The Most Popular Type of Hamster, Ranked

Choose the type you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:52
In the world of small pets, hamsters hold a special place in the hearts of many. With various types each boasting unique characteristics, choosing the right hamster can be both exciting and overwhelming. A ranked list of the most popular types of hamsters helps potential pet owners make an informed decision by highlighting which ones are favored by the community. By casting your vote in this ongoing tally, you contribute to a collective resource that benefits everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned hamster enthusiasts looking for their next companion. Not only does voting help others in making their choice, but it also reflects current trends and preferences in the pet community.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Hamster?

  1. 1
    59
    votes

    Syrian hamster

    George Robert Waterhouse
    Syrian hamster also known as the golden hamster, it is the most popular type of hamster due to its friendly and easy-to-handle nature.
    The Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster or Mesocricetus auratus, is a popular small rodent native to Syria and parts of Turkey. It was first discovered in Aleppo, Syria, by George Robert Waterhouse in 1839.
    • Species: Mesocricetus auratus
    • Common Names: Syrian hamster, golden hamster
    • Origin: Syria and parts of Turkey
    • Size: Approximately 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) in length
    • Weight: Around 4 to 8 ounces (110 to 230 grams)
    Syrian hamster in other rankings
  2. 2
    38
    votes
    Dwarf Campbell Russian hamster these small hamsters are popular due to their active and curious personalities.
    The Dwarf Campbell Russian hamster, also known as the Campbell's dwarf hamster, is a small and popular breed of hamster commonly kept as pets. It belongs to the Phodopus genus of rodents.
    • Size: Grows to approximately 7-10 centimeters in length.
    • Appearance: Typically has a gray-brown fur color with a white belly.
    • Life Span: Has an average lifespan of 1.5 to 2.5 years.
    • Temperament: Generally docile and friendly, making them great pets for handling.
    • Activity Level: Active and energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation.
  3. 3
    29
    votes
    Dwarf Winter White Russian hamster
    Dirk Goldhahn · CC BY-SA 2.5
    Dwarf Winter White Russian hamster another popular dwarf hamster breed, known for their ability to change color in the winter.
    The Dwarf Winter White Russian hamster, also known as the Djungarian hamster or Siberian hamster, is a small breed of hamster that is native to parts of Asia, particularly the steppes of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Siberia. It is one of the most popular types of hamsters kept as pets due to its adorable appearance and friendly nature.
    • Size: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm)
    • Weight: 1-2 ounces (30-60 grams)
    • Lifespan: 1.5-2.5 years
    • Coat Color: Mainly gray-brown with a white underside
    • Eyes: Dark and shiny
  4. 4
    28
    votes
    Chinese hamster
    Tristanspotter · Public domain
    Chinese hamster these hamsters are popular due to their unique appearance and active personalities.
    The Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) is a small rodent species belonging to the family Cricetidae. It is often kept as a pet due to its compact size and friendly nature. With its distinct appearance and unique characteristics, the Chinese hamster has gained popularity among hamster enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Size: Chinese hamsters are small in size, measuring around 3.5 to 4 inches (8.9 to 10.2 cm) in length.
    • Appearance: They have a slender body with short legs, a pointed snout, and a hairless patch on their belly. Their fur color can range from grayish-brown to light brown on their back, with a white underbelly.
    • Social Behavior: Chinese hamsters are generally more solitary and less social compared to other hamster species. They prefer to live alone and may become territorial when housed with other hamsters.
    • Nocturnal Habits: Being primarily nocturnal, Chinese hamsters are active during the night and sleep during the day. They have excellent hearing and sense of smell, which aids in navigating their environment.
    • Lifespan: On average, Chinese hamsters have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years when kept in captivity.
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Roborovski hamster
    Bullet · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Roborovski hamster

