A Golden Retriever is being hailed a hero for leading an ambulance to its unconscious owner in north China.

The dog's owner had collapsed in a small alleyway in Yuncheng, Shanxi province last Wednesday and local residents alerted emergency services.

Dashcam footage shows the loyal dog waiting for the ambulance in the middle of the road before running away, prompting rescuers to follow it.

Dashcam footage shows the dog waiting for the ambulance in the middle of the road before running away, prompting rescuers to follow it. The dog finally led the ambulance to its owner

The dog's owner had collapsed in a small alleyway in Yuncheng city, Shanxi province last Wednesday and local residents alerted emergency services. His loyal pooch saved him

One of the rescuers, Jiang Xu, told video news site Pear that the dog kept looking back at the ambulance to see if it was following it.

'After making sure we were following it, the dog then picked up speed and started running.'

The faithful retriever finally led the rescuers to a crowd surrounding the unconscious owner outside his home.

The owner was collecting bottles at a neighbour's home when he suddenly collapsed on the ground in the narrow alleyway.

Many net users were moved by the dog's devotion after the news went viral on social media

One of the rescuers, Jiang Xu, told video news site Pear that the dog kept looking back at the ambulance to see if it was following it. Then it started running and leading the way to its owner

Jiang said the man had passed out from drinking too much and had been treated in hospital. The owner's son is currently taking care of his father.

Many net users were moved by the dog's devotion after the news went viral on social media.

'How did the dog recognise an ambulance? That's just amazing!' one comment on Weibo read.

'Such an smart and loyal guardian angel!' Another user said.

Last August, a loyal pup in north China's Heilongjiang province refused to leave its owner's side after she passed out on the street, prompting paramedics to make a special exception and allow the pet to board the ambulance with her.