This is the dramatic moment cows attacked a hiker and his pet dog on a hillside in China.

A group of mountaineers were strolling around the meadows along with two canines when they encountered a herd of bovine at Mount Wutai in Shanxi.

Footage shows the pet owner on the ground, covering his dog while the visibly agitated horned beast rammed them on August 20.

Meanwhile, the man in black can be seen rolling on the grass as one of the cows lunged at him.

He then stood up and threw rocks at the white cow headbutting the hapless pooch.

The animal eventually stopped and walked away to regroup with the herd.

Worried that the cow might come back, the hiker continued to shield the pup under him while their other colleagues stood nearby.

Local villagers warned that cows will step on dogs frantically if they hear barking, and the herd may stampede together.

An onlooker said: 'If you go to Wutai Mountain with a dog, you must not get close to the cattle. This is very dangerous. There were dogs that have been trampled and injured way back.'

Cows may act aggressively toward other animals or humans when they feel threatened, startled, or protective of their territory.