Winter White Dwarf Hamster

WINTER WHITE DWARF HAMSTER

Family: Cricetidae
Genus: Phodopus
Gestation: 18-21 days

Often referred to as the Siberian Hamster, the Winter White was introduced in the early 1970's. Although currently less common than the Campbells DwarF, they are rapidly increasing in popularity. Because of the unique ability to change colors (from dark grey to white) as a winter camouflage in the wild, they have earned the title of Winter White. Around 1988, a mutation appeared in the Winter Whites— a pure white top coat with black guard hairs, grey ears and black eyes. This is now commonly referred to as the Winter White Pearl. At about the same time, the SAPPHIRE appeared with it's smokey grey top coat (with a slight blue tinge). Again, the eyes are black and the ears a soft grey. Crossing the Sapphire to the Pearl creates a Sapphire Pearl. 

Winter White Dwarf Hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus )  are very small, measuring only slightly over three inches and weighing less than an ounce. Their average lifespan is 1.5-2 years.