It is found in China and Mongolia, and lives in burrows beneath desert shrubs.

Cricetulus sokolovi was previously attributed to C. barabensis obscurus, but was elevated to species status in 1988 due to differences in its chromosomes and fur.

Its ears are the same color as its fur, with a dark grey spot in the inside middle.

[4] Sokolov's dwarf hamster prefers to live in burrows built under desert shrubs in sandy areas.

[5][6] In Mongolia, its main geographical threats are droughts and the drying of water sources.