A five-year-old boy has been left with severe face and neck injuries after being mauled by a Rottweiler and is expected to undergo surgery.

Officers from Lake Macquarie police district said the boy was bitten on the left side of his neck by the family dog at their home on Sunshine Parade shortly before 4.30 pm.

The 5-year-old was treated at the scene by two ambulance crews.

The family pet is said to be a Rottweiler-type breed and is now set to be euthanized. 

The boy was airlifted by Westpac Rescue Helicopter to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in western Sydney. 

According to the NSW Ambulance spokesman, the injuries the boy has could be life-changing. 

Police have secured the dog and launched an investigation into the attack in conjunction with Lake Macquarie Council.