will explore the five common breeds of hamsters you can own as pets. If you want to explore these hamster breeds in more detail then check out petquickstart.com's guides to hamster care to quickly learn everything you need to get started taking care of a hamster.
1. Syrian Hamster
Coming in first is the Syrian Hamster. These little guys are by far the most popular hamsters to own. They also go by two other names, the Golden Hamster and the Teddy Bear Hamster. Syrian hamsters are widely considered the best hamster to own as a pet. If you're interested in owning a Syrian hamster then check out petquickstart.com's guide on the Syrian hamster to get started quickly!
Characteristics
Syrian hamsters are typically larger than dwarf hamsters and can grow to anywhere between 6 to 7 inches in length! They also tend to have small eyes and ears compared to their head size which most would believe add to their cuteness. Syrian hamsters are also very friendly, but while Syrian hamsters can make wonderful pets, it's important to remember that they are delicate animals and may not be suitable for handling by young children who might not be gentle enough.
Lifespan
Syrian hamsters typically live for 2-3 years with proper care.
2. Campbell's Dwarf Russian Hamster
Next up we have the Campbell's Dwarf Russian Hamster. These cuties are native to the steppes and deserts of central Asia, northeastern China, and parts of Russia, but are a somewhat popular breed of hamster to own as a pet anywhere! If you're interested in owning a Campbell's Dwarf Russian Hamster then checkout petquickstart.com's guide to get started quickly!
Characteristics
These little ones typically don't grow very large and will be considered fully grown when they reach 2-4 inches in length. Their small size makes then not as easily handled as the Syrian Hamster. Also be careful if they haven't been socialized because they may nip at you when you're handling them. Lastly, this breed of hamster is extremely fast so be careful when letting them roam as they may take off and hide somewhere!
Lifespan
Campbell's Dwarf Russian Hamsters typically live for 2-3 years with proper care.
3. Chinese Hamster
Next, we have the Chinese hamster. These adorable friends are native to northern China and Mongolia. If you're interested in owning a Chinese hamster then check out petquickstart.com's guide to get started quickly!.
Characteristics
Chinese hamsters are slightly larger than dwarf hamsters and generally range from 3-5 inches in length when fully grown. Chinese hamsters are also generally tame, but if you don't hold them regularly they may begin to get nervous when you hold them again out of the blue. Ensure you're regularly around them to avoid nervousness!
Lifespan
Chinese hamsters typically live for 2-3 years with proper care.
4. Roborovskii's Hamster
Next is Roborovskii's hamster. This hamster breed is native to the southern Palearctic biogeographic region. If you're interested in owning a Roborovskii's hamster check out petquickstart.com's guide to get started quickly!
Characteristics
This breed of hamster is actually the smallest one only growing to about 2 inches long! They are also not the friendliest on the list, but are generally docile. They can be very fast so be careful letting them out of their cage.
Lifespan
Roborovski hamsters typically live for 2-2.5 years with proper care.
5. Winter White Hamster
Next is the Winter White Hamster. These hamsters are native to Siberia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Manchuria. If you're interested in owning a Winter White Hamster then check out petquickstart.com's guide to get started quickly!
Characteristics
This breed of hamster grows to about 3-5 inches in length. They also are very friendly and easy to tame so handling them is not a problem! This makes them a good companion for those who enjoy a mixture of watching their pets from a far and cozying up with them!
Lifespan
Winter White Hamsters typically live 1.5-2 years with proper care.