The seriously injured girl suffered wounds to her neck and shoulder during the attack in northeast London.
Officers said she would probably be scarred for life.
Witnesses told how the girl's father repeatedly punched the animal in the head in a bid to save his daughter. She was screaming "mummy, mummy, help me".
The victim was taken to a hospital in Essex for surgery after the incident, which happened at about midday on Saturday.
Police arrived at the scene in Woodberry Way, Waltham Forest, shortly afterwards but the dog - described as a black and white bull terrier-type - and its owner had gone.
A 56-year-old man has since handed himself into police officers and is being questioned.
Scotland Yard said he walked into Chingford police station and was arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place.
Detective Sergeant Stuart Cheek said: "This was an appalling incident that left a young child with serious injuries which are likely to scar her for life.
"I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened, was in the area at the time of the attack, or has noticed anything since that might assist the investigation, to get in touch as soon as possible."
According to the Bull Terrier Club, the breed is generally considered "good natured and loving to all humans" but should not always be trusted with other animals.
Bull Terriers should also be kept on leads in public, the club says.
Several attacks on children have been attributed to bull terrier breeds in recent years.
In October last year a bull terrier type dog bit a six-year-old girl in the face in southwest London.
The youngster lost teeth and suffered a one-inch cut to her lip.
Anyone with information can call police on 020 3276 0967 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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