Hamsters are more than just elementary school classroom fixtures—you could adopt a pet hamster of your very own! There are over 20 hamster breeds in the world, but only about five breeds are routinely kept as pets in the U.S.

Learn more about the five pet hamster breeds and decide if owning a hamster is right for you.

Species Characteristics

Hamsters make great pets for owners looking for a quiet, low-maintenance companion. Most hamster species are nocturnal, meaning they are most active from dusk until dawn. Pet hamsters are also quite small, with the largest species weighing up to five ounces. Don't let a hamster's size fool you, however—the larger cage they have, the better.

Pet hamsters are incredibly light on their feet and can easily slip out of a handler's hands, meaning they should be handled often and with care to get them used to a human's touch. Many pet hamster breeds are social creatures who can cohabitate peacefully with hamsters of the same breed, especially if introduced to each other at a young age.

Note that pet hamsters typically have short life expectancies (1-3 years), so it's important to set realistic expectations when adopting a pet hamster for yourself or a child. It's also important to make sure you have a local veterinarian who can tend to the unique needs of a pet hamster prior to welcoming one into your home.