Pudding Hamster

Pudding Dwarfs arise out of many years of very controversial cross-breeding between the Campbell's Dwarf Hamsters and the Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamsters. These are the only two hamster species that are closely related enough to inter-breed.

Pudding Dwarfs have the following characteristics:

1. Coat and Dorsal Line
A very light skin pigmentation from birth to 3 days old. At birth, their dorsal line is flesh coloured, clearly visible and distinct from baby hamsters of other colours. As they grow, they sport increasingly bright orange-gold coat from three days. Their dorsal line at this time may already have darkened from yellow to light brown. As they age, their coats fade in tone whilst their dorsal line remains. This is different from a Campbell's silvering or a Winterwhite's turning pearly white in winter.

The popularity of Pudding hamsters and their ability to live happily alongside their Winterwhite counterparts have led to further dilution (some say "un-doing") of the uniquely bright-golden coat.

Yellow Puddings and Pearl Puddings are now able to be purchased in certain shops.

In the next post below are some visuals for comparison purposes. If you possess a uniquely coloured Pudding hybrid and wish to share, please contact one of us so we can include your photo.

2. Fur Density
A Pudding's fur is similar to a Campbell's as it is a lot denser and thicker than in a Winterwhite. However, it is possible to have pudding-coloured babies with less dense coats from a Pudding and a non- or half-Pudding.

3. Face Shape
A Pudding Dwarf tends to have a rounder face shape than a Winterwhite. This comes from the Campbell gene.

4. Size
Depending on the quality of the genes of the hamster, a Pudding Dwarf can grow up to more than twice the size of a Winterwhite or one and a half times the size of a Campbell's Dwarf. Some badly-bred animals may become stunted at the size of a juvenile Campbell (which is why there are so many warnings about attempting to do your own cross-breeding!).

5. Eyes
In Pudding Dwarfs, their eyes are always black. Red-eye Puddings are not impossible, but these are not as desirable. (All Winterwhite Dwarfs have black eyes. Any Winterwhites carrying red eyes have been bred from Campbell ancestors.)

6. Disposition
Pudding Dwarfs are usually clumsy, some more so than others, again this depends on the quality of their genes. Some walk with a lilt and some turn aggressive (due to the violent gene in some Campbell strains). If you do acquire these animals, it is advisable to not breed from them or of them, as the babies will inherit these traits as well. Generally, however, it is possible now to acquire pleasant and intelligent Pudding Dwarfs from reputable breeders who take effort to ensure their breeding lines are free from badly formed or agressive animals.

7. Health
As hybrids, many, many possible health problems plague these animals. Glaucoma, and diabetes (which may lead to blindness and organ failure) being top of the list. Pudding Dwarfs are also very susceptible to infections and skin ailments. Anyone intending to purchase a Pudding Dwarf ought to be ready to take his or her hamster to the vet if the need arises.

Source: Flickr