Which type of hamster should you get?

A lot of people weigh up this decision when getting a first pet and it’s not always clear which type of hamster is the most suitable. This article simply looks at personality and traits, don’t forget to weigh up the information on environment and care.

Syrian hamsters are the classic hamster. They are solitary creatures and should be kept alone. Their larger size means they’re a little more robust and live longer (3-4 years) versus their miniature counterparts. Their temperament is generally calm and friendly (as long as they cared for and handled correctly). They have a reputation for biting but this is likely because of the care they’ve received – hamsters that are not handled regularly will see humans picking them up as a threat. That’s something you can usually avoid by handling your hamster regularly and making sure it feels safe.

Campbell’s dwarf hamsters tend to be equally calm and friendly. They prefer groups and you’ll need to plan for this from the offset as they don’t do well with later introductions. Ideally buy a pair of same sex hamsters that have grown up together. They can be prone to fighting but as long as their diet and space is adequate they will usually get along fine. It is possible to handle these miniature hamsters and they will become quite tame, but they can still be fast and surprise you so may not be suitable for younger children to handle.

Roborovski hamsters are the smallest of the group and one of my favourites but I’d recommend against these. They are extremely active and require a lot of stimulation and space. They are difficult to handle and, like their miniature cousins, prefer to be in groups. I’ve had some that were impossible to handle and others that were much calmer – but they will still move like lightning, and jump, if they are surprised. Unfortunately robos seem to be much more likely to fight, particularly in later age, and may need to be split up.