ObjectiveTo obtain the nucleotide sequence of the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of Cricetulus griseus to provide molecular data for mitochondrial disease models. MethodsThe complete mitochondrial genome of Cricetulus griseus was sequenced with 27 primers and their PCR amplications, the genomic structural characteristics and gene mapping were analyzed, and to discuss the phylogenetic relationship among 5 rodent species whose complete mitochondrial genome sequences are available in the published databases. ResultsThe complete genome contains 16 283 base pairs and encodes 37 genes,including 13 protein-coding,2 ribosomal RNA and 22 transfer RNA genes. The base composition for the four nucleotides is 33.53 % A, 30.50% T, 12.98 %G and 22.80% C. ConclusionsThe genome of Cricetulus griseus is very similar to that of other vertebrate mitochondrial genomes. Some of the protein-coding regions and the tRNA genes are highly homologous to those of other rodents. The evolution tree built from the homology of 5 kinds of laboratory animals is consistent with the traditional taxonomic results.