The second and fifth digits are reduced in size or are absent. The first digit is absent. Metatapodials of the third and fourth digits may be fused into the cannon bone . All digits terminate in hoofs. Cheek teeth occur in all families.
Upper incisors are absent in Ruminants.
Upper canines are frequently lost or reduced in size. The digestive tract varies in size and complexity, relating to the vegetable diet. Artiodactyls are native to all parts of the world's land surface except Antartica, oceanic islands and the Australian region.