What is the Difference Between a Hamster and a Dwarf Hamster?

Hamsters are popular pets due to their small size and playful personalities. These pocket pets are an excellent choice for those who may be limited in space but still want to bring a companion into their home or apartment.

With various breeds available, choosing between a Syrian or dwarf hamster can be overwhelming. Both offer unique characteristics, personalities, and care requirements.

Let’s explore the key differences between these two adorable pocket pets to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and living space. Plus, we’ll share tips and tricks for giving your new hamster the best quality of life!

Syrian Hamster vs. Dwarf Hamster: Key Differences

Deciding between adopting a Syrian hamster or a dwarf hamster largely depends on personal preference. However, there are distinct characteristics that can help drive that decision. Let’s explore the physical differences between the two popular hamster breeds, including size, appearance, and temperament:

Size and Appearance

The most obvious difference between Syrian and dwarf hamsters is their appearance. Syrian hamsters (often simply called hamsters) are larger, growing up to 8 inches long. They have large, round eyes and are frequently described as looking like little teddy bears. This is also due to their most common coloring, a golden brown with white bellies. However, they can be found with white, black, or gray fur if you want a different color.

Dwarf hamsters are smaller in size and often described as looking more like a mouse. Fully grown, they are usually 2 to 4 inches long. They are also available in a range of colors, but the most common are shades of grey-brown.

Personality

While the appearance differences may be more evident at first glance, the personality differences are often the reason why pet lovers prefer one over the other.

Syrian hamsters are affectionate and loving pets, thriving off attention from their families. They are active, spending much of their time exploring their enclosure and playing with the available toys and features, but will also gladly spend time being held or handled (within reason).

On the other hand, dwarf hamsters are considerably less affectionate. There are always exceptions to every rule, but most dwarf hamsters would be happiest spending their time playing independently. They have more energy than Syrian hamsters and higher exercise needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hamster

While the differences in personality and appearance can influence your choice, I don’t recommend deciding on a hamster breed based on those facts alone. There are several factors relating to a hamster’s needs and ideal lifestyle that should be considered when deciding on the best fit for your family.

Available Space

Take a moment to consider where your hamster will be kept in your home or apartment. Due to their larger size, Syrian hamsters require larger enclosures to meet their basic needs. This includes a larger cage with more floor space, a larger wheel, and more substrate to burrow into (therefore, a deeper enclosure to accommodate this).

Before deciding, we recommend researching the minimum recommended cage or enclosure sizes. Many of the cages in big-box pet stores marketed for hamsters are too small to meet a hamster’s needs, which can significantly impact their health and well-being.

Budget

Building on the last point, larger enclosures with more substrate will ultimately mean a higher price point. This includes the initial cost of setting up your hamster’s enclosure and the ongoing costs of cleaning and replacing the substrate. Larger hamsters will also require more food.

Independent vs. Affectionate

When you picture your life with your new furry family member, does it involve a lot of time handling and petting your pet, or would you prefer a more independent pet? Syrian hamsters are generally more affectionate and social, making them easier to tame if you want to have a hands-on relationship with your hamster.

Dwarf hamsters can sometimes be tamed (I had a very affectionate dwarf hamster when I was younger), but it will require more work, and there is a higher chance your hamster will resist being tamed.

Activity Levels

You may be thinking, why should activity levels matter? After all, when a hamster is running around in their cage or enclosure, there’s nothing I have to do – they are exercising independently. The most significant impact here is the noise that hamsters make while exercising.

Hamsters are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active just before the sun sets and just after it rises. If your hamster’s cage is set up in or near a bedroom, they will be active (and making noise) during times when you will likely be sleeping. The more active your hamster is, the more noise they will likely make running on their exercise wheel and burrowing in their enclosure.

Do You Have Small Children?

Hamsters are often marketed as a great choice for children, but this isn’t always the case. Most kids would prefer a pet they can handle and care for. Not only are dwarf hamsters more likely to want to be left alone, but they are also smaller and more delicate. This means being handled incorrectly is more likely to result in injury. While neither breed of hamster should be left alone with a young child unsupervised, Syrian hamsters are generally a better fit for a home with kids.

Multi-Pet Homes

You may be surprised to learn that while Syrian hamsters are generally more affectionate with people, they are solo pets that should never be housed with others. If two Syrian hamsters are placed in the same enclosure, they will fight, and the situation will quickly become life-threatening for at least one of your pets. They are very territorial pets.

