The teddy bear hamster is a variety of Syrian hamster with a long, luxurious coat of fur. Teddy bear hamsters are among the most popular types of hamster for many small pet owners, being prized for their soft and furry appearance.
Whats in the name? There are many different names for teddy bear hamsters, which is one of the reasons that many people encounter confusion about this type of hamsters. A teddy bear hamster may also be referred to as a Syrian hamster, a long-haired hamster, an angora hamster, a long-haired Syrian hamster, or sometimes even as a “fancy” hamster (though some pet stores may use this term for short-haired hamsters as well).
Gender Coat Differences: Both male and female teddy bear hamsters have a long, soft coat of fur that is characteristic of their variety. However, the male teddy bear hamster grows a slightly longer “skirt” of fur that extends around the back portion of their body, above the hips. This is sometimes referred to as being the classic look for a teddy bear hamster. However, females are not necessarily without a unique coat type. Some female teddy bear hamsters will grown tufts of fur that extend from the shoulders, or may grow a small skirt of fur slightly shorter than that of male teddy bear hamsters.
Size: Teddy bear hamsters can grow to be up to five inches in length, though this is slightly influenced by diet, genetics and the size of their cage. However, due to their fluffy coat of fur, a teddy bear hamster does appear to be slightly larger than average. In the hamster family, the teddy bear hamster is referred to be the second-largest species.
Grooming: Due to the length of their fur, a teddy bear hamster may require a bit of extra care when grooming. To prevent the coat of your teddy bear hamster from becoming matted, be sure to use a gentle brush to work out any tangles. In addition to this, be sure to choose a bedding material that will not easily be caught in a teddy bear hamster’s fur.
Health Issues: Just like other hamsters, teddy bear hamsters have a fairly short lifespan, usually from 2 to 3 years. The main health problem that teddy bear hamsters encounter is loose stools, or diarrhea. This can be a dangerous condition for any hamster, and may even be a symptom of “wet tail”. Wet tail is a dangerous health condition, usually proving fatal without prompt treatment.
