The long-eared hedgehog is a small and rather pale hedgehog, with short spines covering the upperparts of the body. Like other hedgehogs, these stiff spines, which are brown at the base and white at the tips, act as effective armour when the hedgehog rolls into a protective ball. The legs, feet and underparts are also whitish, the latter of which may be tinged with yellow. The long-eared hedgehog has a pale brown face, with a long, pointed snout and large, rounded ears, which appear somewhat whitish and translucent. The tail is short, but the legs are relatively long, which is particularly apparent when the hedgehog is trotting. The long-eared hedgehog produces a variety of vocalizations, including a snuffle, a cat-like hiss, and a growl when threatened.