Colors: The Dwarf Russian hamster comes in a variety of colours. The most common colour being brown/grey on top with cream underneath. The other colours are albino, argente (bright orange on top with a blue/grey underneath), opal and black-eyed white. The hamster coat also comes in patterns, which are combinations of the above colours and are known as mottled and platinum.

Description

Dwarf Russian Campbell's hamsters normally have grey-brown fur on their backs with a darker dorsal strip along the center of the back. The fur changes to a creamy color on the sides and whiter on the belly. However, selective breeding techniqes have produced Campbells hamsters in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. Campbells hamsters are also noted for having furred feet.

Temperament

Dwarf Russian Campbell's hamsters are nocturnal but may be active for short times during the day too. They make good pets, but they have a bit of a reputation for nipping if feeling threatened. Because they are small and quick they can be a challenge to handle, especially for kids. Unlike Syrian hamsters, dwarf Russian Campbells hamsters are social with their own species and can be kept in same sex pairs or groupings, but usually only if they are introduced at a young age. It is not a good idea to introduce adults or new hamsters to a group. Occasionally hamsters that were raised together may even have to be separated.

Breeding

The ideal age for the female Dwarf Russian hamster to start breeding is between 3 and 4 months of age. The male stays with the female during the pregnancy and after the young have been born. The male is involved in the upbringing of the young.