The woman died on Friday evening as her partner frantically tried to save her from two dogs.
Police and paramedics rushed to the scene at a home on Masefield Road, West Melton, Rotherham, but their brave efforts were futile.
The woman's boyfriend suffered horrific injuries to his face, hands and chest.
He is said to have been trying to pull the animals off her. He remains in custody.
Police took away two dogs. They are understood to be American Bully XLs – not a banned breed.
The incident took place at a home on Masefield Road, West Melton, Rotherham
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The dogs are understood to be American Bully XLs – not pictured
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A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "We were called to a property on Masefield Road in West Melton at about 10.15pm on Friday by a member of the public stating a dog had attacked himself and a woman.
"Officers attended with a Yorkshire Ambulance Crew and found a man, aged 42, with a potentially life-altering injury to one hand, plus injuries to his other hand, abdomen and face.
"He was transported to hospital for further treatment.
"The woman, aged 43, had been fatally bitten and despite the best efforts of emergency crews was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene."