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An elderly family dog stayed by the side of a three-year-old girl after she got lost in the Australian bush for more than 15 hours.

Loyal Max, who is 17 years old, deaf and partially blind, led police to toddler Aurora after she wandered off into Queensland's Southern Downs, ABC News reported.

The young girl went missing from her home at about 3pm local time on Friday and by Saturday morning 100 police officers and volunteers were desperately searching for her.

She was found safe and well with Max, who has been declared an honorary police dog, at 8am.

Queensland Police tweeted: “SUCH A GOOD BOY, MAX! He stayed with his 3-year-old human who was lost near Warwick last night while we frantically searched for her.

“For keeping her safe, you're now an honorary police dog.”

Aurora’s grandmother Leisa Bennett found the little girl when she heard her crying out from the top of mountain.

She told ABC News: “When I heard her yell 'Grammy' I knew it was her.

"I shot up the mountain ... and when I got to the top, the dog came to me and led me straight to her.”

State Emergency Services area controller Ian Phipps said Aurora and Max were found about two kilometres from the house, still on family property.