Phodopus has a robust body, prominent ears, and internal cheek pouches. The feet are short, broad, and densely haired throughout. Females have eight mammae. These hamsters appear to inhabit somewhat arid areas, where there is stiff grass on plains and sand dunes. They seem to be most active in the evening and early morning but somewhat active throughout the night.
Dwarf hamsters are quite clean.
Undoubtedly their feeding habits are somewhat like those of other hamsters, for they eat seeds and any available plant material. Observers report that they will fill their pouches, seemingly almost to the bursting point, with millet or grain seeds, distorting the shape of the body. Then, when teased or disturbed, or upon depositing the food in their burrows, they will push the pouches with their forepaws, thus causing the grain to pour out of their mouths. These animals are easy to tame, do well in captivity, and make good pets because of their interesting habits and amusing ways. They have a docile disposition and do not attempt to bite or run away.