~ Hamster Species ~
There are 5 domesticated species of hamsters: Roborovski, Campbells Russian, Winter White, Chinese, & Syrian. Each are very unique in their own way. The names "panda bear, teddy bear, black bear, blue berry" & others are myths. These are titles pet stores give hamsters to make them seem cuter – just another way of making more profit. Hover/click/tap each picture to learn more about a specie.
The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most commonly owned out of the 5 species. They are about 5 - 7 inches in length & weigh 130 - 200 grams. Syrians live 2 - 3 years, but can go longer. They are strictly solitary animals, so they must be housed separately or else they may fight & critically injure each other.
The Campbells Russian hamster (Phodopus campbelli) are small, so they are known as 'dwarfs'. They are 80 mm in length & weigh around 30 - 45 grams. The average lifespan is 2 - 3 years, but can go longer. Russians are prone to diabetes, but they're at a low risk. They are not solitary, so can be housed in pairs or groups.
The Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) is the smallest amongst the 5 domesticated species. Averaging on 4.5 - 5 cm in length & weighing 20 - 25 grams, these tiny critters are under the title of dwarfs. They live 2 - 3 years, but can go longer. Robos are not solitary, but can get into fights easily. The roborovski hamster may do best housed singularly or in pairs.
The Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) have longer tails & slimmer bodies compared to other species, which make them unique on that behalf. They are 8 - 12 cm in length & weigh 30 - 45 grams. Chinese hamsters actually do not belong in the 'dwarf' category. They live 2 - 3 years, but can go longer. This specie is prone to diabetes, so it must have a very specific diet. Do not house them in groups or even pairs as they are solitary.
The winter white hamster (Phodopus sungorus), also known as the Siberian or Djungarian hamster, resembles the Campbells Russian in many ways. As autumn turns to winter, its grey/brown fur turns almost entirely white. They are 70 - 90 mm in length & weigh 40 - 55 grams. Their lifespan is 2 - 3 years. They are not solitary & can live together.
Hybrids are inbred hamsters produced by the winter white & Campbells Russian (they are NOT an official specie). You might think they are rare to come across, but actually most hamsters at pet stores are indeed hybrids. They may have health problems due to bad genetics. The population of hybrids are increasing, threatening the existence of Campbells Russians & winter whites.