Nibbly
The differences at a glance
| Russian dwarf | Syrian | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7–11 cm | 13–18 cm |
| Weight | 25–50 g | 100–200 g |
| Lifespan | 1.5–2 years | 2–3 years |
| Temperament | Quick, curious, a little jumpy | Calmer and easier to hold |
| Living together | Sometimes, between siblings | Always alone |
| Wheel | 20 cm or more | 28 cm or more |
| Health | Prone to diabetes | Prone to wet tail and tumours |
Size and looks
The Syrian, also called the golden hamster, can weigh four times as much as a dwarf. The dwarf is round, with a dark stripe down its back in its natural colour and furry feet. Two species are sold as "Russian dwarf hamsters": the winter white, which turns white in winter in the wild, and Campbell’s, with many more colours. See them all in Russian dwarf hamster colors.
Temperament and handling
Syrians tend to be slower and easier to pick up, which is why they are often suggested as a first hamster. Dwarfs are very fast and slip through your fingers, so hold them low down. Both are nocturnal and may bite out of fear unless you earn their trust slowly.
Living together
Syrians are solitary: two adult Syrians together will fight, sometimes with serious injuries. A dwarf can sometimes share with a same-sex sibling raised with it, though many pairs end up fighting. See can dwarf hamsters live together.
Which one to choose?
- Syrian, if you want a hamster that is easier to hold, calmer and a little longer-lived.
- Dwarf, if you love watching it move, dig and explore, and have patience for a very fast animal.
- Either way: a roomy cage, deep bedding, a big wheel and an adult in charge of its care.
In Nibbly you care for Russian dwarf hamsters
Nibbly’s hamsters are Russian dwarf hamsters, with their real colours and ways:
- They are quick and curious: they dig, run in the wheel and explore the tubes.
- You can keep up to four together and see whether they make friends or fall out.
- Each has its own character: some are shy, some greedy, some playful.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a child, a dwarf or a Syrian hamster?
Syrians are usually easier to hold and calmer. Even so, any hamster needs an adult in charge of its care, and both sleep during the day.
Can a dwarf hamster live with a Syrian?
No, never. They are different species and the much larger Syrian can badly injure the dwarf.
Which hamster bites more?
It depends more on how it is handled than on the species. Dwarfs, being jumpier, may bite more at first, but both stop once they trust you.