Dwarf Hamster Breeds: Species, Size, Lifespan, and Housing

Dwarf hamsters are the small hamsters kept as pets. The Merck Veterinary Manual says: “Most other pet hamsters are much smaller and are often called dwarf hamsters.” The RSPCA lists the Syrian, Chinese, Campbell's Russian dwarf, Winter White dwarf and Roborovski’s dwarf as the five breeds most commonly kept as pets.

Merck, the PDSA and the RSPCA do not give the same answer on how long dwarf hamsters live or on whether two can share a cage.

The PDSA says children should always be supervised when handling hamsters, and it recommends that children ideally feed them treats and gently stroke them in the cage instead of holding them. For other animals, see ideal pets for kids.

Thinking if hamsters can be left alone? Find out here how long a hamster can go without food.

Understanding Dwarf Hamster Breeds

The PMC chapter “Biology and Diseases of Hamsters” names two Phodopus species: Phodopus campbelli (Russian dwarf) and P. sungorus (Siberian dwarf). It says the two were first assumed to be subspecies and are now believed to be separate species. Merck’s professional page names P. sungorus and Phodopus roborovskii as dwarf hamsters. The Chinese hamster is Cricetulus griseus, a different genus.

Russian dwarf hamster (Campbell’s)

The Campbell's dwarf hamster is the Campbell’s Russian dwarf of the RSPCA list and the Phodopus campbelli (Russian dwarf) of the PMC chapter. The PMC chapter says the Russian dwarf hamster has been traced to Siberia, China and Mongolia.

Winter white dwarf hamster

The RSPCA lists Winter White hamsters as their own breed, apart from the Campbell’s Russian dwarf. Of the two Phodopus species in the PMC chapter, P. sungorus (Siberian dwarf) is the one that molts to a pure white haircoat when days are short. The PMC chapter says it is native to the steppes of Kazakhstan, Manchuria and northern China. A hamster whose coat changes with the light is a dynamic creature.

Chinese hamster

Where does it sit in the dwarf hamster category? Merck’s pet page lists it as its own variety beside the Russian dwarf and the Roborovski, and the PMC chapter gives its other name as the striped-back hamster.

Roborovski dwarf hamster

Merck’s table makes the Roborovski the lightest of the three. The RSPCA says the Roborovski dwarf hamster naturally lives in groups. It also says wild hamsters “can run up to five miles a day,” and the Roborovski is one of the energetic companions in that family.

Physical Characteristics Of Dwarf Hamsters

Color Variations

Merck lists the color of the Russian dwarf as varied, and the Roborovski as varied with no stripe on the back. It lists the Chinese hamster as dark brown. Within a species, color variations differ from hamster to hamster, and some have a sandy-colored coat with white patches.

The PMC chapter says the most obvious way to tell P. campbelli from P. sungorus is the lack of dramatic coat color change in response to a short photoperiod: P. sungorus molts to a pure white haircoat, while P. campbelli retains its gray haircoat. The molt is one of the color variations a pet parent may see in a Phodopus species.

Size and Body Structure

All three are a small size next to the Syrian hamster. The PMC chapter gives the two Phodopus species a body length of 50 to 100 mm with an additional 10 mm of tail, and a weight of 18 to 25 g, with mature males reaching 40 to 50 g. Merck’s professional page says the small body size makes dwarf hamsters more difficult to handle and restrain for physical examinations and treatment.

Habitat And Care Requirements

Setting Up the Cage

The PDSA says there is not a lot of evidence for exactly how big a hamster cage should be, and that the Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare in Germany states a minimum cage size of 100x50cm. The PDSA adds that single-level, larger cages tend to be better than tall multi-level cages, because hamsters have poor eyesight and can fall from heights. Merck says the enclosure should be at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) high, though 8 inches (20 centimeters) or more is better because it allows deeper bedding. The PDSA says bedding should be no less than 25cm (10 inches) deep so the hamster can burrow.

The RSPCA says to avoid wire mesh floors because they can lead to foot problems. Merck says to avoid cedar and pine, and the PMC chapter reports hypersensitivity to cedar chips in dwarf hamsters. The RSPCA says not to use cotton wool or similar fluffy bedding.

The PDSA says to keep the cage at a steady 18 to 21°C, away from draughts and direct sunlight. Merck says the enclosure should stay at about 64 to 79°F (18 to 26°C). The RSPCA says to house hamsters away from televisions, computer screens, vacuum cleaners and running water, because they can produce ultrasound that hamsters find stressful.

The RSPCA says a deep clean once or twice a month is enough in most cases, with spot cleaning every few days. Hamsters also groom themselves, and the RSPCA mentions occasional access to a sand bath, such as a dwarf hamster sand bath.

Diet and Nutrition

Pet parents who want a well-balanced diet can start with the PDSA’s list: commercial hamster pellets, small amounts of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs, timothy hay and occasional treats. The PDSA says a teaspoon or two of fruit, vegetables and herbs a day will do, and it does not recommend feeding muesli-style mix exclusively. Merck says treats should make up no more than 10% of the diet.

The PDSA says Russian dwarf hamsters are particularly prone to diabetes, so sugary fruit and vegetables should not be overfed. The RSPCA calls the Campbell's dwarf hamster a Russian dwarf. The PDSA also says a hamster needs constant access to clean, fresh water from a bottle with a metal spout.

