This family contains 7 Recent genera and 19 species. Males are about one-fifth larger and heavier than females. The pelage varies from gray to rich reddish brown.
Facial markings are often present, and the tail is usually ringed with light and dark bands.
The face is short and broad. The ears are short, furred, erect, and rounded or pointed. Each limb bears five digits, the third being the longest. The claws are short, compressed, recurved, and, in some genera, semiretractile. The soles are haired in several genera.