Even though leather is more expensive than fabric, it will last as long as the frame of the furniture holds up and is great when you have pets.

Is it quality leather? I see a lot of seams and I would be concerned that they may split.

I have a large herd of animals and won't buy anything but leather because hair does not stick to it, it doesn't pick up smells, and you can scrub it clean with mild soap and water (even though they say not to). However kitty claws will make marks which is why I get distressed leather so it's all part of the patina. However, those tufted buttons on the seat area will hold dirt for sure.

Not expanded leather; get the real thing and distressed would work well with pets as said.

The only thing I don't like about leather is that it's sticky in the summer, and cold in the winter. But it's easier to maintain and keep it clean if you have pets.

Concur with previous thoughts on leather...also like mohair, but my dogs don't shed.

I'd go with leather. You also might think about putting a blanket on your couch for the dogs. I'm sure it sounds almost heretical to some, but it helps keep the furniture clean, and gives the dogs a place their know they're welcome. I've been doing it for years as we had a dog who jumped on the couch the minute she walked in the living room when we brought her home from the pound. I assume she had been allowed on the couch in her previous home so we started putting a blanket there forher.

Genuine leather is not sticky or cold. It will be the same temperature as your body in seconds after you sit on it. Imitation leather is sticky and cold and won't last. Be sure that the areas that you come in contact with (seat and back) are real leather, the sides and back of sofa can be leather-match, which is the industry code for faux leather. Look for "genuine leather".

If you have animals go with leather - will not absorb orders as easily!

My cats' claws have destroyed the back of my leather couch. The couch is under the living room window and they are always on there to look out to the street. Now I sometimes even catch my 15lb dog on the same spot so the pillow is now dented from being squished. :( However it does make cleaning up the occasional hairball easy... I'm not going to stress about it, but I heard somewhere that microsuede is very forgiving with pets. Maybe I'll try that next time around.

Microfiber will nor be destroyed by cat claws.

I agree w others on quality leather. I purchased a bonded leather sectional and it was already scuffed as they were setting it up so I made them take it away. I knew it could never handle my dog or kids.

Bonded leather is just another word for fake leather! Here is a link to a useful article to determine understand the different types of leather and how to spot faux leather. http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Tell-the-Difference-Between-Faux-Leather-and-Real-Leather-/10000000177636273/g.html

Leather! I have dogs and switched to leather a few years ago. Very happy.

I have two cats and a $1500 leather chair I've had for 12 years. They didn't touch it until just recently one of them has started clawing it to pieces. I put a blanket over it and she goes under the blanket to claw it to pieces. I thought leather was a good option with cats, but now it seems the only truly good option is microfiber. I have a couple couches made from that and they show absolutely no interest in them. But, who wants their entire house made of microfiber!?

I tried putting a blanket on it as well, but the cat kept pulling it off and it would end up behind the couch!

Leather one for sure! Durability is much higher.

If you decide to go for leather make sure that is not bonded leather or anything else but real 100% leather otherwise it is not going to last.

If you are considering leather, have a look at our Blog - http://www.almira.com/blog/ - which explains all the different leather variations from cheap cardboard to top grain aniline dyed leathers. Go in with your eyes open. Descriptions can be misleading.

with pets, leather is a good choice. I wash our leather furniture with Dove body wash.

My cat loves clawing my microfiber. In the past I also had a cat that loved clawing leather, not a good look. In both situations they didn't do it nearly as much when they had a large scratchIng post. I know not super attractive, but it saved our furniture. It really depends on your particular animals. As far as dogs go I would pick leather every time.

Fabric vs leather is cheap enough that you can replace it in a couple years.