Spur-thighed tortoises get their name due to their spurs on the upper thighs, next to the tail. They are often confused with Herman's Tortoise, which looks very simular, but the Herman's tortoise do not have the spurs.

Males differ from females in 6 main points. Firstly, they are generally smaller. Their tails are longer and taper to a point evenly, and the cloacal opening is farther from the base of the tail. The underside is somewhat curved, while females have a flat shell on the underside. The rear portion of a male's carapace is wider than it is long. Finally, the posterior plates of the carapace often flange outward.

Immediately after waking from hibernation, the mating instinct starts up. Male Spur-thighed tortoises especially have a very energetic life due to the fascination of searching for that perfect female companion. The male will follow the females with great interest, encircling them, biting them in the limbs, ramming them, and trying to mount them. During copulation, the male opens his mouth, showing his red tongue and making squeaking sounds. During mating, the female stands still, bracing herself with her front legs, moving the front part of the body to the left and right in the same rhythm as the male's cries. One successful mating will allow the female to lay eggs multiple times.