I'm trying to decide on a hardwood for my new build. To go in most of the first floor including the kitchen, dining room, and study, but the family room will be carpet and obviously the laundry and bathroom will be tile. I have a 4 month old baby and a small 10 lb dog, with the possibility of one more of each sometime in the next few years :-) I'm going for a casual, lived-in, clean and modern without being too contemporary vibe.

I'm looking for a medium to dark toned wood without significant red tones, thought our builder is pushing brazilian cherry. I have an oak phobia. I love walnut and I have a few walnut furniture pieces but it's too pricey and soft for what I want. I got a sample of acacia from Build direct and it looks really nice.

Is it hard enough to stand up to kid(s) + dog(s)? We don't wear shoes in the house.

Will a handscraped finish wear better than a smooth finish?

WIll the short pieces be a problem?