The 3 Species of Russian Dwarf Hamsters: Find the One That's Perfect For You

Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster

Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster

Russian dwarf hamsters are becoming increasingly popular as pets. Thanks, in part, to the award-winning movie, Etienne, a story about the adventures of a young man and his dwarf hamster. Originally introduced to the American pet industry in the mid-1990's, the term Russian dwarf hamster actually refers to three species of hamster, the Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster, the Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster, and the Roborovski Dwarf Hamster.
Each of these tiny pocket pets has distinct characteristics and, if you are considering adopting one and keeping it as a pet, you'll want to know more about the different species so you can decide which one is right for you.

Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster

The scientific name for Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster, or Djungarian hamster, as it is sometimes called, is Phodopus campbelli. It was discovered in Tuva, situated in the southern part of Siberia, by W. C. Campbell in 1902, who then brought it back to the United Kingdom where it became quite fashionable to own one as a pet.

The Campbell's has a relatively short lifespan, generally living only one and a half to two years. Fully mature Campbell's are about four inches long. They are usually a gray-brown color with a darker dorsal stripe that runs down the center of their backs and a creamy under side. Extensive breeding has resulted in several variations in color and markings, but all possess the dorsal stripe.
Campbell's are the most readily available of the three breeds. They are a good choice if you intend to keep more than one in the same cage as they quite friendly with each other and have the unusual trait, amongst hamsters anyway, of a breeding pair sharing the rearing of the offspring. However, they do have a greater tendency to nip at humans.

Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster
Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster is the most common name for the species, Phodopus sungorus. It is also referred to as the Siberian hamster.
Like the Campbell's, the Winter White has a lifespan of just one and a half to two years and a maximum length of approximately 4 inches. There are, in fact, many similarities between the two species. This has led to some debate as to whether they actually are two distinct breeds, partially because they are the only species of domesticated hamsters that can interbreed and produce viable offspring.
Although they look very similar, there are some distinct differences between the two. The Siberians are not as readily available in pet stores but are more sociable with humans. For this reason, they are more desirable as pets.
They are normally dark gray with a black dorsal stripe and a white belly. However, if kept in an area where they are exposed to natural sunlight, their fur may change to various shades of white during the shorter winter months - hence the name Winter White. As with the Campbell's, an assortment of colors and markings have been developed through breeding.
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
Of the three breeds classified as Russian dwarfs, the Roborovski, or Robo dwarf hamster, is the smallest, achieving a maximum length of two inches. Found primarily in the desert regions of Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, they are sometimes referred to as desert hamsters. The scientific name is Phodopus roborovskii, named for Lt. Vsevolod Roborovski who is credited with discovering these lively little critters in 1894.
Not only are Robo dwarfs the smallest of the three breeds, they are also the longest lived and the quickest. The have a life expectancy of around three to three and a half years.
The natural coloring of the Robo is sandy brown with a white underbelly. Unlike the Campbell's and the Winter White, they do not possess a dorsal stripe. They have distinctive white markings over both eyes. There is also a white-faced variety.
Roborovskis are extremely good-natured and can easily be housed in same sex groupings, but their diminutive size, agility and swiftness make them more of a "look, don't touch" pet. They are definitely not a good choice if you are considering adopting one for your young child. In fact, it is recommended that you should only handle a Roborovski over some sort of enclosure, such as a cardboard box, because they can easily squirm out of your grasp. Once escaped, attempting to locate and recapture one of these little guys would be a daunting task.
Which one is right for you?
Each species of Russian dwarf hamster requires the same amount of care and, due to their tiny stature, nimbleness, and speed, each requires an escape-proof cage. Before deciding which breed would be best suited to your household, you would do well to carefully consider the unique characteristics of each, whether you intend them as a pet for a child, and how much the furry little guy will be handled.
Regardless of your choice, you will find that keeping Russian dwarf hamsters as pets is both an entertaining and rewarding pastime.

Nancianne Beetleman is an author, avid animal lover, and dwarf hamster enthusiast. Over the past 37 years she has owned and cared for everything from hamsters to boa constrictors to cockatiels. Nancianne is passionate about teaching pet owners how to foster fulfilling relationships with their pets through understanding their instinctive behaviors and providing proper care.