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Hamsters are rodents (members of the biological order Rodentia) and are distant relatives of mice and rats. Hamsters are small, almost tailless, relatively clean, affordable, easy to care for, and popular as pets.
The most common variety is the Syrian hamster, which is also known as the Golden hamster (see Hamsters: Hamster Breeds Commonly Kept as Pets ). This name comes from the coloring of the animal in its original wild home. Today, pet owners can find Syrian hamsters in many color and coat varieties. Other varieties kept as pets include the Russian dwarf hamster, Chinese hamster, and the European hamster (which is uncommon in the United States).
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| Hamster Breeds Commonly Kept as Pets |
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Type
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Color
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Weight (grams)
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Life Span (months)
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Syrian
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Golden originally, now bred in many colors
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90 to 120
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18 to 24
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Chinese
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Dark brown
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40 to 60
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30 to 36
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Russian dwarf
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Varied
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35 to 50
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18 to 24
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Last full review/revision July 2011 by Katherine E. Quesenberry, DVM, MPH, DABVP (Avian); Kenneth R. Boschert, DVM, DACLAM
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