    Lieutenant Vsevolod Roborovski
    Roborovski hamster the smallest and fastest of all hamster breeds, they are popular due to their cute appearance and entertaining behavior.
    The Roborovski hamster, also known as the desert hamster, is one of the most popular types of hamsters in the world. It is native to the deserts of Central Asia and was first discovered by Lieutenant Vsevolod Roborovski in 1894. These tiny and adorable creatures have become beloved pets worldwide for their unique appearance and playful nature.
    • Size: One of the smallest hamster species, measuring about 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
    • Life Span: Roborovski hamsters have a relatively long lifespan of around 2 to 3 years.
    • Behavior: Known for their active and social nature, Roborovski hamsters are fast, agile, and love to explore their surroundings.
    • Color: They have a sandy brown or sandy yellow fur with a white belly and a distinctive white eyebrow-like marking above their eyes.
    • Nocturnal: Roborovski hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night.
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    Djungarian hamster another popular dwarf hamster breed, known for their social nature and love of burrowing.
    The Djungarian hamster, also known as the Siberian hamster, is a popular type of hamster that is native to the grasslands of Siberia and Kazakhstan. They are small, adorable rodents with well-rounded bodies and a short tail. Juvenile Djungarian hamsters have a grayish-brown coat, which transitions into a white, silver, or dark grey coat as they age. They have large black eyes and small, round ears.
    • Size: 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in length
    • Weight: 30-50 grams
    • Lifespan: 1.5-3 years
    • Diet: Omnivorous - seeds, grains, vegetables, insects
    • Activity: Nocturnal
  7. 7
    2
    votes
    Black bear hamster also known as the European black bear hamster, they are popular due to their unique appearance and friendly personalities.
    The Black bear hamster, also known as the Syrian hamster, is one of the most popular types of hamsters kept as pets. It is named after its black fur color and large, round body shape that resembles a bear. These hamsters are known for their adorable looks and friendly nature, making them perfect companions for both children and adults.
    • Origin: Syria
    • Scientific Name: Mesocricetus auratus
    • Average Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long
    • Lifespan: 2-3 years
    • Coat Color: Primarily black, but can also have variations like cream, gray, and cinnamon
  8. 8
    1
    votes
    Teddy bear hamster a type of Syrian hamster with long fur, they are popular due to their cute and fluffy appearance.
    The Teddy bear hamster, also known as the long-haired or fancy hamster, is a popular and adorable type of domestic hamster. As the name suggests, they have a fluffy and teddy bear-like appearance, which makes them extremely appealing as pets.
    • Size: Adults grow to be around 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) long.
    • Weight: They typically weigh between 4 to 8 ounces (113 to 227 grams).
    • Coat: Their coat is long, soft, and usually comes in various colors like golden, white, cream, gray, or cinnamon.
    • Lifespan: On average, they live for about 2 to 3 years.
    • Temperament: Teddy bear hamsters are generally docile, friendly, and easy to handle, making them great pets for beginners.
  9. 9
    4
    votes

    Golden hamster

    George Robert Waterhouse
    Golden hamster a type of Syrian hamster with golden fur, they are popular due to their friendly nature and ease of care.
    The Golden hamster, also known as the Syrian hamster, is a popular type of hamster that is widely kept as a pet. It is characterized by its golden-brown fur and gentle nature. The Golden hamster is native to the arid regions of Syria and is well-adapted to desert-like environments. It was discovered in the late 18th century and has become one of the most beloved and widely bred hamster species.
    • Scientific Name: Mesocricetus auratus
    • Average Lifespan: 2-3 years
    • Size: Approximately 6-7 inches in length
    • Weight: 90-150 grams
    • Fur Color: Golden-brown
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    Long-haired Syrian hamster another type of Syrian hamster with long fur, they are popular due to their unique appearance and friendly personalities.
    The Long-haired Syrian hamster, also known as the Teddy Bear hamster, is a popular variety of the Syrian hamster breed. It is characterized by its long, soft fur that gives it a teddy bear-like appearance. These hamsters are highly sought after for their adorable looks and docile nature.
    • Scientific Name: Mesocricetus auratus
    • Average Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long
    • Fur Length: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
    • Fur Color: Variety of colors including golden, brown, black, gray, and white
    • Lifespan: 2-3 years

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of hamster. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1837 views
  • 184 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular type of hamster

Hamsters are adorable, furry little creatures that have been kept as pets for many years. They are small, easy to care for, and come in a variety of colors and types. Among the most popular types of hamsters are the Syrian, Dwarf, and Roborovski hamsters. Each has its own unique characteristics and personality, making them a popular choice for pet owners of all ages. With so many different types of hamsters to choose from, it's no wonder that they are a common choice for those looking for a cute and cuddly companion. In this article, we will explore which type of hamster is the most popular among pet owners.

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