[KatiePillow]

I think hybrids can have shorter life spans, I lost my sandy to something wrong inside her, so I'd prefer to buy a breeder hamster, or rescue in future (because with a rescue you don't necessarily expect a two year lifespan)

Sandy and Pillow are hybrids, and they both are pretty much ok compared to my old hamster alfie

His limbs weren't the right length for his body, his head was the wrong shape, he went blind, had cateracts, had numerous eye infections, a stroke, a tumour (which I think spread throughout his body). His life was full of struggles, and although he was the most wonderful little man, I would never want another hamster to struggle that way, that's why hybrid breeding isn't recommended. They make beautiful pets, but you don't know how their children would turn out. And if you breed pets and their offspring is unwell, then you're condemning their pups to a life of misery.