Scientific Name: Cricetus griseus
Size: 4 to 4.5 inches
Origin: Mongolia and northern China
Life Expectancy: 1.5 to 3 years
Temperament: Sweet and generally easy to care for, the Chinese hamster is willing to interact with people throughout the day, although it’s primarily nocturnal. It rarely bites unless it’s picked up unexpectedly or handled roughly. This is a solitary species that prefers to live alone rather than with a companion.
Varieties: In the wild, Chinese hamsters have hairs with alternate bands of light and dark colors, known as agouti. Their backs are dark brown, lined with a black stripe down the middle, and their bellies are white. Some Chinese hamsters have a white coat with patches of color.