Charolais are a breed of French beef cattle. They are large, light-colored animals with a medium to large frame size.  Charolais have a pink muzzle, pale hooves, and a short, broad head. They can be horned or polled. Charolais were originally bred for draft purposes, but are now primarily used for beef production and crossbreeding. They are considered to be one of the oldest French cattle breeds, and originated in the Charolais region of eastern France. The breed was recognized around 1775.