The species is known for its longevity with lifespans of hundreds of years. They resemble real-world wolves although they share some characteristics with lions. They have bright red-orange fur, and the end of the their tails hosts a burning flame whose the significance is never explained. The species has been seen wearing adornments similar to Native Americans, such as face-paint, beads, and feathers, with Red XIII's equipment notably being headdresses. Though they are equally as intelligent as humans, with the ability to speak with perfect grammar, there is no evidence of the species creating a civilization, except for possibly Cosmo Canyon. The flame of Cosmo Canyon, said to burn eternal to protect it, may be connected to their flaming tail.