Dauer pikas are herbivorous animals that feed on the roots, stems, leaves of plants, or the seeds of crops.

The Daur's pika is medium in size, relatively stout, The head is large, the outer ear shell is oval, and the snout is short. Summer hair is short and sparse, and the back is sandy yellow, khaki or sandy brown, with some fine black hairs interspersed. Winter hair is long and dense, and the back is sandy-yellow brown from muzzle to base of tail.