[Drago]

I'm quite biased as Syrians will always be my specialty, but I would go for a Syrian! I have always found Syrians to be much more docile, friendly, and easier to manage. I like that Syrians are large, which makes them easier to allow to free roam, and makes handling and monitoring them easier as well. The downside to Syrians, like you said, is that they need quite large cages. I'd recommend a 40 gallon breeder as a BARE MINIMUM, although it depends on the individual, and they generally need and want much larger spaces than just that. Buying more toys can be tough, but most chews are fine for Syrians, and when it comes to hides, cardboard boxes like shoeboxes can work perfectly for them to hide in. I've never really noted too much of a difference in genders, it really is down to each individual, at least that's with Syrians, but I assume it'd be the same in all species. All hamsters are great, but I'd always recommend a Syrian!