What Hamster Should I Get: A Complete Guide
Hamster lovers always wonder and asked what hamster should I get, we will outline things to consider before getting any type of hamster.
Have you ever wondered what type of hamster is right for you? There are a few things to consider before you make this big decision.
Do you want a Syrian hamster, a dwarf hamster, or maybe even a Russian dwarf hamster? What size do you prefer your pet to be?
Is your home adequately prepared for the care of your new furry friend? This article will teach you how to find the perfect pet for you!
There are a number of different hamster breeds to select from, but which one is best for you?
Hamsters are excellent pets since they are tiny, take up little room, and are quite adorable and affectionate.
Because each hamster has its own personality and qualities, it’s important to know the facts before adding one to your household.
However, there are many different types of hamsters out there, and not all of them are ideal for everyone.
What Hamster Should I Get
Before making a choice of what type of hamster to get, there are a number of things to consider: your personal lifestyle, the personality of the hamster, your living space, history and origin of the hamster, other family members opinion, your purpose of getting a hamster and the breed reputation.
Based on the above-listed criteria, let’s now look at individual hamster breeds and what makes them unique.
Syrian Hamster Overview
Syrian hamsters are the most often kept hamster breed as pets. They’re also known as Teddy Bear Hamsters, and they’re known for being sociable and affectionate.
These hamsters are known to have a deep relationship with their owners and are very easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for a pet for little children.
| Features | Rating |
| Child friendly | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Affection | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Size | Largest breed |
| Bonding | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Handling | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Health | ✓✓✓×× |
| Bite tendency | Low |
| Territorial | Yes |
| Activeness | ✓✓✓×× |
| Lifespan | 4 years |
| Attack tendency | Low |
| Friendliness | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Taming | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Cuddly | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Cage Size | Largest |
| Training | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
The Syrian Hamster is slightly bigger than other hamsters, reaching a length of around 7 inches.
They’re also more laid-back than other breeds, making them easier to handle and pet.
They are affectionate toward their owners, but they are not a social breed and should be kept alone to avoid fighting with other hamsters.
My recommendation
If you plan on keeping only one hamster, then the Syrian hamsters are perfect for you, but if you want to keep two, it will be difficult to some extent.
Syrian hamsters are very territorial and do not welcome other hamsters, they can take a longer time to accept other hamsters.
They eat a lot and are less active compared to other hamsters. So the choice is yours to make.
Roborovski Hamster Overview
The Roborovki Hamster is extremely social but cannot be tamed!
This hamster breed likes socializing with other hamsters of its kind, but they detest sharing, so if you plan on having many, make sure they have lots of area to wander as well as their own food, toys, and water.
| Features | Rating |
| Child friendly | ✓ |
| Affection | ✓✓ |
| Size | 2 inches |
| Bonding | ✓✓ |
| Handling | ××× |
| Health | ✓✓×× |
| Bite tendency | Medium |
| Territorial | Low |
| Activeness | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Lifespan | 3 years |
| Attack tendency | Medium |
| Friendliness | ✓✓ |
| Taming | ✓ |
| Cage Size | Small-Medium |
| Cuddly | ×××× |
| Training | ✓✓✓ |
Roborovki hamsters are the quickest of the Dwarf hamster varieties, however, they don’t enjoy being touched, therefore if you want a pet you can snuggle, you might choose others.
However, if you want a pet that will keep you entertained, the Roborovski hamster will not disappoint. You can spend hours watching bolt about and wear themselves out if you provide them with a huge tank and plenty of toys.
My recommendation
Roborovski hamster breed is noted for being sociable and amiable, with little tendency to nip or bite.
Because of their small size, Roborovski hamsters are best suited for owners who like to observe and care for them rather than handle and play with them.
If introduced at an early age, they do well in tiny same-sex couples or groups. They do better in pairs. The choice is yours.
Chinese Hamsters Overview
Chinese hamsters, also known as Striped hamsters or Chinese Striped hamsters, are typically not sociable hamsters, however, some individuals have successfully housed them together.
However, it is preferable to be careful and house them apart. Though they can be violent towards one other, they are friendly and a little cautious towards people, and they rarely bite.
