The Axis deer is often considered the most beautiful cervid. Both male and female have striking reddish-brown coats marked by white spots arranged in undisciplined rows along their sides. They have a black dorsal stripe and white bib on their neck, white inner legs, stomach, and under-tail. Heights range from 29 to 39.5 inches. Mature weight is from 145 pounds to 250 pounds.
Males have antlers which they shed annually.
Bucks are larger bodied than does with thicker necks and broader chests. Axis deer eat mostly grass. They will eat some weeds and acorns, when available. Like Texas lambs and calves, Axis do well on winter wheat fields and put on harvestable lean meat weight gain. Axis will drink from troughs and tanks.