15 Most Beautiful Types of Hamster Breeds That Make Adorable Pets

Scientific name: Phodopus roborovskii

The Roborovski Dwarf Hamster is a tiny and energetic rodent species that has become a popular choice as a pet. Originating from the deserts of Mongolia, China, and Russia, these hamsters are the smallest of the dwarf hamster varieties, reaching an adult size of around 2 inches.

They feature a sandy-brown fur coat, a white belly, and a dark stripe along their back. Their large, expressive eyes and lack of a noticeable dorsal stripe, sets them apart from other dwarf hamster species.

Scientific name: Mesocricetus auratus

Syrian Hamster is one of the most popular and friendliest hamster breeds once tamed. Often referred to as the "Golden Hamster," it is native to the arid regions of northern Syria and southern Turkey. They are territorial and prefer to live alone.

This fluffy and cutest hamster breed has a notably larger size compared to other hamster species, typically ranging from 5 to 7 inches in length. These hamsters exhibit a diverse range of coat colors and patterns, including the classic golden or agouti coloration, as well as variations like cinnamon, sable, and long-haired Syrians.

Scientific name: Phodopus sungorus

The Winter White Dwarf Hamster is a small and delightful hamster species originating from the deserts of Kazakhstan and regions of Russia. Also commonly referred to as the Djungarian or Siberian hamster, it is closely related to the Campbell's Dwarf Hamster.

These hamsters undergo a fascinating color change in response to seasonal changes in their natural habitat. In the winter months, their fur transitions to a white or light gray color, providing camouflage in snowy environments, while in the warmer months, their fur reverts to a more agouti or brownish color.

Scientific name: Phodopus campbelli

Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster is a small and popular hamster species often kept as a pet. Originating from the steppes of Central Asia, including regions of Russia, Mongolia, and China, these hamsters are named after the British naturalist Charles William Campbell.

They come in various coat colors, including agouti, cinnamon, and sapphire blue, among others. These hamsters typically have a body length of around 3 to 4 inches and are characterized by their robust build and short tail.

Scientific name: Cricetulus griseus

Despite its name, the Chinese Hamster is not native to China but is instead found in Mongolia, northern China, and adjacent regions in Russia. They are distinguishable by their slender bodies, long tails, and a characteristic dorsal stripe running down their backs.

They typically have a fur color that varies between shades of gray and brown, and their underbelly is lighter in color. These calm and docile hamsters are generally more solitary than some other hamster species and are typically kept individually. Chinese Hamsters require a well-equipped cage with bedding, toys, and a wheel for exercise.

Scientific name: Cansumys canus

Gansu Hamster is a small rodent species native to the mountains of Gansu Province, China. They are the only species in the genus Cansumys. Their thick fur, short legs, and long tails all help them to survive in the cold, rocky environment they call home.

Gansu hamsters have a dense coat of fur that is typically gray or brown on the back and white on the belly. They are not a common breed of hamster in North America. So, they can be difficult to find and can be expensive.

Scientific name: Cricetulus migratorius

The Grey dwarf hamster, also known as migratory hamster, is a small nocturnal rodent native to a wide range in Eurasia, from Eastern Europe through the Middle East, Russia, and Central Asia to Mongolia and western China.

It is a common and adaptable species, found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, steppes, deserts, and even urban areas. Their fur is typically gray or brown on the back and white or cream on the belly. They have small, rounded ears, large eyes, and a short, blunt tail. Migratory hamsters are escape artists so make sure that you have a secure enclosure that is large enough for the hamster to exercise in.

Scientific name: Cricetulus barabensis

Chinese Striped Hamster is a species of hamster native to Northern China and Mongolia. It's often recognized for its distinct dorsal stripe running down its back. Key features include a relatively long body, a furry tail, and a fur coloration that typically consists of shades of brown or gray. The dorsal stripe is a darker color than the rest of the fur.

Chinese hamsters have a more mouse-like appearance compared to other hamster species. They are generally solitary animals, and unlike some other hamster species, they do not tolerate living with other hamsters.

Scientific name: Mesocricetus brandti

The Turkish hamster, also known as Brandt's hamster, Azerbaijani hamster, or avurtlak, is a species of hamster native to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other surrounding nations. They are considered to be relatively docile and easy to care for, but they can be destructive if not provided with enough space and toys.

They are also the dwarf rodents typically measuring 5.5-6.7 inches tall and weighing 120-185 g. Their fur is typically gray or brown on the back and white or cream on the belly. Turkish hamsters are not commonly kept as pets, but they are sometimes used in laboratory research.

Scientific name: Mesocricetus newtoni

The Romanian Hamster is a small rodent native to the Dobrudja region of Romania and Bulgaria. It is a rare and endangered species, with an estimated population of less than 500 individuals.

It has a thick, soft coat of fur that is typically brown or gray on the back and white or cream on the belly. Its fur is long and dense, providing warmth in the cold climate of its habitat.

Scientific name: Cricetus cricetus

The European Hamster, also known as the Black-Bellied Hamster or Common Hamster, is a species of hamster native to Eastern Europe. It is one of the larger hamster species and is characterized by its stout build and distinctive black fur on its belly.

Their fur is typically a mix of gray, brown, and white on the back, while the belly is black, giving them their "black-bellied" name. They are primarily found in grasslands, cultivated fields, and steppes in Eastern Europe, including countries like Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, and Russia.

Scientific name: Tscherskia triton

The greater long-tailed hamster is a small rodent native to Siberia, the Korean Peninsula, and China. It is the only member of the genus Tscherskia. They have a dense coat of fur that is typically gray or brown on the back and white or cream on the belly. They have large, prominent eyes that are adapted for low-light conditions.

Their tail is long and bushy, and it is used for balance and communication. Greater long-tailed hamsters have short legs and a stout body. Their bodies are well-adapted for burrowing, which is an important survival strategy in their habitat.

Scientific name: Cricetulus migratorius ciscaucasicus

Ciscaucasian Hamster is a subspecies of the migratory hamster that is native to the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is a small rodent, with a head and body length of 85-120 mm and a tail length of 30-46 mm. They weigh between 25 and 45 g. Their fur is typically gray or brown on the back and white or cream on the belly.

These solitary animals have blunt tails and are actively burrowing a nights. These hamsters are commonly used in laboratory research rather than as a pet. They are considered to be relatively docile and easy to care for.

Scientific name: Allocricetulus eversmanni

Eversmann's hamster is also known as the grey hamster or Kazakh hamster. It is a species of hamster that is native to Central Asia, including parts of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia. 

This hamster species is named after the German-Russian naturalist Eduard Friedrich Eversmann, who conducted extensive research on the flora and fauna of Central Asia in the 19th century.

Eversmann's hamster is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and is often found in sandy and desert-like habitats. It has a grayish-brown fur coat with a white belly and can grow to be around 6 to 7 inches.

Scientific name: Cricetulus sokolovi

Sokolov's dwarf hamster is a relatively lesser-known species within the dwarf hamster group. These hamsters are native to parts of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan and Russia. They are adapted to a cold and arid climate.

Originally considered to be of the same species as the Chinese striped hamster, Sokolov's dwarf hamster has been recognized as an independent species since 1988. Distinguishing features include a prominent dark stripe running along its back on an otherwise grayish body.