Fallow Deer vs Chinese Water Deer
Dama dama and Hydropotes inermis
Comparison notes
Field marks and practical differences
Fallow Deer (Dama dama) are larger, measuring 140 to 170 cm in body length and weighing between 30 and 100 kg. They are commonly found in forests, grasslands, and urban parks across the UK. Their coat varies seasonally, often spotted or paler in summer, and they have broad, palmate antlers in males. When identifying fallow deer, note their size and distinctive antlers, which set them apart from smaller deer species. In contrast, the Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis) is much smaller, with a body length of 80 to 105 cm and weight around 11 to 14 kg. They lack antlers entirely; instead, males have prominent curved tusks visible above the upper jaw. Their sandy-brown summer coat turns greyer in winter, and they prefer dense, wetland habitats with reeds and tall grass. Due to their shy nature and preference for thick cover, they are less often seen, but their unique tusks and smaller size help distinguish them from fallow deer in the field.
Size stats
Compare species by wingspan and weight
- Body length
- 140 - 170 cm
- Weight
- 30 - 100 kg
- Body length
- 80 - 105 cm
- Weight
- 11 - 14 kg
Habitats
Where they live
Diet breakdown
What they eat
- Plant matter90%
- Fruits & seeds7%
- Fungi3%
- Plant matter90%
- Fruits & seeds5%
- Insects5%
Species notes
Descriptions and photographer notes
Fallow Deer
Chinese Water Deer
The Chinese Water Deer is a small, sturdy deer best known for not having antlers at all. Instead, the males have noticeable curved tusks that stick out from the upper jaw, giving them a unique look compared to other deer in Britain. Their fur is a sandy-brown colour in summer, which becomes thicker and greyer during winter, with a pale belly. Their ears are quite large and rounded. They come from eastern China and Korea, but now there are groups living in parts of eastern England and in various places around the country. They like areas with thick plants, especially places with reeds, tall grass, and overgrown waterside areas. They can also be found at the edges of woods and on farmland, as long as there is enough cover. They mostly live alone and are active at dawn and dusk. Because they are shy and prefer to stay hidden in thick bushes, they can be hard to spot.