Paramedics called out to the death of a 14-month-old girl, who was mauled by a family pet in Gippsland, worked on her for close to two hours before she died at the scene.

Emergency services were called to a home at Neerim Junction, about 120 kilometres east of Melbourne, about 6.30am on Thursday.

Key points: The child was attacked by a German wirehaired pointer

The child was attacked by a German wirehaired pointer The dog was surrendered by the owners and was euthanased

The dog was surrendered by the owners and was euthanased The local mayor says the child's family moved to the area about three months ago

Victoria Police Sergeant Dean Waddell from the Warragul station said the girl and her mother were alone in the kitchen when the attack happened.

The girl's father had left a short time ago and her two siblings, aged 9 and 13, were in their rooms.

The family had only recently moved into the community.

"For whatever reasons, the dog has attacked the child. We don't know why," Sergeant Waddell said.

The girl's mother pulled off the dog, a German wirehaired pointer, but sustained injuries to her hand and leg in the process.

She then began CPR on her daughter.

"She's tried everything to save her child," Sergeant Waddell said.

The girl suffered injuries around the back of her head and both sides of her neck.

When paramedics arrived at the scene, they spent close to two hours treating the girl before she died.

"Obviously severe injuries and being a young child, they go that extra mile," Sergeant Waddell said.

He said her parents were devastated.

"It's just an absolute tragedy," he said.

"We've all got young kids and we're gutted."

The dog was voluntarily surrendered and put down by the local council on Thursday afternoon.

Police will now prepare a report for the coroner.

Sorry, this video has expired Authorities seize dog responsible for death of a 14-month-old girl

'We'll be here to help'

The local mayor said the child's family moved to area around three months ago, and despite being new to the region, the death would be felt by locals.

"Any death in the community is not great — when it's a young child, I think it's even harder for the community to take," mayor Joe Gauci said.

The council has set up a centre at a local hall for anyone needing support.

"We'll be here to help [the community] out in any way that they want," Cr Gauci said.

Paramedics tried to save the girl, but she died at the scene. ( ABC News )

"It's all happening on the fly at the moment, to be perfectly honest, and we'll adapt as we need to, and make sure that everyone is okay."

Cr Gauci said it was the first time such an attack had happened in the Baw Baw area.

The tragic death has triggered a debate over the safety of children around dogs.

Brad Griggs, a dog behavioural specialist who has worked with first responders and government, told the ABC's PM that dog bites would never be wholly prevented.

"As long as dogs live among us as our friends, as our companions, there are going to be dog bites in society," he said.

"In terms of mitigating risks, we need to look at what's going on before an incident occurs.

"When it comes to children and dogs we need to understand that children make mistakes and dogs make mistakes. When you bring them together a very small mistake can produce a horrible outcome."

Mr Griggs said a dog's genetics, environment and situation played the biggest influence on its behaviour.

He urged people to exercise vigilance when it came to dogs.

"Appropriate supervision means the adult needs to be eyes on the dog, that doesn't mean watching the dog and then turning away for 30 seconds," he said.

"If they're not eyes-on they can't be said to be appropriate."

The American Kennel Club describes German wirehaired pointers as sporting dogs, which are "naturally active and alert" and "make likeable, well-rounded companions".

"With his sporty weatherproof coat and can-do attitude, the noble German wirehaired pointer is a versatile, sturdy gundog who thrives on outdoor activity," the club says on its website.

"Around the house, the GWP is an eager, affectionate, and amusing family companion."