Dwarf Genes

Chinese Genes

The Chinese hamster isn't really a dwarf but is usually discussed with the Dwarfs because of their rarity. There are two genes for the Chinese and are both White Patterns. The color is the same as for non-pattern color. The genetics are the same except for the pattern genes.

Campbells Dwarf Genes

Agouti Colors | Self Colored | White Patterns | Coat Types

Agouti Colors are based on the wild (agouti) coloring of the hamster. The belly color runs from ivory to off-white. The hair shaft has two to three colors on it. There is a dorsal stripe.

Agouti Colors | Self Colored | White Patterns | Coat Types

Self Colored are the same color on the belly as the back. The hair shaft is one solid color. There are usually white faults of white paws and a white chin that sometimes extends to a zipper as far as the genitals.

Agouti Colors | Self Colored | White Patterns | Coat Types

Colors should be the same as for non-pattern colors. The genetics are the same except for the pattern genes.

There are other patterns that show up now and then. Brindle has shown up in CA but could not be reproduced. Mosaic also shows up. Mosaic is a single patch of color that is missing one of the genes from the main body. So a mosaic Dove would have a Black or Argente patch.

Agouti Colors | Self Colored | White Patterns | Coat Types

Coat types can be combined with any color. Satin tends to darken the color.

Agouti Colors | Self Colored | White Patterns | Coat Types

1. Albino and REW mask all colors. BEW masks all black eyed colors. All three mask all white patterns.
2. Only expresses itself with Platinum to make BEWs and REWs.
3. Homozygous form is an eyeless, toothless mini-white that dies by weaning.
4. Homozygous form is lethal except when combined with the dilute gene. Fetus dies in utero and is absorbed by the mother resulting in a reduced litter size.

Winter White Dwarf Genes

Agouti Colors are based on the wild (agouti) coloring of the hamster. The belly color runs from ivory to off-white. The hair shaft has two to three colors on it. There is a dorsal stripe.

Colors should be the same as for non-pattern colors. The genetics are the same except for the pattern genes. There is also a Mosaic pattern. This is a random pattern.

1. Homozygous form is lethal - fetus dies in utero and is absorbed by mother resulting in reduced size of litters.

Hybrid Dwarfs

There are only two hamster species that can interbreed: Campbells Dwarf and Winter White Dwarf. There are problems associated with these matings and the offspring. While I'm not totally convinced it is a bad thing to create Hybrid Dwarfs, I don't see any real need to breed Hybrid Dwarfs. The problems for the hamsters and the public outweigh any possible benefit to creating Hybrid Dwarfs at this time.

Roborovski Dwarf Genes

There is only one gene for Roborovski Dwarfs and that is a White Pattern. The color is the same as for non-pattern color. The genetics are the same except for the pattern gene.

Surfing the net I've found reference to a couple more possible mutations. White Spot puts a small white spot on the back of the head of the animal. The other gene is being called Platinum. The animal starts off light colored and with each molt eventually turns white. This sounds less like a white pattern and more like the Gerbil Schimmel gene.