Limited availability due to high demand. Please see our Stock Availability page for more information.

History


All hamsters have wild ancestors, even those that live with humans today. Whether you own a Syrian, a Dwarf, or a Chinese hamster, there is a rich and full history that has led to this little animal becoming a valued resident of your home. Read on for more information on each of the five main hamster varieties.

Different hamster species
Each species of hamster has it's own unique history

Hamsters have evolved in a number of areas throughout the world, but many spend a significant amount of their lives underground in order to evade temperature extremes and predators. They’re well-adapted for underground life, with short, strong legs and compact bodies. Even though there are obvious similarities between the hamster species, there are also some strong differences, both in terms of history and anatomy.


Syrian

It’s said that the original group of Syrian hamsters bred extensively in captivity were captured in the region around Mount Aleppo in Syria. After being sighted in the 1800s, many people had thought that this species was extinct until a mother was found with her babies in 1930. The group was brought into captivity, and it is from these individuals that most pet Syrian hamsters are descended today. Since 1930 their popularity has soared, and they are now amongst the most popular species of pet. They are born in a wide variety of colours, and as time has passed new coat variations have arisen too.

syrian hamsters
Syrians have a number of different coat colours and patterns

Chinese

Chinese hamsters, though often known as Dwarf hamsters, are actually different from the Dwarf varieties of Winter White, Campbell, and Roborovski (see below for more details). Chinese hamsters come from regions around Northern China, and unlike Syrian hamsters, their ancestry is probably from a number of different wild individuals captured over several years. These cute creatures are dark grey, with a darker stripe on the back and a light stomach. Unlike Syrian hamsters, these animals aren’t necessarily solitary and can live together peacefully. Have a look at our ‘Introducing Hamsters’ section for more details.


Dwarf

Dwarf hamsters, unsurprisingly, are a collection of some of the smallest hamster species currently kept as pets. There are three different types: the Winter White, the Roborovski and the Campbell.

dwarf hamsters small
There are three different species of Dwarf hamster

Winter White

The Winter White is a lovely little animal: oval-shaped and with bright, black eyes. In the wild, these animals change colour as the year progresses - in the wild, snow in areas such as Siberia would mean that their dark summer colouring would be very obvious to potential predators, so their hue would lighten in the winter. Like the Syrian hamster, Winter White pets originally came from a few individuals captured from the wild.


Campbell

Widely known as the Campbell Dwarf Russian hamster, this creature hails from places like the chilly climes of Northern Russia, and the wide expanses of Central Asia. Although very similar to Winter Whites in size and shape, Campbell hamsters are usually of a lighter hue, tending towards brown rather than grey. Like the Winter White, these animals have thick fur and a lovely dark stripe down the back. These little pets have become enormously popular extremely quickly, and are found in pet shops and small animal sanctuaries across many countries.


Roborovski

This Dwarf Russian hamster is a beautiful pet that has only been in the UK for a relatively short space of time. They are the smallest pet hamster available, with a light brown coat and a much lighter stomach. Many were captured in China, and, as a desert species, their colouring is likely for camouflage and minimisation of heat intake. These creatures are relatively late additions to pet shops and sanctuaries, but are proving very popular.

Customer Images

Two hamsters enjoying a treat through the cage bars.
Cosmo the Cheeky Campbells Dwarf!
Just got this it's is the best going to bye a second one!!
My new baby boy, Crosby.
Hamster qwerty adjusting to his new home!
Rocky
Norma versus pineapple!
Norma versus pineapple!
Cuddly norma
Norma loves bakewell tarts!
Santa humphery
My hamster in her new quote hamster cage
Henry in his tube x
Henry loves his cage x
Harriet x

Comments

Virginia, 1 July 2021

I need to order replacement accessories for the hamster cage. The US site says they are sold out, I called and was told to try the British site. I see absolutely no hamster cages or accessories on the British side. Help please!


Emma, 14 May 2020

We have a Qute cage which has previously been used for gerbils. My daughter is keen to get 2 dwarf hamsters and we have been advised that the cage is not suitable as they wouldn't be able to use the tube. Can you let me know your opinion on this. Many thanks


Nolan, 27 December 2014

This page is useful because people who have a hamster and love the animal it helps let you know a little bit of the past of these awesome animal


Cyntac, 13 July 2013

I love that the third paragraph says Dwarf Hamsters are prized for their ability to ride horses. I loled.


Toby, 19 April 2013

Although I already knew my ancestors came from Syria, I didn't know my Dwarf cousins could ride horses! Enjoyed the page. Thank you!