Which five hamster types can I adopt?

Are you looking to adopt a hamster? These are the five types of hamsters that you can keep as pets. You should pick one of these. Literally, because hamsters are solitary animals.

1. Syrian hamster

This rodent, also called the golden hamster, is the best known species. The Syrian hamster is 12.5 to 17.5 centimetres in size, with a tail of approximately 15 millimetres. The name golden hamster originates from the time that the species only had its original golden colour. Today you will find this type of hamster in short- and long-haired varieties and many different colours.

2. Russian dwarf hamster

The Russian or Winter white dwarf hamster is known for its calm, tame nature. The almost round little animal of 8 cm long has short legs, round eyes and an often almost invisible tail. Unlike other types of hamsters, the dwarf hamster does not really hibernate. It does have a winter coat.

3. Campbell's dwarf hamster

Campbell's dwarf hamsters are special because they are the only kind of hamster living in groups. The pairs even are somewhat monogamous and raise the young together. They see and hear badly, but they can smell very well. The species resembles the Russian dwarf hamster, but the ears are much smaller and the dark stripe on its back is wider and less defined.

4. Desert hamster

This is the smallest of all types of hamsters, with a length of only 4.5 to 5 centimetres. The animal has a yellow to rusty coat with a white belly. Above his black eyes there are white hairs that look like eyebrows. The desert hamster, also called Roborovski hamster or 'Robo dwarf hamster', was only introduced in Western Europe in the 1980s and is therefore not yet very well known here.

5. Chinese hamster

The Chinese hamster has a longer body than other dwarf hamsters (8 to 13 centimetres) and a clearly visible tail. Its fur, which is usually grey-brown, is also smoother and less woolly. With a life expectancy of four years, they also live longer than other kinds of hamsters. Chinese hamsters are fast and like to climb. They are less likely to get tame.