Exercise and Activity

The PDSA says a wheel for dwarf hamsters should be at least 20cm (8 inches), with a solid running surface. The RSPCA says a wheel should be a solid structure and axle-free. Hamster tubes and cardboard boxes are on the PDSA’s toy list, to crawl through, hide inside and chew.

Behavior And Social Traits

Sources disagree on how social dwarf hamsters are, from solitary animals to social creatures.

Can dwarf hamsters live together?

The RSPCA says that with the right care and conditions, dwarf hamster species such as the Roborovski dwarf hamster, Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster or winter white dwarf hamster can live together. It says groups should be formed early in life, ideally from young litter mates, and that additional group members should not be added later. It says each hamster needs equal access to resources and multiple shelters to hide in.

The PDSA says domesticated Russian dwarf hamsters should not be housed together, because dominance issues and fights often occur. Merck’s pet page says hamsters should not be kept in groups because adults can become aggressive, even if they grew up together.

The RSPCA says fighting between cage-mates is likely to happen during the night and to check in the morning that none is badly injured. If fighting occurs, hamsters need to be permanently separated into different cages, because hamsters do not play-fight.

Are dwarf hamsters friendly?

Merck says of pet hamsters that if handled gently from a young age, many become easy to pick up and less likely to bite unless startled. The PDSA says hamsters are not the cuddliest creatures, are entertaining to watch, and may bite if they feel threatened.

Health And Lifespan

Expected Lifespan

Merck says pet hamsters usually live from 18 months to 3 years. The RSPCA says hamsters usually live up to two years, although some may live longer. The PDSA says they typically live about two to three years, and that larger species such as Syrian hamsters tend to live longer than smaller ones such as Russian dwarfs. The PMC chapter says Djungarian hamsters generally live 9 to 15 months, although survival up to 2 years has been reported. A hamster at the top of the PDSA’s range will live for about three years.

Common Health Issues

Dwarf hamsters can get several health issues. The RSPCA says hamsters do not show outward signs of pain and may suffer before you realise, and that tumours are not uncommon, especially along the underside of the abdomen. The PDSA lists wet tail, wounds, abscesses, overgrown nails, fur loss and conjunctivitis.

Merck’s professional page says Djungarian hamsters show a high prevalence of neoplasia, five times greater than Syrian hamsters, and that most tumors are integumentary.

The RSPCA says stressed hamsters are likely to become ill, and to consult the vet immediately if a hamster shows signs of illness or poisoning.

Buying Dwarf Hamsters

Visit places like Lil Hamster Love to look for breeders. If you go to a pet shop, local stores like Petco are another place to look. If a seller calls a hamster one of the hybrid hamsters, ask which species it is.

Baby dwarf hamsters

The MSD Veterinary Manual says to separate male and female hamsters before they are 8 weeks old, to prevent accidental litters. It gives pregnancy as 16 to 22 days, depending on the variety of hamster. It says not to disturb a mother and her babies for at least 7 days after birth, and that pups are weaned at 21 to 28 days.

Special Considerations For Dwarf Hamsters

Handling and Bonding

The RSPCA says hamsters should be allowed to investigate your hands in their own time, and picked up by cupping them with two hands and gently opening the hands so the hamster sits on joint palms. It says to hold a hamster no more than a few inches over a stable surface, because a fall from a height can injure it. The PDSA says to sit on the ground while holding one, and to handle only a hamster that is awake and active, never one that is sleeping.

The RSPCA says hamsters can find the presence and scent of other animals, especially predators such as cats or dogs, stressful, so other pets should not be able to reach the hamster or its cage.

History And Origins Of Dwarf Hamsters

Merck says that in the wild, hamsters live underground, where they sleep, store food, and build nests. Pet dwarf hamsters have a history of domestication that starts with wild animals like these.

READ NEXT: How Much is a Hamster: Understanding the Costs of Ownership

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dwarf hamster live alone?

Yes. The RSPCA says even dwarf hamsters do not need the company of other hamsters to be happy. The PDSA says hamsters do not get lonely or need a friend, and Merck says hamsters are usually best housed alone.

Is a Syrian hamster a dwarf hamster?

Merck gives adult Syrian hamsters as 4 to 5 ounces (110 to 140 grams), and says most other pet hamsters are much smaller and are often called dwarf hamsters.

Can dwarf hamsters live with other kinds of hamsters?

The RSPCA strongly advises against mixing different species and sexes of hamsters. It says Syrian and Chinese hamsters are not naturally sociable and should always live on their own.

When are dwarf hamsters awake?

Merck says hamsters are nocturnal, so they usually are awake at night and sleep during the day. The RSPCA says they need to sleep undisturbed during the day.

Sources

• RSPCA. “Hamsters.” rspca.org.uk.
• RSPCA. “Hamster behaviour.” rspca.org.uk.
• RSPCA. “Hamster environment.” rspca.org.uk.
• RSPCA. “Hamster health.” rspca.org.uk.
• RSPCA. “Keeping hamsters together.” rspca.org.uk.
• PDSA. “Hamsters as pets.” pdsa.org.uk.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. “Description and Physical Characteristics of Hamsters” (pet version). merckvetmanual.com.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. “Providing a Home for a Hamster” (pet version). merckvetmanual.com.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. “Hamsters” (professional version). merckvetmanual.com.
• MSD Veterinary Manual. “Breeding and Reproduction of Hamsters.” msdvetmanual.com.
• Miedel, E. L., and Hankenson, F. C. “Biology and Diseases of Hamsters.” Laboratory Animal Medicine, 2015. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.