An adult Syrian hamster is approximately 14–19 cm
in length and weighs approximately 114–140 grams.
Hamsters have thick compact bodies with short legs, a
short tail, large cheek pouches, and excess loose skin.
Dorsal flank glands, which are more prominent in
males, are another noticeable external feature. Flank
glands are sebaceous glands that are responsive to
androgens and used to mark territory. A reddish gold
dorsum with a grayish white ventral surface is the most
common coloration pattern of the short and smooth
haircoat found in hamsters purpose-bred for biomedical
research. The number of pattern mutant and coat
color genes observed in hamster colonies has increased