This coloration, combined with their lithe build and longer tail, makes them look "mousy" to some eyes and, in fact, they are members of the group called ratlike hamsters.

Chinese hamsters can be quite nervous as youngsters but, once they are tamed, can display an endearing calm and gentle character.

One of their endearing habits is clinging to a handler's finger with all four paws – rather like a harvest mouse on a corn stalk.

Some U.S. states, such as California and New Jersey, regard the Chinese hamster as a pest or an exotic animal, and require a special permit to own, breed or sell them.

As yet, there are only three colour varieties among domesticated Chinese hamsters:[4] Normal and dominant spot are readily available in the pet trade throughout the United Kingdom, whereas the black-eyed white is extremely rare; only a few are owned by hobbyist breeders in the U.K.