As a parent you might be a little hesitant about getting your child its first pet. They are a lot of responsibility, they can be expensive to feed, they might need a big back yard, and what about vet bills? These are all valid concerns, especially if you get a larger pet, but how about a hamster? They cost almost nothing to feed, very little to buy at the pet store, don’t need a backyard at all, and if they get sick and die, you can buy another one that’s identical. Plus, they are incredibly cute, naturally friendly, and only live about thee to four years on average, not a long-term investment. Here is some information about the various breeds of hamsters and what you can expect as an owner. There Are Actually 20 Breeds Of Hamsters But you’re unlikely to find all of them at the local pet store, in fact, few pet stores will have more than two or three. That’s because many hamsters are very similar, other than their colors, and not all of them are bred and sold to the local pet store. However, even though lots of them are similar, there is also a wide variance in sizes between some breeds, and some have different personality traits that are carried through the entire breed, not just one animal. First, The Syrian or Teddy Bear Hamster This is the most popular breed and the one that you’re most likely to find at the pet store. They are goldish-tan and white in color and you’ve probably seen one or more in your lifetime. They first came to the US when used as animals in the lab, but quickly found their way into people’s homes and hearts because of their cuteness.
