Below is a curated list of hamster breeds that are non-biting and suitable for keeping as pets, compiled from multiple sources. They are categorized by docility level and care difficulty:
1. Beginner-Friendly Breeds (Docile & Non-Biting)
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster (Wild-Colored Three-Line Hamster)
Boasts the gentlest temperament, strong disease resistance, and an affordable price point.
Features dark gray fur with three black stripes along its back and high interactivity.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster (Purple-Fur Hamster)
Has light purple fur and a calm, gentle personality, making it ideal for people who prefer low-interaction pets.
A variant of the Campbell's Dwarf Hamster, it requires minimal care difficulty.
Pudding Hamster
Comes in a creamy yellow coat, is slow to react but docile, and rarely bites.
Budget-friendly, making it a great choice for novice owners with limited funds.
2. High-Interactivity Breeds
Syrian Hamster (Golden Hamster)
The largest hamster breed (12–18 cm in length), intelligent and trainable. As a solitary species, it needs a large cage.
Note: Avoid feeding it overly large pellet food to prevent choking or digestive issues.
Silver Fox Hamster
Stands out with its white fur and black eyes (high aesthetic appeal). It becomes affectionate once acclimated to its owner, but requires patience to build trust initially.
Has a long sleep cycle, resting for approximately 14 hours per day.
3. Breeds with Special Needs
Milk Tea Hamster
Has a coat color resembling milk tea, a lazy and gentle nature, and is perfect for "low-effort" owners.
Note: Monitor and control its diet to prevent obesity.
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster (Grandpa/Grandma Hamster)
The smallest hamster breed (4–7 cm in length), energetic yet timid, and needs a spacious area for activity.
Has a relatively long lifespan but is less likely to bond closely with humans.
4. Hamster Care Tips
Tips to Prevent Biting
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling to avoid food scents that may trigger accidental bites.
Choose a younger hamster (juveniles are easier to tame).
Avoid sudden grabbing; establish a consistent daily interaction schedule to help it feel secure.
Solitary Housing Rule
Except for Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters (which can sometimes live in same-sex pairs with proper introduction), all other breeds must be kept alone to prevent territorial fights and injuries.