Syrian Hamsters

The Syrian hamster is the most common type of hamster kept as pets today. They are also the largest breed of hamster, averaging 4-6 inches in length. Other names commonly used for this type of hamster are:

Golden Hamster - This is actually the original agouti coloring for these hamsters in the wild.
Fancy Hamster - Term commonly used to refer to short haired types of Syrians in colors other than golden.
Teddybear Hamster - Usually refers to the long haired variation of this breed.
Black Bear Hamster - This name is used to refer to the solid black colored Syrian hamster.

Regardless of the name given to these animals in pet stores, they all fit under the category of Syrian Hamsters. These hamsters live solitary in the wild and must also be kept this way in captivity. If they are housed in pairs or groups after the age of 8-10 weeks, serious fighting will occur, most likely followed by a serious injury or death of one or more hamsters. The normal life span for these hamsters is about 3 years.