Welcome to The North Texas Hamster Association!

 Yes. You do need to be a breeder to join the North Texas Hamster Association. Anyone interested in becoming a breeder, ethical hamster care, education, and connecting with other breeders is welcome to register. 

 You can submit a registration request through our Contact or Apply for Certification page. Once received, we’ll provide the next steps for your membership.

 Breeder members receive:

• NTHA certification
   
• Directory listing
   
• Advertising exposure
   
• Standards backing
   
• Peer network
   
• Support and guidance

• Initial inspection fee: $50/one time payment
   
• Membership fee: $35/year
   

Visit our Certified Breeders page. All breeders listed there meet NTHA ethical standards and are located in North Texas or surrounding areas. 

In most cases, yes. While some breeders may specialize in particular colors, NTHA standards prioritize welfare and temperament over cosmetic traits. A good breeder will discuss care and suitability, not just aesthetics. 

 The most commonly kept hamsters include:

• Syrian hamsters
   
• Campbell Russian dwarfs
   
• Winter White Russian dwarfs
   
• Roborovski dwarfs
   
• Chinese hamsters
   

Each has different size, behavior, and care needs.

 Recommended minimum floor space:

• Syrian hamsters: at least 360 square inches of continuous floor space
   
• Dwarf hamsters: at least 250 square inches of continuous floor space
   

These are minimum standards; more space is better for welfare and enrichment

 Generally:

• Syrian hamsters: Must be housed separately outside of controlled breeding; they are territorial and will fight.
   
• Some dwarf breeds: Roborovski, Campbell, and Winter White dwarfs may be housed together if same sex and introduced properly, but only if space and enrichment are adequate.
   

Careful supervision and safe housing are essential.