Hamsters are small rodents and distant relatives of mice and rats. Most hamsters have very short tails. They are popular pets because they are fairly clean, affordable, and usually easy to care for.
The Syrian hamster, also called the golden hamster, is the variety of pet hamster people see most often. It got its name from its original color in the wild, but pet Syrian hamsters now come in many colors and coat types. Other varieties include the Chinese hamster, Russian dwarf hamster, and Roborovski hamster. The European hamster is rarely kept as a pet in the United States.
Hamster Breeds Commonly Kept as Pets
Type | Color | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
Syrian | Golden originally, now bred in many colors | 4–5 ounces (110–140 grams) | 18–36 months |
Chinese | Dark brown | 1½–2 ounces (40–60 grams) | 24–36 months |
Russian dwarf | Varied | 1¼–1¾ ounces (35–50 grams) | 18–24 months |
Roborovski | Varied, no stripe on back | ¾ ounce–1 ounce (20–30 grams) | 36–48 months |
Adult Syrian hamsters are about 6–8 inches long and weigh about 4–5 ounces (110–140 grams). Most other pet hamsters are much smaller and are often called dwarf hamsters. Pet hamsters usually live from 18 months to 3 years.
One special feature of hamsters is their cheek pouches. These stretch from the cheeks back toward the shoulders. In the wild, hamsters use them to carry food home to their nests. A full pouch can look strange, and owners might mistake it for swelling or a tumor.
Hamsters also have scent glands on their sides. These can look like dark spots in the skin and are easier to see in males. Hamsters use these glands to mark territory, and the glands also play a part in mating behavior.
Most pet hamsters today are descended from just three littermates captured in Syria in 1930.
In the wild, hamsters live underground, where they sleep, store food, and build nests.
For More Information
Also see professional content regarding the the biology of hamsters.
