The 5 Most Popular Hamster Species Kept as Pets

Golden hamster in cage


Themistokles Konstantinou / EyeEm / Getty Images

If you're thinking about getting a hamster, these adorable little creatures make fun, entertaining pets. There are 24 hamster species, however, five are the most commonly kept as pets. Some hamster species make perfect solo pets, while others are comfortable living in a group. If you're looking for a hamster to hold and interact with, some breeds are better suited for handling while others prefer to play on their own.

Tip

You can bond with a hamster over time. Be patient, don't force handling right away, feed on a regular schedule, provide out-of-habitat playtime, and talk softly with your new furry friend. A hamster will likely come to recognize your scent and voice and see you as a source of comfort—eventually.

Species Characteristics

Pet hamsters range from 2 to 7 inches long and have short tails; small eyes; and fur in black, brown, gray, white, yellow, or red. They collect and carry food in large cheek pouches. They have wide feet with four toes in the front and five toes in back. Hamsters have large, chisel-shaped front teeth that grow throughout their lives. Larger hamsters prefer to live alone; for example, male Syrian hamsters put together will likely fight for dominance and attempt to kill each other. Dwarf hamsters of the same sex seem to be able to live together peacefully. Hamsters are usually docile with humans and rarely bite. All hamsters are nocturnal, sleeping during the day and becoming active at night.

These five hamster breeds tend to make great family pets.

  • 01 of 05

    Dwarf Roborovski

    Dwarf Roborovski (Phodopus roborovski) hamster on wheel

     
    Anyarnia / Getty Images

    The smallest of the popular hamster breeds, the Roborovski dwarf hamster (Phodopus roborovski) matures to just 2 inches long. On average, these hamsters live about three years. Because this breed is so tiny, it is best to use an aquarium with a mesh lid to house these hamsters. They can easily escape through the spacing in wire cages. The Roborovski is a quick-moving hamster. It is an agile breed and loves to be active. Be sure to provide this hamster with plenty of toys and activities.

    These hamsters can be handled but are happiest left alone. Their tiny size and agile nature mean that they can easily wriggle out of your grasp and get lost. They can be social and do well in same-sex groups as long as they are properly introduced. If you would like to own multiple hamsters, the dwarf Roborovski is a great choice.

    Species Overview

    Length: 2 to 3 inches

    Weight: 0.7 to 1 ounce

    Physical Characteristics: Sandy brown fur with white bellies and white markings around their eyes

  • 02 of 05

    Campbell’s Dwarf Russian

    Campbell's Dwarf Russian Hamster

    LHJB Photography / Getty Images

     

    The Campbell’s dwarf Russian hamster (Phodopus campbelli) grows to a maximum of 4 inches and has an average life expectancy of two years. This is another social breed that can be kept in same-sex groups as long as the hamsters are properly introduced. The Campbell’s dwarf Russian hamster is a quick little animal and may be prone to nip if they feel threatened or frightened. They are friendly hamsters and do not mind being held if it's done properly. Though nocturnal, these hamsters may wake for short periods throughout the day.

    Species Overview

    Length: 2 to 4 inches

    Weight: 1.5 to 2 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Grayish-brown body fur, white belly fur, and a darker stripe down their backs with furry feet

  • 03 of 05

    Syrian (Golden) Hamster

    Syrian (Golden) Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

     

    mu_mu_/ Getty Images 

    Also known as golden or teddy bear hamsters, the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most popular pet hamster, especially for children. They range from from 5 to 9 inches in length and have a lifespan of two to four years. Through selective breeding, you can find this hamster in a wide range of colors and coat lengths, though typically they are golden-brown and white.

    The Syrian hamster is the best species for handling. It is easy to tame, the slowest of the popular pet hamsters, and the least likely to bite. Though docile with humans, they are territorial with other hamsters and should always be housed alone. They will fight if housed in groups. The Syrian is true to its nocturnal nature and is rarely active during the day. Early morning or late evening are the best times to interact with this hamster.

    Species Overview

    Length: 5 to 9 inches

    Weight: 5 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Golden brown with a lighter belly, although several variations in color, pattern, and hair length exist

  • 04 of 05

    Dwarf Winter White Russian

    Dwarf Winter White Russian hamster (Phodopus sungorus)


    Vichai Phububphapan / Getty Images 

    The dwarf winter white Russian (Phodopus sungorus) is similar to the Campbell’s dwarf Russian hamster. They are typically 3.5 to 4 inches long and live about two years. They are rounder and have shorter faces than the Campbell's. Its fur can turn white in winter. The dwarf winter white Russian is very docile and is less likely to bite than many other hamster species. They are quick and agile and may be difficult to handle for children.

    You can keep this hamster breed in same-sex pairs or groups as long as they are properly introduced at a young age. However, even hamsters raised together can turn territorial and may need to be separated when older. It would be best if you housed this small breed in an aquarium tank with a mesh lid; it could slip through a regular wire cage spacing.

    Species Overview

    Length: 2.7 to 3.5 inches

    Weight: 0.7 to 1.6 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Round bodies, short faces; dark gray fur, white bellies, and a black stripe down their backs; fur can turn white in winter

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
  • 05 of 05

    Chinese Hamster

    Chinese Hamster (Cricetus griseus)

    zevei-wenhui / Getty Images

    The Chinese hamster (Cricetus griseus) can get up to five inches long. They can live up to three years. This species is known for being friendly and comfortable with handling if they are consistently tamed and handled from a young age. If they are not accustomed to being handled, they can be timid and nervous, which can lead to nipping. They are tiny and quick and can easily squirm out of your hands. Always be cautious when handling a hamster and be aware of how high you are holding them. Stay close to the ground to avoid high falls. The Chinese hamster is another friendly species that can be kept in same-sex groups or pairs.

    Species Overview

    Length: 3.2 to 5 inches

    Weight: 1.1 to 1.6 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Brown fur with a black stripe down their back and lighter colored fur on its underside; has longer tails than most hamsters

Hamsters to Avoid

Avoid all hamsters if you already have cats or terrier dogs that have an overly-keen interest in small furries, or you have a noisy household with young children that may struggle to gently handle these fragile pets. Also, if you have an active home during the day, you will need to find a dedicated space for the hamster to sleep soundly during the day. If you can't find a quiet spot, you might want to pass on hamsters and consider a diurnal degu or guinea pig instead.

If you want to handle your hamster, then avoid the three dwarf species. They are quicker, more agile, and quite slippery—most likely to escape and suffer an injury from a fall from your hands.

FAQ
  • How many hamster breeds are there?

    There are 24 hamster species.

  • How can you identify a hamster's breed?

    Identifying a hamster's breed is all about the markings and the size of the animal.

  • What is the rarest hamster breed?

    The world's rarest hamster is the European hamster, which could be extinct within 30 years.