I don't think it's necessarily where, but the manufacturer of the sofa. I have a Hancock Moore Kent Chesterfield sofa, and even my three dogs can't hurt it. When I first bought it and one jumped up, I held my breath, but it's their 'protected leather' and there are absolutely NO claw marks. The one I have is pictured in the link below, and they also have it in a three cushion version where the seat isn't tufted. Bradington Young is also good quality, and American Leather.

Google 'Leather Furniture ratings' and you'll find a chart that shows manufacturers in these categories - Promotional/Budget Quality, Lower Middle Quality, Mid Range Quality, Middle High and High Quality.

Here is a link that might be useful: 8876-77 Kent Chesterfield Sofa

I have a Hancock and Moore leather sofa and a small occasional chair. Both seem to be really well made. I also have a Bradington Young leather recliner that I have been happy with. I don't really know about Arhaus furniture.

I have been looking into this as well. Hancock and Moore seems to be the known industry leader in leather furniture with unbeatable quality. Of course you will pay for that.

Other that I have come across are Lee Industries and American Leather, as well as Bradington Young. I have looked at these in a local store and they seem quite well made with very comfortable leather, but I obviously can't speak for their longevity. Personally, I am tossing around the Hancock and Moore if I can stomach the cost (simply because I can't find a bad thing about them) or a Bradington Young if I cannot. Plus in the BY I found a style I really like.

Here is a really great resource. I believe that the moderator there used to be an active member here before he branched off into a furniture specific forum (maybe one of the older members can correct me if I am wrong)

http://www.myfurnitureforum.com/showthread.php?550-Ranking-Furniture-Brands

You are correct. Duane used to be on the furniture forum a few years back. He is very knowledgeable about furniture. He owns a furniture store in Alexandria VA. He loves Hancock and Moore. I bought Leathercraft sofa and recliners from him. The H and M was too big for me. I bought the same sofa he has. Do visit the linked forum.
His store website is www.thekeepingroom.com

If you are out of town ,he does ship to your home.

Love my Hancock and Moore sofa and recliner. The quality is excellent and so comfy!

Thanks to all for the info. I am familiar with these brands-just need to find them in a store so I can sit and scrutinize a bit.

hancock and moore!

Love my American Leather sofa that we purchased this past fall, so so comfortable. Can't yet comment however on it's durability since it's still new, but it seems to be very well made.

I have a Natuzzi deep brown leather sofa that we've had since 2003. It was a great deal and it still looks great and that's with 3 kids and a dog in the house (not that we let the dog on the sofa). I am moving in to a new home in June and the sofa is coming with us. It has a classic, timeless look to it. I bought it through FurnitureLand South. They will ship it to you.