In the family of hamsters there are 240 species of rodents. The region of their habitat is quite wide: the whole of America, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, Kazakhstan, Primorye and even part of Siberia. Gamma color and external data (size, shape) are very diverse. Rodents are found from ashy and grayish-brown to brownish-buffy. Some have a black streak along the back , and white spots on the belly and neck.
Some breeds are artificially derived (long-haired (angora), snow-white (albino)). If you tell about each type in detail, you will get a very voluminous and weighty book, so we will describe only the most popular ones. On how to determine the breed of hamster, read below.
1. Common hamsters, which are encountered especially often, are small (up to 30 cm with a tail) and bright color. Upper red, lower darker, almost black. On the chest and sides of the head are 3 small white spots. Another color is also possible - black and white and almost black (a rarity).
2. Homemade hamsters Rats (Tscherscia triton) slightly smaller than ordinary (up to 25 cm). They have a long, one-color tail (up to 10 cm) with a light tip, on which, unlike the rat, there are no transverse rings. They have a gray-brown color. The bottom is slightly lighter than the top. From voles this breed is distinguished by large ears and white feet.
3. Gray hamsters rather small - from 9 to 13 cm, with a small (up to 3 cm) tail, covered with short hairs (or naked). They have relatively small ears rounded and sharp muzzle; The feet are slightly pubescent, with well-marked toenails. The fur color of this breed is gray with a smoky or brownish hue. Individuals from the head to the tail have a dark (fuzzy) band. Abdomen and legs are white.
4. Eversmann's hamsters have the size of a large house mouse. The paws are short; The tail small, compact, covered with soft dense hairs; Muzzle slightly pointed; The ears are small, round. Fur on the back is most often pale-red or ashy-sandy. The abdomen is snow-white, which contrasts with the dark sides. The breast is decorated with a brownish or ohrist blurred (not clear) spot. The fur coat is soft, velvety. The bottom of the tail and paws are white.
5. Golden hamsters are similar to ordinary: small sizes (7-9 cm), stocky, with short tails. Initially they had a red-brown (or golden-yellow) back and a lighter abdomen. The coat is velvety, dense, very soft. Now this breed of hamsters has several varieties: angora (fluffy), semi-Angora and short-haired. The color became more rich (from snow-white to black). The most popular spotted hamsters (butterflies) and pale yellow.
6. Dzhungar breed hamsters are the most common and studied. In the nature populated steppes and semi-desert zones of Siberia, Kazakhstan (north-eastern zone), Asia. In recent decades, have firmly established themselves in amateur living corners and research institutions. In size it is twice less than hamsters of golden breed (up to 10 cm), with an amazing appearance of good-natured, dandy, sweet and fluffy. The muzzle, as well as at the majority of individuals, is pointed, with small blackish and white ears from inside. The soles of the white paws are covered with dense hairs covering the toe bumps. Back color is ocher gray or brownish gray. On the ridge stretches a black narrow strip. The sides may be a tone or two darker. The abdomen is light, with distinctly defined borders. In winter, these animals lighten, acquiring an almost white color. More active and lively than other representatives.
All these breeds of hamsters adapt well to captivity and are even able to breed (from 1.5 to 4 months). Not aggressive. Easy to tame.