This is the heartwarmimg moment a toddler leaned on a Golden Retriever as she learned to stand.

Linen, the adorable young girl wearing a headguard, attempted to balance on her own in front of her parents using Sanji, the family's well-behaved pooch, as a trusty support in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand.

Footage shows the child, dressed in a floral frock and wearing a foam head protector, clutching the fur of the five-year-old canine sitting on the tiled floor on June 21.

She then managed to pull herself upright, prompting cheers from her proud mother and father.

Her dad then rewarded Sanji with affectionate pats for his calm and gentle behaviour, as Linin sat beside him before crawling excitedly around the room.

Yosawadee Juranath Phokhin, the child's mother, said: ‘Sanji has always been a gentle dog towards our daughter. He loves spending time with her and is very protective.

'Sanji has been a big help for our baby. Even though we think he might be a little worried about his fur being pulled, he never stops looking out for Linin and is always concerned that she might fall or get hurt.'

Golden Retrievers are widely recognised as one of the most family-friendly dog breeds.

Experts said that the breed is naturally calm, patient and tolerant, making them less likely to react aggressively to small children. They often form strong bonds with young family members and will even act protectively, staying close and attentive.