They are active for small periods of time during the day, but their most active time is at night.
| Features | Rating |
| Child friendly | ✓✓✓ |
| Affection | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Size | 4 inches |
| Bonding | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Cuddly | ✓✓✓✓ |
| Handling | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Health | ✓✓✓ |
| Bite tendency | Low |
| Territorial | Low |
| Activeness | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Lifespan | 3 years |
| Attack tendency | Low |
| Friendliness | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Taming | ✓✓✓ |
| Cage Size | Medium |
| Training | ✓✓✓ |
They have a mouse-like appearance, are faster on their feet, and are considerably more lively than other hamster varieties.
A Chinese hamster may appeal to you if you want a pet that you can interact with and play with.
My recommendation
They do necessitate a great deal of care, and when bored, they may become destructive.
They’re slightly more high-maintenance in this regard since you’ll want to keep them active and pleased as much as it can, otherwise, they’ll chew through anything.
Dwarf Campbell Russian Hamsters Overview
Russian dwarf hamsters are more sociable than Syrian hamsters and may be raised in groups.
This breed, on the other hand, is a little warier of being handled and can nip if they feel threatened.
Even though they are nocturnal, they are occasionally awake throughout the day.
| Features | Rating |
| Child friendly | ✓ |
| Affection | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Size | 4 inches |
| Bonding | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Cuddly | ✓✓✓✓ |
| Handling | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Health | ✓✓✓✓ |
| Bite tendency | Low |
| Territorial | Low |
| Activeness | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Lifespan | 2 years |
| Attack tendency | Low |
| Friendliness | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Taming | ✓✓✓✓ |
| Cage Size | Medium |
| Training | ✓✓✓✓ |
Russian dwarf hamsters are tiny hamsters that grow to be approximately 4 inches long.
Their natural coat is grayish-brown with a white belly and a darker stripe down the back, although they come in a variety of colors.
These hamsters will survive for around two years on average.
My recommendation
You must provide a warm and comfortable area for a Dwarf Campbell Hamster to sleep, as well as some accessories for them to hide in.
Dwarf Campbells are not good pets for small children because of their shy character; instead, they want an owner who is calmer and has the time to give them care when they need it.
The choice is yours!!!
Winter White Hamster Overview
They may be housed in groups, just as Russian dwarf hamsters, and are active during the day.
When they are scared, this hamster breed can be snappy, but in general, they are extremely loving and like being with their owners.
They’re also tiny, reaching less than 4 inches in length as an adult, and may move quickly, so it’s crucial to handle them with care.
| Features | Rating |
| Child friendly | ✓✓✓ |
| Affection | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Size | 4 inches |
| Bonding | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Cuddly | ✓✓✓✓ |
| Handling | ✓✓✓✓ |
| Health | ✓✓✓ |
| Bite tendency | Low |
| Territorial | Low |
| Activeness | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Lifespan | 3 years |
| Attack tendency | Low |
| Friendliness | ✓✓✓✓✓ |
| Taming | ✓✓✓ |
| Cage Size | Small-Medium |
| Training | ✓✓✓ |
Basically, this breed of hamster is extremely nice and would make a good family pet.
However, while handling a Winter White Russian, adult supervision is suggested since they are very fast on their paws and may flee and hide if frightened.
They are friendly animals that would love the companionship of another hamster of the same gender, but make sure they have enough space to rest in.
It is suggested that you keep them in a peaceful place, but give them lots of attention and toys throughout the day so that they are stimulated.
More recommended articles on hamsters:
- Are Hamsters Easy To Take Care Of: The 13 Full Guide.
- Are Hamsters Dangerous: 12 Bad Things About Hamsters.
- Are Hamsters A Good Pet: 24 Hamster Pros & Cons.
- What Fruits Can Hamsters Eat: 12 Safe Fruits & Guidelines.
Final thoughts
When thinking about what hamster should I get, there are some things to consider. The about mentioned are the common types of hamsters.
Before choosing a hamster breed, think about your personal lifestyle, the hamster’s personality, your living space, the hamster’s history and origin, other family members’ opinions, your purpose for adopting a hamster, and the breed’s reputation.
Now is over to you to make your choice, If am to choose I will choose the Syrian hamsters over and over again.
They are just bigger, very playful, and easy to bond with.
