Dinictis had a sleek body  long, short legs  high with only incompletely retractable claws, powerful jaws, and a long tail. It was very similar to its close relative, Hoplophoneus.
The body of Dinictis was sleek and long, while it possessed short legs that were high on the body, equipped with only incompletely retractable claws. Its powerful jaws and a lengthy tail made it resemble its close relative, Hoplophoneus.