Dugs were a sentient species who were recognizable for their unique gait; possessing four handlike feet, Dugs went about on one pair of feet, while the other feet, which also acted like a second pair of hands, hung in the air, giving Dugs an inverted appearance. Dugs had elongated snouts, which sometimes grew fleshy tendrils that gave off the appearance of having facial hair. Dugs could often be found with dark purple skin that dominated their bodies. Their front sides were often lighter in color, and their faces could contain reddish hues. At least one Dug, who resided on the planet of Coruscant, displayed green-tinted skin.

Their native habitat was desert or wastelands. Loose skin on the necks of Dugs inflated to make mating calls. Infant Dugs were known as pups. The human Alys Ongwa believed the pups were much cuter than their adult counterparts. The Dug Varb Tenart had multiple littermates and had around forty-eight pups.