A customer was shocked when he ordered a 'Golden Retriever' online - only for a mongrel to turn up on his doorstep.

The man, named Mr Liu, paid the equivalent of 21 GBP for the pet pooch which was advertised as a pure breed Golden Retriever.

But when he opened the carboard package that the pup was shipped in, he realised he had received a golden-coloured tugou - a native Chinese dog breed often slaughtered for its meat.

Bizarrely, the pet dealer in Guangxi, southern China, who advertised the pup as a Golden Retriever later justified it by claiming that was simply the pup's name.

Stunned Mr Liu said he had come across an online ad from a pet store claiming they had a special offer on a golden retriever.

He was reportedly told that the dog had already received all its vaccinations and was on sale for CNY 200 (GBP 21) despite the breed usually selling for CNY 800 (GBP 85) to CNY 2,000 (GBP 215).

Persuaded by the low price, he immediately decided to buy it.

Although he was annoyed with the store, Mr. Li said that looking at the pup's innocent expression made him decide to keep it anyway.

He has even kept the puppy's name as 'Golden Retriever'.

The Tugou is a rare dog breed from China. It is a cross between the Tibetan Mastiff and the Shar Pei. Tugou dogs are known for their large size, thick fur, and wrinkled faces. They are also known for being loyal and protective dogs.