Head to head
Chinese Hamster vs Syrian Hamster
Chinese Hamster
VS Syrian Hamster
The Chinese hamster and Syrian hamster are both scientifically and domestically important hamsters, yet they differ in build, origin, and legacy: one is a slim striped-back species from northern China and Mongolia, the other a larger pet hamster from Syria.
| Chinese Hamster | Syrian Hamster | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cricetulus griseus | Mesocricetus auratus |
| Build | Slender, mouse-like body with a pointed face and a tail longer than most hamsters | Larger hamster |
| Native range | Northern China and Mongolia | A small part of Syria and southern Turkey |
| Habitat | Steppe and semi-desert | Dry grassland, steppe, and farmland edges |
| Lab and pet history | Used in research since the early twentieth century, and its ovary cells, called CHO cells, help produce many biological medicines | Nearly all pet and laboratory animals descend from one mother and litter caught near Aleppo in 1930 |
| Social life | Not specifically documented | Solitary and territorial, and does not do well housed with other adult hamsters |
| Cheek pouches | Carries seeds back to its burrow in cheek pouches | Large, elastic pouches stuffed with food and carried to its burrow |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Vulnerable, with wild populations declining |
Chinese Hamster vs Syrian Hamster: common questions
What are CHO cells?
They are cells derived from the ovary of the Chinese hamster, and they are widely used to manufacture many modern biological medicines.
Which hamster is the ancestor of most pet hamsters?
The Syrian hamster, since nearly all pet and laboratory Syrian hamsters descend from a single mother and her litter captured near Aleppo, Syria, in 1930.
Where do the Chinese hamster and Syrian hamster come from?
The Chinese hamster is native to steppe and semi-desert in northern China and Mongolia, while the Syrian hamster is native to dry grassland in a small part of Syria and southern Turkey.