Winter White Dwarf Hamster

 

The Winter White dwarf hamster (phodopus sungorus) is a very unique species of hamster. They are known for their beautiful gray and white coats, which change in the winter. These hamsters are great pets and full of energy.

 

History: 

 The Winter White dwarf is very commonly mistaken as the Campbell's Russian dwarf, since they look very similar. Two pairs of these hamsters were brought to a lab in Germany and from there made their way into the pet market. However they were introduced in 1970 (as their own species) they were once believed to be the same species as the Campbell's Russian dwarf. Scientists believe that a genetic mutation came along at some point and altered the species, so that over time another species, the Winter White dwarf was born. They were discovered in eastern Kazakhstan and southwest Siberia. During the 1960’s the Winter Whites were used as lab animals in Czechoslovakia. 

 

Common Misunderstandings:

• False: The Winter White dwarf and the Russian Campbell's dwarf are the same species

• False: They live happiest in pairs. True: Winter Whites are known to be aggressive towards other hamsters, and should live alone. However they are not entirely solitary, because in some cases Winter White hamsters do live in pairs without a problem. 

 

 

Fur Types, Patterns, and Colors:

The Winter White dwarf most commonly appears with a gray coat, a dorsal stripe, and a white stomach. However they come in a few other beautiful fur colors as well. Such as agouti, pearl and sapphired-colored Winter Whites. Patterns are occasionally caused by genetics, such as spots. Hybrids, which are a Winter White Russian Campbell's mix are more likely to have these rare patterns, for example, the chimera. 

 

Basic Information: 

• Healthy weight: 1-2 oz (28.35-56.70 g)

• Life span: 1.5-2 years

• Adult length: around 4 inches

• Origin: Kazakhstan, Manchuria, Mongolia, and Siberia

• Can live in pairs, but known to be the most aggressive species of their kind, it is best that they live alone.

• Fur color changes depending on season

• Crepescular, sometimes nocturnal