Syrian or dwarf hamster?

Well luckily I have bred Campbell's Dwarfs which are a lot like Winter Whites and Syrians. I have had Robos and Winter Whites. Just not as many as the others. And a lot of the time Winter Whites are sweeter than Campbell's. From what you have said. I'd look at differences:

Syrians:

- The most obvious difference between Syrians and dwarfs is the size. Syrians average about 8 inches in length.

- They can also be short-haired or long-haired.

- Syrians are loners. They cannot be housed together unless they are young.

- A new experience. You haven't had them before.

- They live longer than Winter Whites.

- Would have to buy a new wheel and ball. Which can be expensive.

Dwarf (Winter White) Hamsters:

- Dwarfs often don't get longer than 3 to 4 inches.

- Dwarfs can live together or in small groups.

- Dwarfs tend to be more active than Syrians, but that activity level varies from hamster to hamster.

- Have had them before. Know how they are.

- You have everything you know is required for them.

Now yes the 10 gallon tank will be okay. That is what I use for my Syrians. Only one per a tank though. So you won't need to buy a bin. But if you do:

Bin cages are a cheap and easy way to make a highly-suitable living environment for all hamsters. Rather than spending $40+ on the atrocious Habitrail or Crittertrail lines (or similar set-ups), you could spend the same amount (or less!) on these wonderful cages. As another bonus, you don't have to worry about your hamster outgrowing the cage or tubing like you do with some pet store cages.

It should be at least 20 x 30 inches . This is the minimum comfortable size for one Syrian hamster or two dwarf hamsters.

Also I love both equally. I have had many of both. And I seem so see the Syrians are more loving and love to be held. But same goes with Dwarfs. My dwarf pair right now can never stop trying to get to me. Anytime I'm near the cage they will climb all over the place until I grab them. <3 Cute things! And my Syrians have always been in Tanks. You can buy things that attach to the top of the tank to make higher levels if you feel its a bit small. Though this could be expensive. Like this:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Pet-My-First-Home-...

When I first got hamsters I was 13. I had to beg my parents to help me buy some stuff. I learned so much. Like how to not get Crittertrail and Habitrail cages. Cause expensive and rip-offs. My hamsters always escaped!

Okay, well I think I'm getting a bit off topic. But I think I covered all your questions.

Hope I helped! x

They are both cute and great pets, but since you already have all the materials for a smaller hamster might as well buy a dwarf if you don't want to spend as much money, I agree with you, paying for a new cage and new materials for a 13 year old is pretty hard. However, if you feel like you want a Syrian more than a dwarf go to walmart or a local store near you, walmart sales gigantic bins for very cheap (a 10 gallon tank is quite small for a Syrian) and it only takes a 30-60min to build the cage, if you decide to go with that make sure to create a lot of ventilation sources, the bin should be at least 20-30 (or more) gallons.

Xx Best wishes

Dwarfs.

I used to have a syrian, she was VERY agressive & would attack me every time I put my hand in the cage. When she passed away a bought two little russian females from a pet shop and they are so lovely & sweet!

So if someone says females are more agressive, they aren't.. It all depends on the hamster itself! I would also reccomend Chinese hamsters (not technically dwarfs), I was going to get a girl one but if you don't mind testicals boys are nice too!

Syrian

Get a Syrian hamster the dwarf hamsters are super mean and there bite hurts very bad