Chinese

The Chinese hamster is often sold as a Chinese dwarf hamster, but it is not a true Phodopus dwarf; it is a separate small hamster, Cricetulus griseus. Compared with Campbell's or winter white dwarfs, it has a longer, slimmer body, a more visible tail, and a mouse-like climbing style. The usual coat is brown-gray agouti with a dark stripe along the back, while pet lines may include dominant spot, white spotted, and black-eyed white animals depending on local availability.

Chinese hamsters are usually kept singly, as adult pairings can lead to serious fighting. They benefit from deep bedding, a secure lid, a solid wheel sized for their longer body, and handling that respects their speed and tendency to cling. Because they are less common than Syrian and Russian dwarf hamsters, buyers may need to find specialist breeders or rescues rather than ordinary pet shops. Some regions restrict ownership or breeding, so local rules should be checked before acquiring them.

Colors: Black-Eyed White, Brown Agouti (Wild Type), Dominant Spot, Normal Grey, White Spotted