Andalusian horses generally stand 15.2 and 16.2 hands (62 to 66 inches, 157 to 168 cm) high. They are at the same time elegant and strongly built. Members of the breed have heads of medium length, with a straight or slightly convex profile. Ultra convex and concave profiles are discouraged in the breed, and are penalized in breed shows. Necks are long and broad, running to well-defined withers; massive chests; short backs; broad, strong hind quarters and rounded croups. The breed tends to have clean legs and energetic gaits.

The mane and tail are thick and long. Andalusians tend to be docile, but also proud and sensitive. When treated with respect, they are quick to learn, responsive and cooperative.The movement of Andalusian horses is extended, elevated, cadenced and harmonious, with a balance of roundness and forward movement. Poor elevation, irregular tempo, and excessive winging (sideways movement of the legs from the knee down) are discouraged. Andalusians are known for their agility and their ability to learn difficult moves quickly, such as advanced collection and turns on the haunches.

When the Andalusian breed was first developed, all coat colors were found, including spotted patterns. Today, around 80% are gray. Of the remaining horses, approximately 15% are bay and 5% are black, dun or palomino or chestnut. Other colors, such as buckskin, pearl, and cremello, are rare, but are recognized as allowed colors by the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association.

There are two unique characteristics found on the Carthusian horse, which come from the foundation stallion Esclavo. The first is warts under the tail, a trait which Esclavo passed to his offspring, and a trait which some breeders felt was necessary to prove that a horse was a member of the Esclavo bloodline. The second characteristic that is sometimes, although not always, seen is the presence of "horns", which are actually frontal bosses, possibly inherited from Asian ancestors. The physical description of the bosses vary, ranging from calcium-like deposits at the temple to small horns near or behind the ear. The horns were not considered proof of Esclavo descent, unlike the tail warts.