Chinese Hamster (Cricetus Griseus): The mouse-like hamster from Northern China and Mongolia. Their size is 10-12cm in length. They can be flighty, but have friendly temperaments. Greyish- brown fur with a dark stripe down its back, they also have longer tails than other hamsters. Their life span is 2-3 years, and they live comfortably in social colonies.
Campbell's Russian Dwarf (Phodopus campbelli): Aka: Siberian and Russian hamster. This hamster is originally from the deserts of Asia, Mongolia, and northeastern China. Dwarf hamster with a dorsal stripe and stripes on each of its side arches. Approx 8-10cm in length. They typically live 1½ - 2 years, and do well in social groups. This dwarf is the most common dwarf sold in pet stores.
Winter White or Siberian Dwarf (Phodopus sungorus): Aka: Siberian and Russian hamster. Originally from Siberia and Kazakhstan. Their size is typically 8-10 cm in length. Very similar to the Campbell's Russian Hamster in size and appearance and the two are often confused, but lacks the Campbell's stripes on its arches. In colder weather they can molt their coat into a white color. They live 1½ - 2 years, or longer, and they do well in social groups.
Roborovski Hamster (Phodopus roborovskii): Originally from Mongolia and Northern China. Their size is 4-5 cm in length which makes them the smallest of the common pet hamsters. Their small size and jumpy nature can make them hard to handle, but they tend to be very sweet. Characterized by their distinctive white 'eyebrows.' Roborovskis can live 3 - 3½ years and has a longer life span than most hamsters. They also live well in same sex social groups. |
