Species Guide
Comprehensive breed profiles covering appearance, personality, size, lifespan, and care difficulty for each small pet breed.
Guinea Pigs
(5)Abyssinian Guinea Pig
The Abyssinian guinea pig is one of the most distinctive breeds, known for its rosetted coat that creates a wild, tousled appearance. Active, bold, and entertaining.
8-12 inches
5-7 years
Active, bold, curious
American Guinea Pig
The American guinea pig is the most common and recognizable breed. Short, smooth coat, gentle temperament, and easy care make them ideal for first-time owners.
8-12 inches
5-7 years
Gentle, friendly, social
Peruvian Guinea Pig
The Peruvian guinea pig has the longest coat of any breed, often reaching 20 inches. Stunning but high-maintenance — best for experienced owners who enjoy grooming.
8-12 inches (body); coat up to 20 inches
5-7 years
Calm, gentle, docile
Skinny Pig (Hairless Guinea Pig)
The Skinny Pig is a nearly hairless breed of guinea pig with distinctive wrinkled skin. Friendly, social, and unique — but with special care needs including temperature control and skin protection.
8-12 inches
5-7 years
Very friendly, social, active
Teddy Guinea Pig
The Teddy guinea pig has a dense, plush, upright coat that makes them irresistibly soft to touch. Affectionate, easy to handle, and one of the best breeds for families.
8-12 inches
5-7 years
Affectionate, calm, easy to handle
Hamsters
(7)Campbell's Dwarf Hamster
Campbell's dwarf hamster: a small, energetic breed with varied coat colors. More active than Syrians, best for experienced owners.
3-4 inches
1.5-2 years
Active, curious, fast
Chinese Hamster
The Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) is a unique, mouse-like pet hamster with a calm temperament. Less common but rewarding for dedicated owners.
4-5 inches
2-3 years
Calm, shy, bonds closely with one person
Dwarf Hamster
Dwarf hamster types compared: Winter White, Campbell's, Roborovski, and Chinese. Complete guide to choosing, housing, feeding, and caring for dwarf hamsters.
2-4 inches
1.5-3.5 years (varies by species)
Varies by species
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
The Roborovski dwarf hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) is the smallest and fastest pet hamster breed. Best suited as a watch-only pet for experienced owners.
2 inches
2-3 years
Fast, skittish, watch-only
Syrian Hamster
The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most popular pet hamster breed. Friendly, docile, and easy to care for — ideal for first-time owners.
5-7 inches
2-3 years
Friendly, docile, solitary
Teddy Bear Hamster
The teddy bear hamster is a long-haired variety of the Syrian hamster. Fluffy, friendly, and slightly higher maintenance. Complete care guide for this popular breed.
5-7 inches
2-3 years
Friendly, docile, solitary
Winter White Dwarf Hamster
Winter White dwarf hamster: a friendly, compact breed known for its winter coat color change. Great for owners wanting a handleable dwarf.
3-4 inches
1.5-2 years
Friendly, social, easy to tame