Fun Facts About the Russian Dwarf Hamster

Russian dwarf hamster is a term used to describe different species of hamster like the Winter White hamster, the Campbell's Russian Dwarf hamster, and the Roborovski's hamster. Often mistaken as one species are the Winter White hamster and the Campbell's hamster. This is due to the fact that both posses similar body size that measures about 8 to 10cm and similar body color. Of the three, the Roborovski hamster is considered to be the smallest measuring about 4 to 5cm.

Winter White hamsters are known to be more rare than the Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster. At pet stores, the Winter White hamster are mostly sold in pairs. They have striking characteristic traits and are known for their amiable nature. An interesting fact is their propensity to change color in winter. From their original color of dark grey they change themselves into white in order to hide itself from enemies. The color change is due to the natural sunlight, which they receive on a daily basis. This is a very unique characteristic for this hamster giving it an advantage against preditors.

The Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster is also known by the name of Djungaria because is has an origin in the Mongolian region known as Djungaria. They are commonly found at most pet stores. The growth of their popularity is associated with the growth of their creative breeding and with their availability in a number of color combinations. Apart from the original color they are also found to have spots, mottles and in color combination like black, cinnamon, blue and lilac. They are a striking hamster breed which has attracted many pet owners.

The Roboroski dwarf hamsters have their origin in Western and Eastern region of Mongolia and parts of Northern China. In stature they are smaller than the White Winter Russian dwarf hamster and the Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster but, they have slightly longer legs. Their body is enveloped with a coat of sandy brown and an undercoat of slate grey. Since they are very active in nature it is sometimes difficult to keep them as pets. Moreover their size appears too small for the usual dwarf cage and the gap in the cage bars provides them an open opportunity to escape. The Roboroski dwarf hamsters takes great care to maintain cleanliness and in grooming themselves. This is a fun breed to have because they are so active, but because of this characteristic, they are not often suitable for children. Consider who the hamster is going to taken care of before buying a Roboroski hamster.

Be it any type of Russian dwarf hamsters, equal care is needed for all of them. Since most species of the Russian hamster are fast runners, giving them hamster wheels to play is a good option. It is great fun to watch them run about and play. Most hamsters have the ability to run up to five miles a day, so having access to excersise is an imporant part of any cage set up.

Mary Wilbur is a Dwarf Hamster expert. For more great information on Russian Dwarf Hamster, visit http://www.dwarfhamsterscare.com