How to Pick a Friendly Hamster

Picking a friendly hamster can be very difficult if you don't know what to look for. It's always a good idea to do some research before you get any pet, more so if it's for a kid. The problem is when you take a kid with you to the pet store, they usually are set on a certain color hamster, or size. While it's always nice to have a general idea of what you pet you want, it's not a good idea to be set in stone. I will explain why shortly. In the mean time prepare your child that the store may not have what he or she wants, and to be open to the thought of another color hamster. A friendly hamster, can be a hands on pet.

Hamsters are much like dogs when it comes to breeds, colors, and styles. Pure breed hamsters can be very temperamental, aggressive, and downright evil. Especially Black Bear Hamsters, and Dwarf Hamsters. Hamsters can't be tamed like some dogs can be, so don't place any hope that because you are a hands on pet owner, that over time they will grow to love, and adore you, as you do them. Dwarf Hamsters will always bite, Black Bear Hamsters will always be aggressive. You may find a rare one that would be the exception to the rule, but the chances are, it's not a pure breed, it's a mix breed.

The friendliest hamsters you will find, will be what is called "Fancy Hamsters" these are hamsters that are mixed with several breeds, example, a Black Bear Hamster and a Golden Hamster. Fancy hamsters can actually look just like the real pure breed hamsters, however their personalities are completely different. A prime example of this is how I breed my Golden Teddy Bear Hamster with my Black Bear Hamster, and got what even the "professionals" at the pet store swore was pure breed Golden Hamsters. So to be safe instead of sorry, stay with the idea of a "Fancy Hamster" for a friendly hamster. I know several pet shops that will only sell Fancy Hamsters because of how badly behaved pure breeds are. You can call the pet stores before going to see if they have any Fancy Hamsters in stock, as well as ask about their health.

If you are after a free hamster by a friend, or on Craigs List, ask about the parents, and use Google Search to look up images of hamsters such as Black Bear, Golden, Teddy Bear, and Dwarf, this way you know what the differences are. Also be sure to read my article on how to spot a healthy hamster.