Toddler bitten on face by dog needs 65 stitches

A toddler bitten by a golden retriever at a rural Wairarapa wedding on Saturday was going to pat the dog, according to a guest. The boy needed more than 65 stitches to his face, shoulder and arm.

Senior Constable Clyde Campbell of Featherston said police were inquiring into the attack on Jacob Rapira-Davies, 2 1/2, of Brisbane.

"Jacob reached out and the retriever snapped and bit out at him on the left-hand side of his face," Mr Campbell said.

A spokesman for the owners of the family pet said they were traumatised by the attack.