The dwarves of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth are beings of short stature and stocky build. Dwarf males always sport long beards. (Whether dwarf females always wear beards is a matter of some speculation and debate.) Dwarves mine precious metals throughout Middle-earth and are known as skilled stoneworkers and smiths. Their gruff appearance and demeanor belies their ability for superb craftsmanship.

Dwarf females make up a significantly smaller percentage of the dwarf population. Typically sheltered and overprotected by dwarf males, females are rarely seen in Middle-earth. Dwarf males devote themselves to their work and rarely take wives. Because of this, the race of men maintains a legend that dwarves grow out of stone.

The dwarves were created by Aulë the Smith, who created the Seven Fathers of the dwarves, from whom all other dwarves are descended. However, Aulë did not have the power to grant independent life (or free will) to his creations--this power belonged to Ilúvatar (the All High Father or Father of All, as defined in Tolkien’s The Silmarillion). Ilúvatar spoke to Aulë and agreed to give the dwarves life. Because of this, they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar. While they are not immortal, they are long-lived, often surviving 250 years or more.

The Dwarven language, called Khuzdul, was created by Aulë. The dwarves keep their language secret. Because of this, Khuzdul is a strange tongue to most men and elves. However, one Dwarven phrase is well known: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!" which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!" Dwarves are known as stalwart melee combatants, with the axe being their favored weapon.

Dwarves often have amiable relations with hobbits, but they are generally distrustful of elves. While they are usually not as corruptible as men, dwarves are certainly not above greed.