Life expectancy: 1 1/2-2 years
Living requirements: SOCIAL- has strong dependance on cagemate(s) for companionship/entertainment.
Temperment: Scared/jumpy the first few days in new environment. Usually "warms up" to it's caregiver if handled persistantly in the first 2 weeks. Will need stimulation outside of it's cage once daily, but is better able to entertain itself than a syrian. Also, dwarves need to be handled often by caregivers. Dwarves who are not handled often will detach and become "wild" again. For more info on dwarves, CLICK HERE.
Life expectancy: 2-2 1/2 years
Living requirements: MUST LIVE ALONE
Temperment: Usually jumpy/scared while getting used to a new environment. Once tamed, will grow tamer with age, even if ignored. (ignoring NOT recommended!) Older syrian hamsters will often become bored with it's surroundings, and will become more attached and dependent on it's caregiver for entertainment. For more information about syrians, CLICK HERE.