If you plan on buying a dwarf Russian hamster then there are few things you should know. First of all there are three types of dwarf Russian Hamsters : Campbell Russian, Winter White, and Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters. Don’t forget that even though they are closely related they all have many distinct differences as well.

Background & Types

The campbell Russian hamster was discovered in Djungaria and is one of the most popular dwarf Russian hamsters you could find . Finding these hamsters will not be hard because they have been kept as pets in England and the United States since the early 1980′s  . Campbell Russian Dwarf Hamsters are usually brownish gray in color with a gray undercoat and white belly and a dorsal strip running down their back.

Winter white Russians as the name suggests live in cold snowy climates, and they can camouflage in the surround environment.

These two hamsters can live to around two years, and with the proper dwarf hamster care they can live much longer. Since these dwarf hamsters are only three to four inches long they can easily be placed inside your pocket.

Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters are the smallest and most active members of the Dwarf Russian Hamster family, and the newest type to become popular as pets. The robos differ from there distant cousins because of their much longer legs and distinctive facial markings.  Their average lifespan is three to four years old.

How To Care For Dwarf Russian Hamsters

If you want to keep dwarf Russian hamsters as a pet then you made a good choice because they are fairly easy to care for. All you need is a home for your dwarf hamster, a wheel so they can exercise, toys to play with, and healthy food that you can find in any pet store.

Dwarf Russian hamsters are one of the most friendly and tamed pets you can buy if you get them at an early age. When purchasing dwarf russian hamsters you can buy them at an early age and place them in pairs in the same cage.

When purchasing a female dwarf hamster you need to be careful because the females are very hostile and could attack you if they are disturbed. If you want to keep a pair or group of hamsters, males may be the better choice. Dwarf hamsters have been known to fight to the death, so if your hamsters begin to fight separate them immediately.

Like any hamster, Russian Dwarfs will bite when provoked. If you do get a pet hamster make sure not to give it a reason to attack you because if you scare them they will defend themselves. Approach the cage calmly and slowly, and be sure your hamster can see your hand at all times.

Don’t forget that these dwarf Russian hamsters are nocturnal and are mainly active at night. While sometimes active during the day, they may spend most of the night racing around their cage or running on their wheel. It’s important to note that although they are not that active during the day, they can easily be disturbed if you don’t put their cage in the right spot.