We all have to make the best decisions for ourselves and our families. In more complicated cases, it could be moving to a new city or finding a specific job you like. Some decisions are much smaller, such as whether to eat the last piece of cake or save it for someone else.
In this case, you might ask yourself what kind of hamster you want, and you want to learn all the pros and cons of a Dwarf hamster. So, what are they, and what makes them more special than other hamsters, like the Syrian or Chinese?
There are quite a few pros and cons of Dwarf hamsters. Some great things about them are that they can live with other Dwarf hamsters, do not smell as bad as other breeds, and are great for people starting with a pet. Conversely, Dwarf hamsters are speedy (meaning you must be careful when letting them out), are more nocturnal, and some may be difficult to handle.
In this article, we will go more in-depth on what the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Dwarf hamster may be like. In most cases, you should have no problem owning one, but there may be a few concerns that you will want to look into.
We will also discuss a few commonly asked questions about Dwarf hamsters. For example, some might want to know if these hamsters are high maintenance, like cuddling, and how social they are. This article is your ultimate guide to discovering whether these animals suit you. We encourage you to continue reading for more information!
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Dwarf Hamster
The first thing we will discuss is the pros and cons of Dwarf hamsters, especially since the title is just that. We have developed this quick chart to show you for those in a hurry or need more time. If you want to learn information more in-depth, continue reading.
| Pros | Cons |
| Does not smell bad as other breeds | Some may be difficult to handle |
| Fun to watch | More active during the night |
| Does not take too much space | Extremely quick rodents |
| Uses much smaller toys | |
| You can let them live together (within reason) | |
| Beginner-friendly pet |
Pros
1. They Do Not Smell as Bad as Other Breeds
Although hamsters do not innately smell bad, some breeds will give off a specific scent gland when they are trying to attract the other gender sexually.
For example, males lick their scent glands to release more of their scent, and females have an unpleasant smell on the human nose. However, Dwarf hamsters do not have as strong of a scent, making it more pleasant to have them around than Syrian hamsters, for example.
2. Fun to Watch
No matter the breed, all hamsters are fun to watch. These little critters provide endless entertainment for you and your household to enjoy. They are fun to watch on the wheel, make burrows, chew on their favorite toys, and much more.
3. Does Not Take Too Much Space
Suppose you considered getting a dog or even a cat at some point. In that case, these animals can take up a lot of space. For example, a dog or cat might take your favorite spot where you like to sit in the living room or sleep on your bed.
Another example is if they get the zoomies while you are trying to relax or do dinner, they can often get in the way. On the other hand, hamsters will always remain in one spot unless you move them. They will stay in their cages, so you can easily clean up around them.
4. Much Smaller Toys
On top of taking up little space, hamsters (or rodents, in general) have much smaller toys than dogs. Not only that, but you will not find random puffballs or bones under your bed or couch, and all of a hamster’s toys can remain in one spot.
5. You Can Let Them Live Together (Within Reason)
The first thing to note is that hamsters are very territorial and do not necessarily like living with other hamsters. However, if you genuinely wish to get two, we recommend having them be Dwarf hamsters, as they are small enough to allow you to get a second one. There are a few things to keep in mind beforehand, however.
They are as follows:
- Know the genders beforehand
- Introduce them while they are young
- Observe their behaviors
- Have a big enough cage
- Provide them both with separate food and water
6. Better for Beginners
Hamsters can be excellent pets for new pet owners. They do not require much attention, but ensuring they get what is needed to make them happy and healthy (food, toys, digging areas, etc.) is wise. Also, hamsters live up to two years, so if you decide that owning a pet is not the best choice, you only have a couple of years to figure it out.
7. Does Not Require Much Attention
Suppose you have a high-demanding job (as an adult) and go to soccer practice each evening (as a teenager). In that case, you do not need to worry, as all hamsters do not require much attention. These critters can get enough exercise on their wheel and like being left alone, especially if they are hibernating or sleeping.
Cons
1. Some May Be Difficult to Handle
Some dwarf hamsters may bite, like Campbell’s Russian Dwarf hamsters. This could be due to them being startled or getting scared about something. If you handle them wrong, they will bite you often, but if you hold them gently and calmly, you should not have many issues. If you have younger children in your home who like barging into places, keep the door locked to ensure this does not happen often.
2. More Active During the Night
For those of us who are NOT nocturnal, you might be frustrated if the hamster starts spinning on the wheel at night or makes a bunch of noise. This is true when the hamster lives in your bedroom. Consider changing the exercise wheel to another brand or playing with it before you sleep to help reduce the noise.
3. Are Extremely Fast Rodents
Dwarf hamsters are speedy, so if you are playing with them and they accidentally land on the floor or even on the bed, it is essential to grab them quickly so they do not run into a corner or under a piece of furniture. If they are let out of their cages, it is also wise to invest in a playpen or make a hamster maze.
Are Dwarf Hamsters Hard to Handle?
Dwarf hamsters are generally very easy critters to handle. They are more tolerant than other hamster species and will hardly bite unless squeezed, startled, or jostled. Keeping your hamster near small children may not be the best idea. If you are a parent considering getting a hamster for your children or yourself, it is wise to wait until your child reaches a specific age to ensure they are careful with said pet.
Do Dwarf Hamsters Like to Be Petted?
Yes, Dwarf hamsters love to be petted, especially when appropriately socialized. These little fur babies are very friendly and enjoy you gently handling them, especially if you are their “pet parent.”
If you recently got a Dwarf hamster, they must adjust to their new surroundings, so provide them with enough space to get used to your scent and new home. Here is a great article on bonding with your new hamster.
Do Dwarf Hamsters Like to Be Cuddled?
Yes, many Dwarf hamsters like to cuddle with you. They thrive on human interaction and affection. You can show them their affection by gently stoking their coat and providing them special treats. It is essential to cuddle with them occasionally as the same cage, wheel, food, etc, can get boring after a while.
How Often Should You Hold a Dwarf Hamster?
It is wise to hold your Dwarf hamster daily when it is not sleeping or resting. This helps them have different stimulation and not remain in their cage all day. Not only that, but it will build better trust and bonding between you and the hamster. If you do it while it is sleeping, resting, eating, etc., it might stress them out. In that case, it is wise to monitor their behavior so it is convenient for them.
Are Dwarf Hamsters High Maintenance?
No, Dwarf hamsters are not high maintenance as they are relatively easy to care for. You can easily find food and enrichment for them, and they do not require much space. Also, hamsters do not smell strongly, so you will not have to worry about your room being smelly. Overall, hamsters can live in just about any home.
Final Thoughts
To summarize everything, Dwarf hamsters are excellent little critters perfect for being inside your house. The pros outweigh the cons; however, getting one is entirely your choice. We hope this article was helpful to you. If you have more questions about hamster care, please visit our other articles for further information.
