Analysis of Currently Most Popular Hamster Breeds and Their Characteristics
Compiled from information across multiple sources:
I. Recommended Popular Breeds
1. Golden Hamster (Syrian Hamster)
Size: The largest common breed, with an adult body length of 12–15 cm, and a round, dumpling-like shape.
Temperament: Active and friendly towards humans, highly interactive, and can be trained to use a specific area as a "toilet."
Lifespan: Approximately 3 years.
Housing Requirement: Needs a large cage (at least 60 cm in length) for proper living space.
2. Silver Fox Hamster
Appearance: Has soft, silvery-white fur; their light coat makes it easy to check the health of their eyes (e.g., redness or discharge is more visible).
Temperament: Gluttonous and prone to weight gain, affectionate towards owners but has low exercise needs.
3. Pudding Hamster
Appearance: Comes in yellow or white fur; looks aloof in appearance but is actually docile and slow-moving.
Habits: Has a large appetite and low activity levels, making it easy to grow into a "chubby hamster" (overweight build).
4. Dwarf Hamsters (Campbell’s Russian Dwarf/ Winter White Dwarf/ Milk Tea Dwarf)
Size: Small and compact, with an adult body length of 8–10 cm; causes less damage to cage items (e.g., chewing on toys or bedding).
Temperament: Gentle and mild-mannered, with a weak bite force—ideal for first-time hamster owners.
II. Selection Recommendations
For Beginners: Dwarf hamsters (especially Milk Tea or Winter White varieties) are preferred. They have lower care costs and stronger resistance to stress (less likely to get sick from environmental changes).
For Those Seeking Interaction: Golden Hamsters (Syrian Hamsters) are better for long-term companionship, but note that they have a stronger bite force (handle gently to avoid injury).
For Aesthetics: Silver Fox and Pudding Hamsters have distinct, eye-catching fur colors (their coats may lighten or darken slightly with age), offering strong visual appeal.
III. Price Reference
Basic Breeds (Dwarf Hamsters): 10–30 RMB per hamster.
Special Fur Colors (Golden Hamsters/ Silver Fox Hamsters): 40–50 RMB per hamster.
Note: When making a final choice, consider your available housing space, the time you can dedicate to care, and personal preferences. It is recommended to prioritize breeds with a gentle temperament for a more enjoyable raising experience.