The Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster or teddy bear hamster, is the most common pet hamster species, says Susan Tyson, VMD, MS, veterinarian and owner at Avian & Exotic Philly Vet Medical Surgical Clinic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Syrian hamsters can appear in a variety of colors and with either short or long hair. Dr. Tyson notes that they can range in size from 4–7 inches long and weigh 120 grams (a little over 4 ounces), making them the biggest hamster on this list. A Syrian hamster has a short, stubby tail, short fur on their head, larger ears, and an elongated face when compared to the dwarf species. These hamsters are more active at night and should be housed alone in a single enclosure. “This is the quintessential pet hamster for good reason,” says Tony Rose Adler, co-president of the California Hamster Association and founder of Snow White’s Rescue Cottage in Camarillo, California. “They are generally friendly, docile, and easily tamed.” She explains that male Syrian hamsters, as with all other species of hamsters, tend to be slower and friendlier, making them a better choice for children’s pets than females. In comparison, female Syrian hamsters are “notoriously restless” and make great use of a large cage. For female Syrians in particular, Adler recommends the largest cage possible, ideally a 40-gallon tank or larger. She also recommends these enrichment ideas: Scattering seed mix over their bedding, creating a foraging experience Offering a whole toilet paper roll for them to roll, shred, and nest with Providing boredom breakers like chew toys, treat-dispensing toys, and tumble and toss toys,Hamsters are incredibly cute, curious, and compact critters who make wonderful pets. But which hamster breeds make the best pets? Trick question! Each different type of hamster belongs to its own species, rather than a breed of the same species. That’s right—there are over 20 species of hamsters, all belonging to the Cricetinae subfamily, which also includes lemmings and muskrats. However, only five hamster species are kept as pets in the United States: Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) Winter white Russian dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) Campbell’s Russian dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli) Roborovski dwarf hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) If you’re thinking about bringing home a hamster, it’s important to first consider the different species and their unique characteristics, personality, and needs. That way, you can make an informed decision about the best possible fit for you based on what you’re looking for in a pet and make sure you’re prepared to properly care for your new hamster. We spoke with experts about the five pet hamster species to help you determine which hammy might be the perfect match for you.