It is really hard to come by the Chinese Dwarf Hamster as the purchase of this specie of hamsters is highly regulated in the U.S. These Chinese and Mongolian natives are desert creatures, and difficult to nurture when away from their habitat.

Closer to the rat hamster than that of the dwarf hamster, these Chinese Dwarves can be distinguished by their rat-like features (tail, body) and their unique colors. They either come in all gray with a black stripe, spotted or all white with a black eye.

Female Chinese Dwarf Hamsters rarely let the males have the last word. They often try to dominate the males and this leads to the latter hurting himself or worse, ending up dead. It is recommended that males and females be kept apart.

Nevertheless, the Chinese Dwarf hamster does better when he is alone. That is why they require bigger spaces if ever they have to be paired, so that they do not get on each other’s nerves in their struggle for dominancy in their homes. Apart from a big space, their homes must be sealed all the way. Otherwise, you will find them always trying to escape or worse, caught in between wire bars either dead or injured.

Oats, pellets, vegetables and mealworms are the Chinese Dwarf Hamster’s favorite dishes, just like any other hamster. Fresh water served from a water bottle keep their cages neat and clean, as water bowls always end up spilling or getting contaminated.

The Chinese Dwarf Hamster is a very active creature and therefore hard to domesticate. They are known to be bold, high-strung and jumpy. Keep them locked up well or else you run the risk of losing them. The Chinese Dwarf Hamster has a lifespan of two to three years and is better suited for more experienced pet owners, unlike other dwarf hamster species, which can be given to children as pets.