Although they are confusingly similar in looks and their size, Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamsters, Raborovski’s Dwarf Hamster and Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster are actually distinct species. Here is how to differentiate them.

If you place them side by side, you will notice that the Roborovskis are the smallest in size. They measure at most five centimeters at the most. Usually equal in length are the Djungarias and the Winter Whites which are about eight to ten centimeters.

The most common of the Russians is the Winter White. Often in pairs, they have an amazing ability to change color. Yes, it’s true! In their original habitats, these charcoal creatures transform into white to match the color of snow. This is a defense mechanism against those wanting to attack them.

So amazingly, even when you keep them as pets at home, they turn white when they do not get exposed to natural sun. However, if they are mostly indoors and therefore only able to receive light from lamps and bulbs, they will not change color.

Cambell’s Russian Dwarf Hamsters or Djungarias, named after their hometown in Djungaria, Mongolia, are the most prevalent of dwarf hamsters. Some breeders even played around with their natural coloring, so they come in cool fur colors like cinnamon, blue, lilac, mottled or even polka dots!

Normally desert creatures of Mongolia or China, the Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters have longer limbs and are sandy brown with slate gray undercoating. And although they have longer limbs, they are the smallest in size as mentioned earlier.

Owing to their small size, they must be kept in cages where they cannot slip past the bars. Better to have no bars at all and keep them in plastic or glass containers. They are the most sanitary creatures and like to groom and bathe themselves regularly.

Taking care of Russian Dwarf Hamsters is similar to those of regular hamsters. Feed them regularly and give them lots of clean water. They will thank you for it. Clean their cages and accessories too, and don’t forget to replace their substrate weekly.

These amazing and agile balls of fur are escape artists who incidentally love a good work out. In order to provide them with their daily work out without losing them, get a hamster ball. This ensures that they get their exercise outside the confines of their cages, but in an enclosed space. Just keep the hamster ball away from the stairs and all will be well.