Members of this genus range in size from 80 to 125 mm (head and body) and weigh 15–47 grams (Nowak, 1999).

Unlike the silky pocket mice (genus Perognathus), most species of the genus Chaetodipus have harsh pelage with some bordering on spiny hair.

They tend to be found in arid habitats where they feed on seeds, vegetation, and insects (Nowak, 1999).

Females give birth to a litter of 2–9 young after a gestation period of just under a month.

The longest recorded life span is 8 years and 4 months (Nowak, 1999).