Russian Dwarf Hamsters

• Active at night
• Ideal for children 10 & up
• Social within the same family
• High energy level
• Lives up to 3 years

The Russian Dwarf Hamster is shaped like a bullet and is about 3-4 inches long (males are usually slightly larger than females). Several color varieties are available.

Russian Dwarf Hamsters have a typical short-haired coat and thick hair covering their feet. Russian Dwarf Hamsters are fairly energetic and can be kept in same-sex pairs or in groups if they are all raised together.

With consistent interaction, these species are relatively easy to tame. Once tamed, they are friendly, confident, and curious. They are active and like to move around, so, even though they're small, they need a habitat that provides plenty of room.

Things to remember

Lifting & handling
Handle your dwarf hamster gently -- scoop her up in both hands and hold her with cupped hands so she'll feel safe and secure.

Special needs
Your dwarf hamster's front teeth never stop growing -- so she needs lots of healthy things to chew on like treat sticks and chews.

Exercise
Dwarf hamsters have tons of energy and need to run on a wheel in their habitat, or in an exercise ball daily.

Nutrition
Choose a fortified diet appropriate for hamsters.

Housing
Your dwarf hamster needs a well-ventilated home, large enough for a food dish and water bottle, a hiding area (if one isn't built in) and an exercise wheel. There should be plenty of room for all cage accessories, and for her to move around freely.

More information
Visit our Hamster guide to learn more about the traits and behaviors that make hamsters great pets, plus find care information and the products you'll need to keep them healthy and happy.

PetSmart offers several dwarf hamster species. Here's some information to help you make an educated decision about which dwarf hamster will best fit your family.

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