Several features unite the species within this group, notably the skull structure, dentition (closely resembling fossils from 12 million years ago), and presence of solid horn cores. The preorbital glands are well developed in most species: they are composed of a spherical mass of glandular tissue located in front of each eye. These glands secrete a sticky black substance which is carried by a central duct to a circular patch of bare skin. The opening of this duct is covered by a purse-like fold of skin which can be opened wide during the deposition of secretions.

The Neotragini have traditionally been grouped together on the basis of small body size (all species weigh less than 30 kg); all genera also possess "primitive" characteristics. However, following molecular analysis, this classification seems to be erroneous. While most of the dwarf antelope are closely related, the genera Neotragus and Oreotragus, while clearly within the Aegodontia, do not have clear evolutionary affinities with any subfamily, including the Antilopinae. Indeed, it has been proposed that both of these genera are unique lineages, and may have diverged from other bovids during the early Miocene. Oreotragus is a specialized rock-dweller, inhabiting kopjes and cliffs adjacent to savannahs.

All are selective feeders and rarely (if ever) need to drink. Short, vertical, spike-like horns.