The Chinese water deer can grow up to 22 inches at the shoulder, 3.3 feet long, and weigh up to 31 pounds.

Similar to antlers, the males have longer canines. A male Chinese water deer can have canines that grown between 2-3 inches long while a female’s is only 0.2 inches long.

They do have a tail but it is only about 3 inches long and is usually hidden under its fur.

The Chinese water deer’s coat is a golden brown color with white on their neck and stomach but will change to a grayish-brown in winter.

The powerful hind legs of the Chinese water deer are longer than the front legs so the haunches are carried higher than the shoulders, which make their running look more like quick rabbit-like jumping.

As its name implies they are originally from China but can now be found in the United States, Argentina, United Kingdom, and France. Chinese water deer have been spotted near rivers, mountains, grasslands, swamps, and more. The other subspecies, the Korean water deer, is similar to the Chinese water deer beside its place of origin.

Despite the large fangs, the Chinese water deer is an herbivore. They are most active during the mornings and evenings, usually looking for food in pairs or alone. Even though they have a four chambered stomach, the pillars are not well-developed so the Chinese water deer must eat vegetation low in fiber but high in fats, protein, and carbs. Some plants they like to eat are herbs, shrubs, flowers, and more.

Mating season for Chinese water deer is between November and December where one male will mate with several females on his territory. Once pregnant, the female can carry up to 7 young for 6-7 months, which make them the most prolific of all deer; however, 2-3 fawns are more common. The fawns can stand up an hour after birth and have a spotted coat with some stripes to provide them with camouflage. The Chinese water deer fawns will be hidden in vegetation for up to a month before coming to join the mother out in the open. 

The Chinese water deer has tusks instead of antlers, which has given it the name “vampire deer” in English-speaking areas.

If a predator is chasing the Chinese water deer on land they can head to water. These deer are excellent swimmers and have the ability to swim for several miles without tiring.