What Is a Dwarf Hamster?

Several species of pet hamsters are grouped under the label "dwarf hamsters." These include the Campbell's or Russian dwarf, the winter white, the Chinese hamster and the Roborovski (known as "Robos"). They are as much as half the size of the usual pet hamster species, the Syrian or golden. Caring for dwarf hamsters is different than for Syrian hamsters.

Size

Chinese hamsters are the largest of the dwarf hamsters, growing to four to five inches (10 to 13 cm) long and weighing up to 1.5 ounces (42 grams). Winter whites can grow to be four inches (10 cm) long and weigh up to 2 ounces (56.7 grams). Russian dwarfs get to 4 inches (10 cm) long, but weigh only 1 ounce (23.35 grams). Robos are the smallest at 2 inches (5 cm) long and three-quarters of an ounce (21 grams).

Temperament

The Chinese dwarf hamster is the only dwarf hamster that will not tolerate living with its own kind and needs to be kept one to a cage. All of the other dwarf hamsters prefer to live with others members of their species, although they still should be supervised as fights can break out, especially between males. According to the book, Training Your Pet Hamster, dwarf hamsters sometimes will suddenly hate each other, even if they had been peacefully cohabitating for months.

Considerations

Dwarf hamsters cannot live in the same barred cages for Syrian hamsters because they are small enough to slip between the bars and escape. They also are too small to use hamster toys for Syrian hamsters. They often are not heavy enough to move a wheel made for a Syrian hamster. Dwarf hamsters need toys and homes made specifically for their size.

Feeding

According to Dr. Sharon Vanderlip in "Name That Hamster," dwarf hamsters need more protein than larger hamsters. This can be given through mealworms sold in pet stores or bait shops. Otherwise, they can be fed the same food as a larger hamster.

Fun Fact

Dwarf hamsters became available on the pet market only recently. Russian, Chinese and winter whites became available in the 1970s, while two decades later the Roborovski was introduced. The latter are so small that they should be handled only in emergencies because they are prone to injury and escape.

References

• Training Your Pet Hamster; Gerry Buscsis & Barbara Somerville; 2002
• "Name That Hamster"; Sharon Vanderlip, DVM; Critters Annual; 2007
• Hamsterrific: Dwarf Hamsters

Resources

• Hamsterrific: About Hamsters for Hamster Lovers
• The Hamster Society of the UK
• National Hamster Council