Considering A Hamster As A Pet
Golden hamster or Syrian hamster
The hamster kept as pet most often is the Golden Hamster,
also called Syrian Hamster.
So-called Teddybear or Black
Bear hamsters are also breeds of golden hamsters.
Smaller hamsters
But also four species of smaller hamsters are popular pets,
often called dwarf hamsters. These are Roborovski hamster,
(Phodopus roborovskii) often called Roborovski, the chinese
striped hamster (Cricetulus griseus) and the two subspecies
of Phodopus sungorus, the winter white russian dwarf
hamster (Phodopus sungorus sungorus) and Campbell's
dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus campellii).
Differences between hamsters
The care of the dwarf hamsters is similar to that of the
golden hamster, but there are differences in feeding and
housing needs and temperament. Winter whites and
Campell's are fairly popular, in the US the campells more so
than the whinter whites, while it's other way round in Europe.
Roborovski and Chinese striped hamsters
Roborovski and Chinese striped Hamsters are somewhat
more difficult to breed and keep, they are usually only
available from breeders, and therefore limited to serious
rodentia fans. Roborovski are especially not suitable for children.
Hamster isn't a rat
However, many people prefer them to rats, given rats'
unsavory reputation (undeserved as pets). Unlike rats, they
are not particularly good at learning tricks but can be
entertaining to watch. They are also much smaller than
guinea pigs, although equally as furry and appealing, so are
more appropriate for homes with limited
space.