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The Light Grey mutation in the Syrian Hamster occurred in 1965 but it is unclear in which country it first emerged. The coat of the Light Grey hamster is light grey over the back and sides. The roots of the hairs are dark grey and these dark roots are often easily visible on the top of the head. The fur on the belly is creamy-ivory in colour but slightly grey at the roots and the light grey colouring of the back extends to a brownish-grey line across the chest. Along the side of each cheek there is a dark brownish-grey "cheekflash" which extends from under the chin up towards the ears and the creamy-ivory belly colour extends upwards below the cheekflash. The eyes are black and the ears are dark grey. The muzzle shows a distinct cream tint and the crescents are also cream which distinguishes it from the Dark Grey and Silver Grey.

Some Light Grey hamsters develop a brown tinge as they mature, and some may even a very brownish-grey at a young age - this is particularly so of Light Greys that have been breed from Dark Goldens.

The Light Grey can be combined with any coat type, and pattern to produce varieties such as Long Haired Light Grey, Light Grey Banded, Light Grey Dominant Spot Satin, etc.

For the show bench the Light Grey hamster should be a good light grey in colour, free from any browning and be evenly ticked with dark brownish-grey. The crescents should be a definite cream and the hamster should have an orangey-cream muzzle.

Agouti Colour Mutations  »