Bald hamster sleeping at the pet store lol

From a professional hamster breeder: (stormbrew hamstery, I don't know how to link so I copied and pasted, however I've read and see a view posts that say similar)

"Breeding hairless Syrians purposefully violates the codes of ethics of MANY hamster associations - including the National Hamster Council, IHANA and the Ontario Hamster Club.

Hairless hamsters have a myriad of special needs - skin issues, eyes issues, ensuring consistent temperatures, high enough protein, proper enclosures (some toys are not suitable for them). Many believe their health and immune systems in general are compromised - that is up for debate, however. Hairless females cannot lactate, so if they have a litter, it's a doomed litter where all the pups will die."

Its just not a trait that benefits them at all and can cause issues...like they have no fur to protect them and more likely to get scratched by bedding etc is a common one. German hamster boards even think having no fur affects their sense of touch. Obviously breeding them for pretty color is only for OUR benefit, but at least that doesn't affect them at all in captivity.

/r/hamsters Thread Parent Link - i.redd.it