The expression says a dog is a man's best friend - you can now add 'life-saving' to that mantra.

A dog named 'Poncho' has been dubbed a four-legged hero, after performing CPR on his handler.

It happened as part of a demonstration in Madrid on Monday.

Poncho checks for a pulse | Image: Facebook/Policía Municipal de Madrid

Poncho is part of the canine unit of the Madrid Police.

The police say the dog did not hesitate for a second in "saving the life" of the agent.

A demonstration saw the officer lying down and playing dead, when Poncho came running over and started jumping on his chest.

Wearing a flashing blue police light, the puppy also leaned over the officer's neck to check for a pulse.