The Dwarf Chinese Hamster Isn't A True Dwarf

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Chinese dwarf hamsters look different from Russian dwarf hamsters, and there is a very good reason for that - technically, they are not dwarf hamsters at all but a part of the rat-like hamster family. Chinese hamsters are commonly referred to as dwarf hamsters, simply because of their diminutive size. ?The true species is evident in their appearance, looking more like a mouse than a hamster, with a longer, more slender body, and a mouse-like tail. ?Chinese hamsters can average 9 to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long when they are full-grown but since they are smaller than their cousin, the Syrian hamster, they are often included with the dwarfs.

Chinese Dwarf Hamsters originated in Mongolia northern China - literally desert rats! They are considered rare as pet hamsters for many reasons, the first of which is that they can be quite difficult to breed in captivity. The second is that some states within the United States consider them pests and do not allow Chinese hamsters as pets without a special permit.

The usual coloring of a Chinese hamster is grayish brown on its back, white on its underside and a dark stripe down its spine. ?Only two other color mutations have been developed: the 'black-eyed white' (all white with big black eyes, just like the descriptive name!) and the 'dominant spot,' which is lighter colored than the wild Chinese hamster with a very dark marking along its spine.

While true dwarf hamsters will often get along well when housed together, the Chinese hamster is just the opposite. ?Females, if litter mates or placed together while very young, may have a good chance of getting along well - certainly better then a male and female would. The female dominates the male, especially when she is pregnant and, therefore, the male is in danger of serious injury or even death if left in a cage with a female for a lengthy period of time.

Because of their temperaments, if you do decide to keep two Chinese hamsters in the same cage, it should have more room than what is required for true dwarf hamster breeds. Ideally this extra space should include hiding places so the less dominant animal will have a place to get away from the more dominant one when necessary. An aquarium or plastic tank is the best choice for a home for this species, as wire cages may have wires that are far enough apart for these agile creatures to squeeze through. The exception to this would be a cage made for pet mice, in which the wires are closer together.

Chinese hamsters eat the same foods as other species of hamsters.? They do well with a varied diet of small bits of vegetables and fruit, as well as commercial hamster food such as seeds and pellets. A daily supply of fresh water should always be provided. Like dwarf hamsters, the smaller size of the Chinese hamster makes water bottles preferable to water bowls.

Unless they are young when introduced to humans, Chinese hamsters may be more difficult to train or even tame. Their mouse-like physical qualities include speed and agility, the ability to climb, to jump from tall heights and, as mentioned before, the ability to squeeze into (and through) very small spaces.? These characteristics can make them harder to handle than dwarf hamsters and, therefore, better suited for older children or adults.

For more information about dwarf Chinese hamster. Liz Andrews has been a hamster enthusiast for nearly 20 years. Her newest book, 'Dwarf Hamsters In a Nutshell,' teaches hamster owners absolutely everything they need to know about caring for their pet.