Guide to Syrian Hamster Varieties: Colors, Coats, and More

Syrian hamsters, also known as golden hamsters, are among the most popular small pets worldwide. These furry creatures captivate us with their adorable looks, playful personalities, and endearing nature. 

But did you know that Syrian hamsters come in a wide range of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and charm?

In this article, we will explore different Syrian hamster varieties, delving into their distinct traits, colors, and patterns. 

The Classic Golden Syrian Hamsters

Classic Golden Syrian Hamster

Let’s start with the classic golden Syrian hamsters, the original and most common variety.

These charming hamsters have a beautiful golden coat that can vary in shades, ranging from light sandy to deep reddish-gold.

Their fur is short and dense, giving them a plush appearance. And they have short adorable tails, just like most Syrian hamsters.

With their round bodies and bright, beady eyes, golden Syrian hamsters are an absolute delight to behold.

Black Syrian Hamsters

2_Black Syrian Hamsters

These beautiful Black Syrian Hamsters boast a stunning coat of solid black fur, which sets them apart from their golden counterparts.

Their jet-black coloration is a result of a genetic mutation known as melanism. With their striking appearance, black Syrian hamsters make a bold and unforgettable statement.

Dove Syrian Hamsters

Dove Syrian Hamster

Next on our list are the elegant dove Syrian hamsters.

These beauties showcase a soft and delicate coat color reminiscent of the gentle hues of a dove’s feathers.

Their fur is a pale, creamy gray, exuding an air of sophistication and grace.

The subtle coloring of dove Syrian hamsters makes them truly enchanting and a favorite among hamster enthusiasts.

Cinnamon Syrian Hamsters

Cinnamon Syrian Hamsters

The cute Cinnamon Syrian Hamsters have a warm and inviting cinnamon brown coat, resembling the rich tones of this beloved spice.

Their fur color is evenly distributed throughout their bodies, creating a charming and harmonious appearance.

With their lively and energetic personalities, cinnamon Syrian hamsters will surely bring joy and amusement into your life.

Tortoiseshell Syrian Hamsters

Tortoiseshell Syrian Hamsters

The unique Tortoiseshell Syrian Hamsters showcase a captivating blend of two or more colors, creating a mesmerizing mosaic-like pattern on their fur.

The combination of black, brown, and orange patches results in an eye-catching display of beauty.

Each tortoiseshell hamster possesses a distinct and one-of-a-kind coat pattern, making them truly remarkable.

Satin Syrian Hamsters

Satin Syrian Hamster

The luxurious satin Syrian hamsters! These hamsters have lustrous and glossy coat that shimmers in the light, giving them a satin-like appearance.

The satin gene affects the structure of their hair, resulting in a sleek and shiny texture. With their elegant sheen and silky touch, satin Syrian hamsters are a true delight to the senses.

Albino Syrian Hamsters

Albino Syrian Hamster

Say hello to the adorable albino Syrian hamsters.

These little darlings possess a pure white coat and striking red or pink eyes.

The absence of pigmentation in their fur and eyes results from albinism, a genetic condition. Albino Syrian hamsters have a unique charm and stand out from the crowd with their ethereal beauty.

Their pristine white appearance is captivating, even though it might spook off some people!

Sable Syrian Hamsters

Sable Syrian Hamster

The Sable Syrian Hamsters boast a warm and rich brown coat accentuated by black-tipped hairs, giving them a distinct and eye-catching appearance.

The combination of brown and black creates a beautiful contrast, adding depth and texture to their fur.

Sable Syrian hamsters give a sense of charm and allure, making them a popular choice among hamster enthusiasts.

Panda Syrian Hamsters

Panda Syrian Hamster

The panda Syrian hamsters are a variety that truly stands out with their unique markings.

These hamsters feature a predominantly white coat with distinct patches of black around their eyes, ears, and sometimes bodies.

The panda-like appearance of these hamsters is where they get their name. 

Long-Haired Syrian Hamsters

Long-Haired Syrian Hamster

The beautiful long-haired Syrian hamsters are also known as teddy bears or angora hamsters.

These beauties boast luxurious and fluffy coat that is longer than that of their short-haired counterparts.

Their fur is soft and silky, giving them a cuddly and huggable appearance. Long-haired Syrian hamsters come in various colors, including golden, black, and tortoiseshell, among others.

Their striking mane-like fur makes them irresistible and a favorite among hamster enthusiasts seeking a special companion.

Rex Syrian Hamsters

Rex Syrian Hamster

Rex Syrian hamsters are known for their unique and captivating curly or wavy coat.

This distinctive characteristic is a result of a genetic mutation known as rexing. The rex coat texture gives these hamsters a charming and fluffy appearance that differentiates them from other varieties.

