Patagonian maras are the second largest members of the Caviidae family. Their longer ears, shorter tails, and larger size distinguish them from other species in this group. Patagonian maras are long-legged rodents with a body similar to a hoofed animal. Forelegs are significantly longer than in most other rodents with four digits, hindfeet have three, and each digit has a claw. Their coat is primarily grayish-brown, with a white patch on the chest and orange markings on the flanks and head. Their coat is stiff, dense, and extremely fine in texture.