Alternatively, dwarf hamsters enjoy the company of others and thrive living in groups of two or more. This is a good option if you want to add multiple pets to your home. Of course, you should still supervise your pets to ensure they are getting along. Even the most social pets can have personality conflicts, leading to trouble.

Tips & Tricks to Give Your Hamster the Best Quality of Life

Now that you have decided on the best hamster (or hamsters) for your home and lifestyle, let’s discuss some basic hamster care tips. The following recommendations will set you and your hamster up for success:

Space Requirements

When selecting a cage or enclosure for your hamster, you must carefully consider the floor space you’re providing. While you can purchase cages with multiple levels or tunnels, these should be seen as added perks. It should also be noted that Syrian hamsters generally are too big for the tunnels you see in pet stores – they are only functional for dwarf hamsters.

At a bare minimum, a hamster enclosure should be at least 2 feet long and 1 foot wide. However, many experts recommend larger habitats, especially for Syrian hamsters.

An Exercise Wheel is Essential

Regardless of the breed you choose, hamsters need a lot of exercise. They can run up to five miles a night in the wild and should be able to do the same in their new home. If the loud sound of your hamster’s wheel makes you consider removing it, try exploring different wheels. The Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel is an excellent choice for quiet nighttime activity.

Prioritize Mental and Physical Enrichment

We often talk about the importance of enrichment with dogs and cats, but the same is true for smaller animals like hamsters. When setting up your furry friend’s enclosure, consider ways to enrich their daily life. Here are some options to consider:

• Ensure the substrate (bedding) in your hamster’s enclosure is deep enough to allow plenty of burrowing and hold shape in the burrows.  
• Try adding places for your hamster to explore, such as platforms, hideaways, tubes, and other fixtures. Some wooden forts and houses incorporate multiple elements for added fun.
• Place hamster-safe dried flowers and natural herb sprays throughout the enclosure for your hamster to nibble on.
• Scatter your hamster’s pellets and treats around their enclosure to create foraging opportunities.
• Provide plenty of chew toys, wooden chew sticks, or other gnawing-friendly treats. This will not only provide enrichment but also help with dental health.
• Try introducing a wooden foraging toy or food puzzle. These toys use sliders, lids, and other obstacles that your hamster must figure out to access their reward (a tasty treat).

Create Cardboard Mazes and Tunnels

One easy (and budget-friendly) way to enrich your hamster’s enclosure is by creating cardboard mazes or tunnels. For example, an empty paper towel roll can create a fun tunnel. This will provide new places for your hamster to explore, and cardboard is also fun to chew on and shred. Just be cautious when selecting cardboard that you aren’t introducing other substances that could make your hamster sick, like glue.

Start Bonding Early and Take Your Time

Are you hoping to tame your hamster so they enjoy being held? If so, start early and take your time. Don’t rush the process. Begin by spending time around their enclosure while talking to them calmly, introducing your scent and the sound of your voice. Over time, work up to placing your hand in the cage, offering treats, or gently stroking them.

If, as you move from one step to the next in your bonding efforts, you notice your hamster is starting to shy away or appear nervous, take a step back. Rushing this can create a stressful environment that may actually turn your hamster off being held entirely.

When holding your hamster, keep them close to your body or minimize the distance between where you’re holding them and the surface below – especially early in the bonding process. For example, sit on the ground with them cupped in your hands or arms near your body or on your lap instead of standing. This minimizes the distance if your hamster wiggles free and falls to reduce the chance of serious injury.

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

Hamsters can drink from a suspended water bottle or a shallow dish. If you are using a dish, be prepared to empty and replace the water regularly, as it often collects bedding, food, and other items that are tossed around as your hamster is running or burrowing. For those using a water bottle, make sure the water is fresh and regularly check the mouthpiece to ensure it isn’t blocked.

Deciding on the best hamster for your family is important. This allows you to choose a pet that best suits your lifestyle, living space, and desired relationship with your furry family member. Both Syrian and dwarf hamsters can bring joy and love into your home.

Remember, regardless of which hamster breed you choose, providing a safe, stimulating environment complete with toys and enrichment, exercise opportunities, proper nutrition, and veterinary care is essential for your new pet’s health and well-being. With the right care, your hamster can live a long, happy life as a loved member of your family.

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