Campbell's Dwarf Hamster
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster Breed Profile
| Origin | Mongolia, northern China, southern Siberia |
| Genus | Asiatic dwarf hamsters |
| Scientific name | Phodopus campbelli |
| Size | 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) |
| Color | Gray-brown, dark dorsal stripe down the back |
| Lifespan | 1.5 to 2.5 years |
| Personality | Lively, active |
| How to keep them | Separately |
Characteristics
The highlight of the Campbell dwarf hamster is the dark brown to black dorsal stripe on its back and its special character! Hamsters’ personalities don’t vary that much, especially when compared to dogs and cats. Apart from this particular hamster. There are some very tame and friendly animals, but the Campbell dwarf hamster is mostly known as stubborn and almost even grumpy. It may nip to express how much it doesn’t like something. Hopefully it won’t have too much to be unhappy about.
Nevertheless, this is definitely not the best "beginner” hamster. They’re better suited to experienced hamster owners.
Colors
Campbell dwarf hamsters are often gray-brown and have a dark dorsal stripe. Their fur can also be beige, black, lilac, blue, opal, argente, blue fawn, lilac fawn, dove or champagne. They have cream fur on their bellies and white patches on their faces.
The Difference Between Campbell and Winter White Hamster
Campbells and winter whites look very similar. No wonder, as the Campbell is considered a subspecies of the winter white. Both have a dorsal stripe, both have gray-brown fur and both are around the same size. However:
Winter white hamsters have a slightly wider, rounder face and smaller, round ears. The dark dorsal stripe is slightly thinner and remains narrow on the head.
The Campbell dwarf hamster has a longer, thinner face with eyes that are closer together. Their ears are more upright and not as round. The dorsal stripe is broader than on the winter white. Their heads are also slightly wider.
Anatomy
The Campbell dwarf hamster weighs around one to two ounces (30-60 grams) and is around 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) long in the body. When you look at them from above, their bodies look like a figure of 8.
History
The Campbell dwarf hamster was named after Charles William Campbell, who discovered the animal in Mongolia in 1902.
Fun Facts
Favourite Hobby
Campbell hamsters love sand baths. This is how they clean and care for their fur.
Burrow
In the wild, animals often live together in the same burrow as Mongolian gerbils. This is around 11 inches (30 cm) under the ground and features passageways that can be up to 3-6 feet (1-2 meters) long. The hamster’s natural enemies include owls, foxes, falcons and weasels.
