They
are part of the hamster family known as the Rat-like hamsters. The specimens
from which the current stock are descended are assumed to be a small group captured
near Peking in 1925. They
are part of the hamster family known as the Rat-like hamsters. The specimens
from which the current stock are descended are assumed to be a small group captured
near Peking in 1925. 
Their
natural range extends from northern China to Mongolia, Southern Siberia and
Manchuria and their habitat is that of the open, harsh countryside of
that region.The
life expectancy of pedigree Chinese hamsters ranges from 18 months to three
years or more.The
species of hamster we are talking about, Cricetus Griseus, or the 'Chinese Hamster'
lives up trees in the wild.
They
can be kept in single-sex pairs or colonies, however care must be taken, as
they are prone to scrap amongst themselves and sometimes need separating.Currently
only two colours exist- Normal and Dominant Spot. All Chinese are shown in the
Dwarf section of shows.