The three main species kept as pets are:
Phodopus campbelli - Campbell's dwarf hamster
Phodopus roborovskii - Roborovski's (desert) dwarf hamster
Phodopus sungorus - Djungarian hamster (Winter white Russian dwarf hamster)
The colour genetics of dwarf hamsters is much less than thta in syrian hamsters. If handled often, they can become tame quickly and become good pets.
Russian dwraf hamsters and Campbell's dwarf hamster generally live for 1.5 - 2.5 years. They reach a length of 8cm - 10cm. However, Chinese dwarf hamsters live for 2.5 - 3.5 years. they reach a length of 10cm - 12cm. The Roborovski hamster is the smallest at only 4–5 cm and lives for 3 to 3.5 years.
These subspecies are quite similar, so it is hard to tell them apart unless you can identify them from their colour genetics and size.
Campbell's dwarf hamster
Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster or Phodopus campbelli is a species of dwarf hamster. It was discovered by W.C. Campbell in 1902 in Tuva. The Campbell's dwarf is native to the steppes and areas of Central Asia.
This hamster is sometimes mistaken as the Djungarian hamster (or Dzungarian hamster), or just Russian, and wrongly called a Winter white Russian dwarf hamster. These hamsters are more likely to bite or nip you than Winter White dwarf hamsters are. The average lifespan of the Campbell's dwarf hamster is 1½ to 2 years, butthey can live longer if they are very healthy.
Diabetes is a common problem in Campbell's hamsters and is an inherited problem from previous generations. They should not be fed sugary food or " sweet treats."
Like all hamsters, Campbell's dwarfs must gnaw regularly to keep the incisors from growing into the skin of the mouth and causing dental problems. Some pet owners provide dog biscuits to assist with this. Wooden chew toys should be used with care as splinters may cut the hamsters gums.
Roborovskis dwarf hamster
Roborovskis or Phodopus roborovskii are the smallest of all hamsters. Their average size at birth is under 2 cm. They rarely reach 7.5 cm when they are fully grown. Distinguishing characteristics of the Roborovskis are eyebrow-like white spots, and the lack of any dorsal stripe.
Roborovski hamsters live in and around the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and the adjacent territories of Kazakhstan, Russia and Northern China. They have limited access to water and so drink it sparingly when kept in captivity.
Roborovski hamsters are fast and agile. However, they are also timid and shy an may bite if disturbed. They are spooked by loud noises.
Djungarian dwarf hamster
The Djungarian hamster (Siberian hamster) or Phodopus sungorus, also known as the "Russian Winter White dwarf hamster" is a species of dwarf hamster. They are half the size of Syrian hamsters, and therefore called a dwarf hamster. Features include a typically thick dark grey dorsal stripe and furry feet. They are short tailed species and their tails are less than 1cm long. As winter approaches and the days shorten, the Siberian hamster's dark fur is almost entirely replaced with white fur. This is with the exception of the pearl. In the wild, they change to the colour of the snow to help camofaluge against predators.
The average lifespan of this species is 1½ to 2½ years or 2-3 years. This depends on the hamster though.
Djungarian hamsters are often found in pet shops. Care is similar to that of the Campbell's Dwarf Hamster.
