5 Most Popular Pet Hamsters

Chinese Hamster

The Chinese hamster is a small, more rare hamster breed that isn't as likely to be found at your neighborhood pet store as some of the other hamster breeds. They grow to only about four inches long, and are often mistaken for dwarf hamsters due to their miniature size.

Often referred to as Chinese striped hamsters or Chinese dwarf hamsters, they are native to the deserts of China and Mongolia and often have a longer tail than other hamster breeds. The Chinese hamster is typically docile and easy to tame, although like other hamster breeds they can be skittish and will bite when startled.

Roborovski Hamsters

There are actually several varieties of dwarf hamsters, and they are easy to find in pet stores. Also known as the Russian Dwarf hamster (or the "Robo"), the tiny Roborovski hamsters are native to the desert areas of both Northern China and Mongolia. They are named for Lieutenant Vsevolod Roborovski, who popularized the breed back in the late 1890s.

These hamsters are so popular in part due to their tiny size; they won't take up a lot of room in your home. They can start off a bit shy and nervous, but generally warm up once they're comfortable with you—and that's when their energetic, friendly nature will start to shine through.

Among one of several tiny species of hamsters, the Roborovski hamster is social and easy to handle. They can differ from their larger (and often more territorial) relatives because they actually thrive when caged in pairs or groups. These docile pets are also quite entertaining. They like to tunnel and romp around their cage more than other hamster breeds, and they're easy to care for because their diet is readily available and they only require routine cage cleaning.

Syrian Hamster

Most commonly referred to as either golden or teddy bear hamsters, the Syrian hamster is quite possibly the most popular breed of pet hamster. Thanks to selective breeding, you'll be able to find the golden/teddy bear hamster in an array of colors and coat lengths, and they can typically live between two to four years.

Along with its cuteness, the Syrian hamster makes one of the best pet hamsters because it's one of the easiest breeds to tame and handle. It's on the larger (and slower!) side, and it's generally quite friendly (and doesn't bite as often as some of the other breeds). The only downside is that they are nocturnal, and therefore rarely active in the day...so if you want to play or interact with your Syrian hamster, it's best to do it early in the morning or late in the evening. Though they are docile, they can be territorial, so they are best housed alone to avoid fighting.

Campbell's Hamster

The Campbell's hamster is technically another variety of Russian Dwarf hamster, and they are native to China, Central Asia, and Northern Russia. They are somewhat less popular as pets because they can startle easily and tend to bite when they are scared.

Named for the biologist Charles William Campbell (he collected the first specimen in 1902), they also tend to have a shorter life span, most likely because they are susceptible to developing diabetes.

Winter White Hamster

Yet another breed of Russian Dwarf hamster, the winter white hamster is a beautiful snow-white variety that are found in Southwest Siberia and Eastern Kazakhstan. These make great pets because they are mellow, friendly, and sweet. Although they can be somewhat timid, they crave socialization and when given some time and patience they make affectionate and lovable pets.