The great assortment of color and coat type in Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters is a relatively new thing.  Most of the varieties were discovered in the last 10 years.  In this space I will outline Campbell’s Dwarf Genetics. 

There are three types of genes Campbells Dwarf breeders track. They are genes for Color, Coat Type, and Coat Pattern. Color and Coat types are all recessive; Coat Patterns are dominant.

Recessive means that for the gene to appear, both parents have to contribute that gene to a pup.   Dominant genes only need to be passed on by one parent to show up in offspring.

If a recessive gene is pass to a pup by only one parent the gene is then said to be carried by that pup even though the phenotype (genetic appearance) is not of that gene.

I will get some pictures, symbols, and tables up in a few days.  For now I’ll just list the colors and types.   The first 6 colors are “single gene” entries. Following them are the combined multi-gene colors.

Sudo Color or Color Modifying Genes

Some people have confusingly referred to Platinum as “Pearl”.  The reason this is confusing is that Pearl is a dominant Winter White Dwarf pattern gene (call it a marking if you like, that’s still a pattern in my book.).  I believe like many others that it’s best to keep these two species as separate as possible.  Most Hamster enthusiasts have agreed to name Si, Platinum; the symbol for Winter White Pearl is Pe.  For this reason you’ll see no “Pearl” on my Campbell’s Dwarf page until such time as we actually identify a pearl pattern in Campbell’s.

There are other genes that have come to light recently.. many people have asked that they be added.  I have chosen not to add these until the genes have been fully tested and true symbols are agreed to.   I do appreciate those people who have attempted to keep me informed as to new developments.. I’m not trying to discourage input.