Maschiff is a brown, quadrupedal, canine Pokémon, with a dark gray snout and underside. It has a layer of thick fat under its skin that protects it from attacks. Its paws have four toes each. It has yellow tufts of fur on its head and back; the head fur makes the appearance of a crest. It also has a long, yellow, brushy tail. Its head has droopy triangular ears with yellow insides, and black beady eyes below two protuberances on its forehead that seemingly give it a constant anxious expression. Its snout contains a rounded triangular orange nose and a large mouth, with strong jaws and sharp fangs that can crush boulders.

Maschiff always tilts its head and makes a big scowl to appear threatening, although the display is highly ineffective even towards children. It wears a grumpy expression as if to be taken seriously. Packs of Maschiff are said to be very close-knit.