Protoceras ('first horn') is an extinct genus of Artiodactyla, of the family Protoceratidae, endemic to North America.

It lived from the Oligocene to the Early Miocene 33.3—16.0 Ma, existing for approximately 17 million years.

[1] Protoceras was 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) long and resembled a deer in terms of body shape.

Males probably used these horns for display, impressing females, or intimidating rivals.

Due to the orientation of the horns the males probably displayed them sideways instead of frontally.