The Iberian lynx portrays many of the typical characteristics of lynxes, such as tufted ears, long legs, short tail, and a ruff of fur that resembles a "beard".[13] Unlike its Eurasian relatives, the Iberian lynx is tawny colored and spotted.[14] The coat is also noticeably shorter than in other lynxes, which are typically adapted to colder environments.[15] Some western populations were spotless but are believed to be extinct.[13] Studies have been carried out on the configuration of spots and determining the degree of genetic diversity within the species.[16]
The head and body length is 85 to 110 centimetres (33 to 43 in), with the short tail an additional 12 to 30 centimetres (4.7 to 11.8 in); the shoulder height is 60 to 70 centimetres (24 to 28 in). The male is larger than the female, with the average weight of males 12.9 kilograms (28 lb) and a maximum of 26.8 kilograms (59 lb), compared to an average of 9.4 kilograms (21 lb) for females; this is about half the size of the Eurasian lynx.[11][17][18]
The Iberian lynx is a very specialized hunter that has certain adaptations that better their ability to skillfully catch and kill small prey. They have a foreshortened skull, which maximizes the bite force of the canines. Their muzzles are narrower, they have longer jaws and smaller canines than animals that feed on larger prey.[16]