The classification of hamster breeds is as follows:
I. Overview of Global Breeds
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Hamsters belong to the subfamily Cricetinae within the family Cricetidae, order Rodentia. There are 18 species across 7 genera worldwide, with 8–9 species from 3 genera found in China. Their key features include a stocky build, cheek pouches, and cone-shaped cusps on their molars.
Geographic Distribution
Hamsters are widely distributed across Asia, Europe, and North America. In China, they are primarily found north of the Yangtze River, with common species including the striped hamster and the short-tailed hamster.
II. Common Pet Hamster Breeds
Dwarf Hamsters
Campbell’s dwarf hamsters: Characterized by three dark dorsal stripes and a gentle temperament (e.g., lavender, silver fox, [pudding] varieties).
Winter white dwarf hamsters: Have a single dorsal stripe and tend to be more skittish (e.g., snowball, black bear varieties).
Roborovski hamsters: The smallest breed, known for their agility (e.g., "grandpa" and "grandma" color morphs).
Medium-Sized Hamsters
Golden hamsters (Syrian hamsters): The largest pet hamster breed, with golden or white fur and high interactivity.
Long-haired variants: Such as long-haired golden hamsters and curly-haired hamsters, which require special grooming for their coats.
III. Special Breeds and Considerations
Genetic Variants and Artificial Breeding
Some breeds are the result of artificial selection, such as the 布丁 [pudding] hamster (developed in Japan) and "rainbow hamsters" (genetically edited). These may raise health or ethical concerns.
Breeding Restrictions
Certain species like the European hamster and desert hamster are unsuitable for home keeping due to their specialized needs or legal restrictions, so they should be avoided.
IV. Summary
There are approximately 10–12 common species in the pet market, though the actual breeds available for keeping are influenced by regional and legal factors. For beginners, it is recommended to choose easy-to-care-for breeds such as Campbell’s dwarf hamsters or golden hamsters.