The tufted deer resembles a muntjac in look, but due to its longer neck and legs, it appears a little leaner. The coarse, nearly-black coat has short, stiff hairs that are dark brown in the summer and almost black in the winter. White is present on the cheeks, ear tips, and undersides of the tails. On the forehead and upper neck, there is a tuft of brown to black hair with a horseshoe form that can grow up to 17 centimetres (6.7 in) in length.

The canines on the males of this deer species resemble fangs, which may be its most remarkable characteristic. These have a maximum length of 2.6 centimetres (1.0 in), and they occasionally grow longer.[4] Although it is a small deer, the tufted deer is still bigger than most muntjac types. Its height at the hip is between 20 and 28 inches and its weight ranges between 17 and 30 kilogrammes. (37 to 66 lb).[5] The tail is only about 10 centimetres long. (3.9 in). Only males have antlers, and they are very short and nearly invisible due to the animal's lengthy tuft of hair.

The tufted deer is primarily located in China, where it can be found from the eastern coast to eastern Tibet in the southern regions. The country's deep south is devoid of it. Northeastern Myanmar has historical records of this species, but recent surveys have turned up nothing, probably because the preferred habitat has not been thoroughly surveyed.[1] The tufted deer lives in high, moist woodlands near the tree line, 500–4,500 metres (1,600–14,800 feet) above sea level. It can be found in woods that are both evergreen and deciduous, have a substantial understory, and are close to freshwater sources. The existence of this animal is also helped by the presence of salt licks. This deer can tolerate light human disruptions and is sometimes seen in cultivated areas.

Because it cannot sustain 90% gene variety for 10 generations, the tufted deer is a member of the association of zoos and aquariums' Yellow Species Survival Plan programme. The programme intends to work on ex situ[8] populations by expanding the number of exhibit spaces in zoos and ensuring that animals can breed in order to stop the loss of gene diversity from continuing. In spite of the fact that captivity significantly aids in the conservation of this species by facilitating interbreeding and gene diversity, the tufted deer population was previously declining in captivity due to lack of interest in the species.[8]