Standards

(Much of the following text first appeared in the BHA Standards feature written for Hamsters Galore)

Standards are a set of rules for the measure of quality. Regarding the hamster hobby, standards establish a model animal, considering its type, fur, size, condition, eyes and ears, and color and markings. Even for owners who do not or cannot show their hamsters, there are reasons to know and use show standards:

• Standards are written to espouse the ideal. A well-formed animal has beauty which is valued in its own right.
• Temperament and health are included in the standards. Sometimes it is assumed that show standards deal only with looks. They don't, and this part of the standards is important for all hamsters without exception.
• Standards provide a selection tool. For anyone who will be breeding their hamster it only makes sense to produce good quality stock. Whether you're choosing from a tank in a pet store or selecting your next breeding animal from a litter, using the Standards will help you make the best decision.
• Standards give us a common language so we can communicate about our hamsters without confusion.

Of course, there are situations where the employment of standards is ill-advised. These arise when the needs of the hamster supercede any consideration of its traits. For instance, adoption of a rescue should under no circumstances be contingent on any aspect of the Standards. Also, a breeder can and should use standards to select future breeding stock from litters, but standards should never be employed to send an unwanted pup to a less than adequate home, if it has no other place to go. It must be kept and cared for, no matter how "substandard" it is.

The British Hamster Association (BHA) Show Standards have been in use since the organization formed in 1992 (though the BHA disbanded in 2007). They were modified from the National Hamster Council (NHC) Standards which are over 50 years old. Today the two sets of standards vary more in wording than in substance. Other countries (mostly in Europe where the hamster fancy is strong) have similar standards. In the U.S., some clubs have adopted the BHA system while others have written their own. We believe that it is in the best interest of hamster fanciers to employ one international set of standards for show. For IHANA's purposes, not being a show club, either set can be used fruitfully as a reference. The Midland Hamster Club has published the NHC Standards on their website where they are readily accessible.

Read the BHA Exhibition Standards

Note: This is a link to an Intenet Archive

Read the NHC Exhibition Standards

Note: Scroll to the bottom of the page to the "Information on the Different Species" section, select one to view and navigate through the Standards for that species.