Maltese and a swimming pool

I'm looking to purchase 2 maltese. I have a swimming pool and Im worried about the pool. DO the dogs like the water. will they have to be supervised while they are out side. I want to use a doggie door but Im afraid that the puppies might want to take a dip.

• The first 2 Maltese we ever had loved the water. We lived in Florida at that time and had an inground pool. We also had a "doggie door" off of our "Florida room". They were always in the water on hot days as we had very wide steps that led into the pool. Two days before Christmas we were getting ready to head north to visit with the family and were calling for them out the front of the house. After about 15 minutes, we went to the back and there they both were, drowned in the bottom of the pool. Termite was 3 and Tiny was only two. A horrible experience. We sold the house shortly thereafter.
  Jay

• I like Jay know of sad experiences with a swimming pool. Fortunately is was not me. Friends had an adorable Lhasa puppy 7 months old, pointed that, while visiting friends in Arizona, was put out in the morning to piddle. No more than five minutes later they went looking for him and found him on the bottom of the pool. Tried CPR to no avail -- it was also heart breaking for them also.

  I do have some friends in Florida that breed and show Yorkies and have a pool. They have had no problems. But they have put up a security fence around the pool and no one goes out there with out constant adult supervision. To be on the safe side they had low wide walk out steps installed in the shallow water and they have worked with the dogs teaching them how to get out of the pool by way of the steps. And they do it. This is something to consider if you decide to go ahead with the purchase of a dog. Just remember that these "hairy" breeds were not made to be water dogs -- with all their coat they can become water-logged very fast and sink (drown!!) not like the labs and goldens, etc. that can deal with the water much better.
  Bobbie

• Jay, What a tragic story. I don't know when this happened to your and your family, but I can hear that the pain is still there. I am so sorry. I know how I'd feel if anything happened to my Lucy.

  Even though it is clearly painful, thanks for sharing that story because I know I thought all dogs could swim, that it was just second nature, and I'm sure I'd never have given it a thought. Friends of mine have a little Maltese, Annie, and a backyard pool, so I am going to tell them about your babies. Thank you.

• Jay, my heart goes out to you! As for Maltese & pools in general, I live at an apartment complex & we have to walk by the pool to go to the mail room & I know I have to watch my sweet dolly cause she often doesn't pay attention where she is walking & will cut over the corner edge of the pool, I just know that one of these days she's going to go in!
  Patty