[2] Its common name derives from its having first been described by Johann Friedrich von Brandt, a director of the Zoological Department at the St Petersburg Academy of Sciences.

Brandt's hedgehog is approximately the size of the West European hedgehog (about 500–1,000 g (18–35 oz) in weight and 25 cm (9.8 in) in length), but has distinctively large ears (similar to the long-eared hedgehog), and is a much faster runner, due to lighter needle protection.

[citation needed] The first and only study of the Brandt's hedgehog histological skin characteristics found three layers of skin the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis;[3] while previous studies of other hedgehogs sited only two.

[4] Brandt's hedgehog prefers arid desert areas and mountains.

It often uses natural shelter, although it is still capable of digging dens when absolutely needed.