With their soft and curly fur, rex Syrian hamsters are a delight to pet and cuddle. Their playful and friendly nature makes them wonderful companions for children and adults alike. If you’re looking for a Syrian hamster with an extra touch of cuteness, the Rex variety is sure to steal your heart.

Roan Syrian Hamsters

Roan Syrian Hamsters

Roan Syrian hamsters display a fascinating coat pattern that combines patches of white with another color, resulting in a speckled or mottled appearance.

This unique coloring creates a stunning and eye-catching effect on their fur. The roan variety offers a delightful blend of colors, making each hamster truly one-of-a-kind.

With their charming and distinctive coat pattern, roan Syrian hamsters make for wonderful pets that will stand out in any hamster household!

Grey Syrian Hamsters

Grey Syrian Hamster

Grey Syrian hamsters are known for their beautiful and striking coat coloration.

Ranging from light silver to darker shades, their grey fur exudes elegance and sophistication. The neutral tone of their coat adds a touch of uniqueness to their overall appearance.

If you’re looking for a Syrian hamster with refined and understated beauty, the grey variety is a perfect choice.

Dominant Spot Syrian Hamsters

Dominant Spot Syrian Hamster

Dominant Spot Syrian hamsters exhibit a unique coat pattern with a distinct and dominant spot of color on their body.

This spot can appear anywhere on their fur, creating an eye-catching and individualistic look.

With their striking coat pattern, dominant spot Syrian hamsters will capture attention and stand out from the crowd.

Mink Syrian Hamsters

Mink Syrian Hamster

Mink Syrian hamsters boast a striking coat color that resembles the rich tones of mink fur.

Their fur exhibits a deep and lustrous shade, often with a warm brown undertone. This unique coloring adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to their appearance.

Mink Syrian hamsters have a refined and charming demeanor, making them captivating pets for those seeking a hamster with a luxurious coat. 

Agouti Syrian Hamsters

Agouti Syrian Hamster

Agouti Syrian hamsters showcase a natural and wild-type coat coloration.

Their fur is banded with multiple colors, typically shades of brown and black.

This agouti pattern gives these hamsters a rustic and untamed look, resembling their wild ancestors.

If you’re fascinated by the natural beauty and untamed charm of hamsters, the agouti variety will surely capture your heart.

Related Questions

Let’s now go over a few related questions to the different species of hamsters.

Do Hamsters Come In Black And White?

Yes, hamsters come in black and white! The Black Bear hamster has a black coat with white markings, resembling a black bear.

The Panda hamster has a predominantly white coat with black patches around their eyes and ears.

These color variations give them their unique names. While not all hamster breeds exhibit black-and-white coloring, hamsters come in various colors, patterns, and coat types. If you’re specifically looking for a black and white hamster, consider the Black Bear or Panda varieties. 

What Is The Rarest Color Of A Syrian Hamster?

The rarest color of a Syrian hamster is Lilac or Lavender.

These hamsters have a unique and captivating coat color that is a light, soft shade of purple-gray. Enthusiasts highly seek after the Lilac hamsters due to their rarity and distinctive appearance. 

Their beautiful coloration makes them stand out among other hamster varieties. If you want a Lilac Syrian hamster, you should contact reputable hamster breeders or dedicated hamster communities who can guide finding these rare and fascinating creatures.

Why Does My Syrian Hamster Have Red Eyes?

Don’t worry if your Syrian hamster has red eyes! It’s actually quite fascinating.

Those red eyes are a result of a condition called albinism, which is a genetic trait. In albino hamsters, the absence of melanin, the pigment responsible for coloration, gives their eyes a unique red or pink hue.

It’s like having little rubies for the eyes!

Having red eyes doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your hamster. In fact, it adds to their charm and makes them stand out from the crowd. So, embrace their uniqueness and love them just the way they are.

Remember, albino Syrian hamsters are just as healthy and happy as their counterparts with different eye colors. Give them the love, care, and attention they deserve, and enjoy the beauty of their striking red eyes. Your adorable little friend is one of a kind!

Summing It Up

The world of Syrian hamster varieties is a captivating and diverse one.

From the classic golden hamsters to the mesmerizing black, elegant dove, playful cinnamon, striking tortoiseshell, luxurious satin, adorable albino, charming sable, striking panda, and exquisite long-haired hamsters, each variety brings its own unique charm and beauty to the table.

Whether you are drawn to the elegance of the dove hamsters or the boldness of the black hamsters, there is a Syrian hamster variety to suit every preference.

Remember, each hamster, regardless of its variety, deserves love, care, and a nurturing environment to thrive and live a happy and healthy life.

So, whether you’re enchanted by the classic golden, mesmerized by the black, or captivated by any other Syrian hamster variety, embrace the magic and joy that these delightful creatures bring. 

Be sure to check our Care Guide For Syrian Hamsters before you!

And if you’re still undecided, check the differences between a Syrian Hamster and a Dwarf Hamster, to see which one is the best fit for you!