There is a wide variety of hamster breeds, mainly divided into the following major categories, each with unique physical appearances and personality traits:
1. Mainstream Pet Hamster Breeds
Syrian Hamster (Golden Hamster)
The largest in size (15-20 cm), highly solitary. Fur color is golden or pure white, and they are highly active at night.
Common variants: Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster with circled eyes, "cow pattern" hamsters, tiger-stripe hamsters, etc.
Djungarian Hamster (Three-Stripe Type)
Has three dark stripes along the back, gentle in temperament, and suitable for beginners.
Variants include: Sapphire hamsters (blue-gray), Silver Fox hamsters (pure white with a dorsal stripe), Pudding hamsters (light yellow).
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster (One-Stripe Type)
Has a faint dorsal stripe and comes in a variety of fur colors (e.g., Snowball, Black Bear, Amber). They are lively but relatively sensitive.
Roborovski Hamster (Robo Dwarf)
The smallest in size (4-5 cm), extremely fast-moving. Suitable for observation but difficult to tame.
2. Other Unique Breeds
Chinese Hamster: Has a relatively long tail and requires solitary housing.
Black-Bellied Hamster: A native European species, nocturnal, and endangered.
Winter White Hamster: A seasonal variant of the three-stripe type, whose fur turns white in winter.
3. Breed Selection Recommendations
For beginners: Djungarian Hamsters (gentle and easy to care for).
High interactivity: Syrian Hamsters (require separate cages).
High visual appeal: Silver Fox Hamsters (pure white with a dorsal stripe).
Different breeds have significantly different care requirements. It is recommended to choose based on your preference for temperament and available living space.