The History of the Chinese Hamster

[Maz]

There isn't that much information about the History of the Chinese Hamster (official name Cricetulus griseus or Cricetulus barabensis griseus). They originated in North East China. Apparently it was first reported being sold as a pet in 1900 in Beijing. Sadly, being mouse-like, they were historically used for medical experimentation and didn't find their way into the European pet market until the 1960s. They have been quite rare in the US, but maybe not so much recently, with them being banned in certain US states.

Information is from the two links below - Wikipedia and the ElizabethTown Veterinary Hospital. There is also an in depth post about Chinese Hamsters by Elusive below.

A little info about Chineseys

Some info on Chinese hamsters for anyone who would like to know a little more about them, a bit of a mix of general facts & my own personal experience really. Appearance Chinese hamsters are more mouse like than other species being longer & slimmer in shape, I’ve never managed to measure one...

www.thehamsterforum.com

Chinese hamster - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Chinese Hamster - Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital

HISTORY The Chinese Hamster, which originated in northern China and Mongolia, belongs to the group of hamsters with rat-like characteristics. This breed was first reported and sold as a pet in Beijing in 1900. Used primarily as lab animals, they were later used at the Peking Union Medical...

elizabethtownveterinaryhospital.com

 

[Socks' Mum]

Completely fascinating!