Syrian vs Dwarf Hamsters: Which One Fits Your Home?

"Hamster" Isn't One Animal

The hamsters sold as pets are several species. The Syrian (golden, teddy bear and other names) is the largest. The dwarf hamsters are Campbell's and winter white (both called Russian dwarfs) and the tiny, speedy Roborovski. The Chinese hamster is sometimes sold alongside them. Each has its own temperament, so meet the species before you choose.

Syrian Hamsters: Larger, Calmer, Strictly Solo

Syrians are big enough to handle easily and often become calm and confident with gentle daily handling. They are strictly solitary: adults put together will fight, sometimes badly. One Syrian, one enclosure, always.

Dwarf Hamsters: Small and Speedy

Dwarfs are tiny and fast, which makes them fun to watch but harder to hold, especially Roborovskis. They're sometimes sold in pairs, but fights are common, and PDSA advises housing hamsters separately. If you already have a pair living peacefully, have a second enclosure ready in case they fall out.

Enclosure, Bedding and Wheels

PDSA cites a minimum of 100 × 50 cm (39 × 20 inches) of floor space, from the German Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare, and says bigger is better. A single-level enclosure beats a tall, multi-level one, because hamsters see poorly and can fall.

• Bedding at least 10 inches (25 cm) deep so they can dig burrows, using paper-based or other dust-free bedding.
• A solid-surface wheel: at least 12 inches (30 cm) across for Syrians and 8 inches (20 cm) for dwarfs. See hamster wheel size.
• Hides, tunnels, cork and chews, plus a sand bath (plain sand, not dust) for dwarfs.
• About 64–70°F (18–21°C), away from drafts and direct sun.

Night Owls and the Bedroom Question

Hamsters sleep by day and wake in the evening. A wheel at night can keep a light sleeper awake, so a child's bedroom isn't always the best spot. Waking a sleeping hamster to play is a common cause of bites. Handle in the evening, when it's up anyway.

Health: Preventive Care

Find a vet who sees hamsters before you need one, and handle your hamster gently every evening so you notice changes in weight, coat, eyes or teeth. Keep the bedding clean and dry, but spot-clean rather than clearing out the whole burrow too often.