my uncle has wide board hickory throughout and 2 golden retrievers, other than some scratches it is a great surface, especially to clean!

thank you so much for your input. :)

I have had hardwood floors in my kitchens (in two houses) for the last 25 years and LOVE them. In our current house the white oak floors in the kitchen are original, from 1920, and are still going strong. We have a son and two rambunctious dogs (young aussies). I'm sure many previous owners gave them hard usage, as well as some refinishings, and they've lasted beautifully. BTW: lighter and medium-toned stains wear better and show dirt and dog hair dust bunnies less than darker stains.

Yes, I vote for hardwood too. If you can afford it, go for it!

White Oak will hold up very well if your pups keep their nails neat and trimmed :-)