Russian dwarf hamsters are becoming increasingly popular as pets. Thanks, in part, on the award-winning film, Etienne, a story about the adventures of a young man and his dwarf hamster. Originally
introduced to the American pet industry in the mid-1990s, the term
Russian dwarf hamsters actually refers to three types of hamsters,
Winter White Russian Dwarf hamster, Campbell Russian Dwarf Hamster and
the Roborovski dwarf hamster.
Each of these small pocket pets has different properties, and if one is considering and keep it as a pet, you will want to know more about the different types so you can decide which is right for you.
Campbell Russian dwarf hamster
The scientific name for Campbell Russian dwarf hamsters or Djungarian hamsters, as it is sometimes called, is Phodopus. It was discovered in Tuva, located in the southern part of Siberia, by WC Campbell in 1902, who then brought them back to the UK, where it was quite fashionable to have one as a pet.
Campbell has a relatively short life span, usually only live a half to two years. Fully matured Campbell are about four inches long. They are usually a gray-brown color with a darker dorsal stripe that runs down the middle of the back and a creamy base. Extensive breeding has resulted in several variations in color and markings, but all have the dorsal stripe.
Campbells are the most accessible of the three races. They are a good choice if you keep more than one in the same cage as they are very friendly with each other and have the unusual property of hamsters share anyway a breeding pair rearing of offspring want. However, they have a greater tendency to choke on the people.
Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster
Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster is the most common name for the species, Phodopus sungorus. It is also known as the Siberian hamster.
Like Campbell, the Winter White a lifetime of only one and a half to two years and a maximum length of about 4 inches. There are in fact many similarities between the two species. This has led to some debate as to whether they are actually performed two different breeds, in part because they are the only type of domesticated hamsters that intersect and viable offspring can.
Although they look very similar, there are some distinct differences between the two. The Siberians are not as readily available in pet stores but are sociable with people. For this reason, they are more desirable as pets.
They are dark gray with a black dorsal stripe and a white belly usually. However, if in an area where they are exposed to natural sunlight is maintained, its coat can change different shades of white in the shorter winter months -. Hence the name Winter White As with the Campbells an assortment of colors and markings have been developed through breeding.
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
Classified by the three races as Russian Dwarfs, the Roborovski or Robo dwarf hamster is the smallest, reaching a maximum length of two inches. Mainly found in the desert areas of Mongolia and the Gobi desert, they are sometimes referred to as a desert hamster. The scientific name is Phodopus roborovskii, named for Lt. Vsevolod Roborovski who is credited with the discovery of these living creatures in 1894.
Not only are the smallest of the three Robo Dwarf breeds, they are also the most durable and the fastest. They have a life expectancy of about three to three and a half years.
The natural color of the robot is sandy brown with a white belly. In contrast to that of Campbell and Winter White, they did not have a dorsal stripe. They have distinctive white markings above the eyes. There is also a White-faced variety.
Roborovskis are extremely docile and can be housed in same-sex groups, but their small size, agility and speed make it more of a "look, do not touch" pet easily. You are definitely not a good choice if you are considering a for your child. In fact, it is recommended that you only handle a Roborovski about any type of housing, such as a box, because they squirm slightly out of your reach. Once escaped, would try to find and capture one of these little guys can be a daunting task.
Which is right for you?
Any type of Russian dwarf hamsters requires the same amount of care and due to their small stature, agility and speed each requires an escape-proof cage. Before you decide which race to be best suited to your household, you would do well to carefully consider the unique characteristics of the individual, whether they like a lot of the little furry guy want to be treated as a pet for a child, and .
Whatever your choice, you will find that keeping Russian dwarf hamsters as pets is both a fun and rewarding pastime.
Nancianne Beetleman is an author, avid animal lover and dwarf hamster enthusiast. Over the past 37 years she has owned and cared for everything from hamsters to Boaz on cockatiels. Nancianne is passionate about teaching pet owners how to promote fulfilling relationships with their pets by understanding their instinctive behaviors and providing proper care....