
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Phodopus sungorus 'Pearl'
A Djungarian colour in which the fur is white from the root. It is caused by a dominant gene and keeps dark tips and a stripe; unlike the seasonal winter coat, it stays white all year.
Pearl white (pearl) is a Djungarian or winter white dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) colour caused by a mutation that makes the fur white from the root. The gene is dominant, so a single pearl parent can produce pearl pups. On a normal background the tips of the fur stay dark and the black dorsal stripe is clearly visible; combined with sapphire the tips fade and the animal looks almost pure white, sold as snow white or sapphire pearl. It is easily confused with the wild winter coat: as days shorten, wild animals moult into white fur, but pets living under indoor lighting usually do not, and any whitening reverses in spring. Pearl is genetic, so the animal is white in every season. Its black eyes also separate it from the red-eyed albino. Breeding pearl to pearl is to be avoided; pups are said to be unborn, stillborn or short-lived. In Japan it is a standard colour alongside normal, sapphire and pudding and is always available in pet stores.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Djungarian Hamster (Pearl White) lives About 1–3 years in captivity, sometimes longer.
The Djungarian Hamster (Pearl White) grows to Head and body 7–9cm, tail 0.5–1.5cm; 19–45g (males), 19–36g (females).
The ideal temperature for the Djungarian Hamster (Pearl White) is 18〜26℃. Ideal humidity is 40〜60%.
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Phodopus sungorus 'Pearl' (Pallas, 1773)
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Phodopus sungorus
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
It is not regulated under CITES, the Invasive Alien Species Act or the specified-animal rules; animals on sale are bred in Japan. Never release captive animals into the wild.
Sources: Species+ CITES query (not listed) / Ministry of the Environment: Invasive Alien Species list, incl. species requiring a species-name certificate (JA)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Origin
Steppes from Kazakhstan to Siberia, Mongolia and northern China (wild species); the colour itself was developed in captivity
Lifespan
About 1–3 years in captivity, sometimes longer
Size
Head and body 7–9cm, tail 0.5–1.5cm; 19–45g (males), 19–36g (females)
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Omnivore; hamster pellets as the staple, with small amounts of vegetables and seeds
Fur white from the root, with dark tips and a visible stripe; with sapphire it looks almost pure white. Black eyes distinguish it from red-eyed albinos.
Wild Djungarians moult into a white winter coat as days shorten, but indoor pets usually do not, and it reverses in spring. Pearl is genetic and stays white all year.
The pearl gene is dominant. Pearl-to-pearl pairings should be avoided; pups are said to be unborn, stillborn or short-lived.
Care is the same as for a normal-coloured Djungarian: bedding at least 10cm deep, a nest box, a solid-surface wheel and a sand bath.
Aim for 18–26°C and 40–60% humidity. Below 10°C or above 30°C is life-threatening, so the room needs air conditioning most of the year.
No difference in temperament by colour is known. Tames easily but varies a lot; keep singly.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Djungarian Hamster (Pearl White) is 18〜26℃. Recommended humidity is 40〜60%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Djungarian Hamster (Pearl White) is About 1–3 years in captivity, sometimes longer. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Djungarian Hamster (Pearl White) typically reaches Head and body 7–9cm, tail 0.5–1.5cm; 19–45g (males), 19–36g (females) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Djungarian Hamster (Pearl White) feeds on: Omnivore; hamster pellets as the staple, with small amounts of vegetables and seeds. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Djungarian Hamster (Pearl White) varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: October 2, 2026