Dwarf Hamster Breeds

The Dwarf Campbell's Hamster: The Campbell's dwarf hamster tends to be more curious and outgoing than the Chinese or Robo dwarf. This means this dwarf breed is quick and agile and will spend the majority of its time running around playing or exercising on it's hamster wheel. Taking this into consideration and in combination with its small stature, makes it a less than ideal option for small children. In addition, the Campbell's dwarf can be a little nippy when agitated or stressed. You wouldn't want a hard to handle hamster for a small child since it could lead to a run away hamster or just as likely, an injured hamster.

Winter White Dwarf Hamster: The Winter White hamster (Phodoppus Sungorus) is one of the several dwarf hamster breeds that make for suitable small pets. This breed is also known as the Western. Siberian, White Russian and even the Furry Footed Hamster. Winter Whites originate from the southern and western portions of Siberia and eastern Kazakhstan where the winters are cold and snowy. They were bred in captivity in the 1970's and have since become available in pet stores but not as available as the Syrian of Campbell's dwarf hamster.

Russian Dwarf Hamster: A Russian dwarf hamster is the term used to identify the following three varieties of hamsters: Campbells, Winter White and Robo or Roborovski. They are all referred to as Russian hamsters because of the region they were first discovered in. the Winter White is from Southwest Siberia and Eastern Kazakhstan; the Campbells was discovered by W. C. Campbell in Northern Russia, China and Central Asia; the Robo lives in the desert areas of Northern China and Mongolia and was discovered by Lieutenant Roborovsky. While all three breeds of Russian dwarf hamsters are closely related, you should avoid housing mixed genders of different varieties to keep from creating new hybrid species. There is no telling how healthy or unhealthy the offspring would be. It's likely there would be no problems what so ever but to be safe and to keep the breeding lines pure, keep each variety in their own separate hamster habitats.

Chinese Dwarf Hamster: The Chinese dwarf hamster (Cricetus griseus) is the least attainable type of hamsters and it's not often that you will find it available at a local pet store due to it's low popularity. While is often referred to as a dwarf hamster but it's actually classified as a rat-like species; it most resembles a mouse. Originating from the Mongolia and northern China, the Chinese hamster is adapted well for climbing as this region is rocky and mountainous. These little guys are known to be active both day and night during the summer months.

Roborovski Robo Dwarf Hamster: The Roborovski dwarf hamster (Phodophus Roborovski) originates from the deserts of west and east Mongolia, China and Russia. It's a hamster breed that has been sold as pets in pet stores since the 1990s. However, the Robo hamster is less available than the Campbell's or the Golden Syrian hamster breeds.