The smooth coat is reddish-brown to chestnut, usually darker in males than females, with 8–12 well-defined vertical white stripes on the torso. The colour of the male's coat darkens with age. According to zoologist Jakob Bro-Jørgensen, the colour of the male's coat can reflect the levels of androgen, a male hormone, which is highest during rutting. Comparing the subspecies, "T. d. derbianus" is characterised by 15 body stripes, smaller size, and a rufous colour, while "T. d. gigas" is larger, a sandy colour, and has 12 body stripes.