Prairie dogs usually weigh between 1 and 3 pounds and generally exceed a foot in length. Their coloration is reddish brown that varies in shade. Distinguishing characteristics include tail colors that vary between white and black. Only five types of the rodent inhabit the United States, including Gunnison's, white-tailed, black-tailed, Mexican, and Utah prairie dogs. The prairie animals have short ears, small rounded heads, and large eyes.