Chinese Hamster
Library
All about Chinese hamsters. All in one place.
Chinese Hamster Library
All about Chinese hamsters. All in one place.
Species Info
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Chinese Hamster Genetics
The genetic material, DNA, is made into individual blocks of information, or genes. A collection of genes is known as a chromosome. Chinese hamsters have 22 chromosomes.
Genes provide information to the cell about building a specific feature, such as coat pattern. The gene for the dominant spot pattern sits at on a specific area of the chromosome. Each area can contain only one gene for that feature, i.e. either a ‘spotty’ (Ds) or a ‘non-spotty’ (ds) gene.


Chinese Hamster Gene Codes
Normal: dsds
Dominant spot: Dsds
Black eyed white: DsDs

What are the Chances?
If you pair two Chinese hamsters, what are the likely colours you will see in the litter?
Both normal parents: 100% normal
One normal and one dominant spot parent: 50% normal and 50% dominant spot
Both dominant spot parents (from BEW lines): 25% normal, 50% dominant spot and 25% black eyed white
Both dominant spot parents (not BEW lines): 33% normal and 66% dominant spot in a smaller litter
One normal and one black eyed white parent: 100% dominant spot
One dominant spot (from BEW lines) and one black eyed white parent: 50% dominant spot and 50% black eyed white
These are probabilities of what to expect in a litter. What proportions you actually get in a specific litter are not guaranteed. Chinese hamster genetics can be frustrating even when the odds are in your favour!