So what is a golden hamster and why is it so popular?  The golden hamster is a small rodent, measuring, in a good specimen, about six to 7 inches and weighing, when fully adult, three to four half ounces.  It resembles a miniature bear; it has fur that is dense and sleek, of a deep, rich gold color and any undercoat which ranges from medium to dark gray, according to the shade of the top coat.  The belly fur, although originally light gray, is becoming very much whiter in present day hamsters, while the head, which was once narrow and skinny, is growing shorter through selective breeding.  The cheeks carry bands that are flashes; and a dark broadband sometimes runs completely unbroken across the chest.  The tale is short and stubby and is approximately one third to 1/2" long.  The large ears set wide apart and healthy eyes are bright and bold.  The eyes express a lively curiosity which seems to be the characteristic of this fascinating animal

On each side of its face, extending from the cheap back to the shoulder, the hamster is employed with an unbelievably elastic pouch that is not connected with the digestive organs.  The skin is so extremely loose and pliable that the animal can be lifted or held by a fold of the skin.  The front feet are somewhat like hands.  The back legs and feet have three functions: they carry the hamster on all fours, support his way in a sitting position, and enable him to move backwards.  The third function is useful in the native habitat for the hamster needs to retreat into his burrow.