Pet friendly fabric?

Hi,
Since likely everyone reading this forum has a pet... I'd like to hear from some of you about what fabric/material would be best for me to buy knowing a large German Shepherd with fairly long toenails is likely to adopt this as his "rest area".
I've had dogs before and usually haven't taken them into account when I bought my furniture - that's why it all LOOKS like I own dogs.
A durable fake velvet one held up surprisingly well but the color showed every hair- plus I don't think they even make this fabric much anymore (it was in the days when the floppy 3 cushioned couches were in style)
I'm leaning towards leather... ???
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
debbie

 

Debbie,

I actually have a better suggestion than just the fabric to buy/get...

Buy a good quality sofa, and then get a really heavy duty canvas/cordouroy slip cover for the thing. Or, have one made.

This does several things, first and foremost it protects your sofa, and still allows Deacon on the couch, and it is washable as well. So, when it gets too hairy, smelly or grungy, you just pull it off and wash it.

Here is something like I am suggesting...or if you are handy with a sewing machine, buy some nice heavy cotton canvas, preshrink well first, and sew one for yourself...

http://www.brylanehome.com/product.a...roducttypeid=2

(these are Cotton Duck which is heavy but washable)

Hope this helps.

 

The alternative that we prefer is not to allow the dogs on the furniture. This goes with all decors.

 

Chris,

I would love to be able to be assured that our dogs didn't get on the furniture, but that has yet to be guaranteed, without crating. We do not crate our dogs because we don't have any real problem with them getting on our sofa and chairs. They are part of our family and like our kids...so, we deal with the dog fur and cat fur by using slip covers when needed. Even with the best trained dogs that I have owned over all my years...they always snuck up on the sofa when we were not there to see.

Just my two bits for what it is worth...besides, there is nothing more comforting (to me) sometimes, than laying on the couch with the furry kids all snuggled around me. *yes I am a silly old crazy cat (and dog) lady

 

Between the dog and my daughter, we get a lot on the couch and we go with the cover idea. Bought ours (pretty inexpensive) from walmart.

 

Hi, I have to say- I've always "allowed" and come to enjoy my dogs being on my furniture AND even my bed (I draw the line at my pillow though- and he's figured that out) Yeah, it's a lot more work and cleaning (and there's always a few friends who are horrified) but they ALL sneak up there anyways when we're out- so I figure why fight it? In fact, with routine vaccuuming and steam cleaning- I'd say I've gotten my money's worth out of my sofas and comforters...
My hope was that since I have to buy a new smaller sofa for a new house that I'd like to enjoy its shape/color rather than deal with straightening out and tucking in slipcovers all the time. I do see the attraction for easier cleaning though.
But, if I want either leather or that newer microfiber (more affordable) - which would work out best do ya think? Deacon's claws are kinda long and his hairs are like velcro! BUT they don't stick to leather which is nice- however I'm not crazy about that look.
*I will say when I got this dog- I tried to teach him to use his own huge dog bed/pillow on the floor- and he DOES- plus he has a crate- but when it's cold or I'm sleeping- he crawls up on the sofa or the bed anyways- so now HE has like 4 places he can rest!
Lucky dog!

 

We show and breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and have 9 of our own, plus an occaisional boarder. They are smaller, about 18# maximum, so not as large as a GS. We had a fabric and couldn't keep it clean of hair.

About 4 months ago we bit the bullet and bought all leather furniture. This was based on recommendations of many other breeders we know. We spent a little extra money and bought a better quality leather (very important). So far we absolutely LOVE it. Cleaning is a breeze and there are absolutely no nail marks. Our only concern is chewing; none of our dogs have done that in the past, it's only the puppies we have to really watch. But then, short of chainmail, I don't think much of anything would hold up to chewing.

 

Hi Bruce,
So re: quality of leather- does that mean it needs to be that thick "grainy" type that a lot of pocketbooks are made from or can it be a little smoother & softer???
I know nailmarks will show on some leathers as I always use the fingernail test when I shop... oopss.
Strangely enough, the other thing is I was thinking was possibly getting a King Charles Spaniel! Isn't that a weird coincidence?
Well, it all depends how things go with my current GShep (he has issues)
But IF he doesn't work out (and so far he's still here) I think that breed is beautiful and a much more manageable size for somebody with back trouble- although they are short so I imagine there's a lot of bending to do.
Anyways, do they require a lot of exercise, are they "yappy", are they easy to housebreak? Do they have a lot of ear probs? My mom's had American cocker spaniels (fixed male litter mates actually) and they were like night and day re: temperment- they also fought for dominance on a regular basis which I found odd after so many years~ however, as a nurse it's interesting that we see a fair amount of cocker spaniel bites! (unfortunatlely not as many as the Sheps but they're up there- and SO are Goldens and the chocolate labs!) But anyways- do you mind informing me a little bit more on your show breed??? I don't think I can handle another aggressive dog.
*Thanks re: the leather info- I'm leaning towards that and then using throws as I'm sure my dog would prefer the cozy-ness of a chenille or fleece blanket!
He's snoozing in my bed now- I've had trouble sleeping for a few weeks but not him!
thanks,
deb

 

Yep, we used the fingernail test (that's what everyone told us to do) and also shopped at what we percieved to be a quality furniture store.

Were you looking at King Charles Spaniels or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels? Two different breeds, the KCS looks very much like a CKCS, except it has kind of a smushed in nose as opposed to the Cavalier's longer nose.

As far as the Cavaliers, I'm a bit biased but I honestly think they are a great breed. Breed standard says maximum weight of about 18 pounds with some variation allowed. They are not yappy, but they will let you know if someone is at the door, they are extremely friendly and love everyone; they are very much a people dog and absolutely great with children. They definately require exercise, but obviously not nearly as much as a GS. If you want to learn a lot about Cavaliers (which I recommend because there are a lot of puppy mills and backyard breeders out there), go to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club website. Also, like every breed, Cavaliers have their health issues, so you need to be certain the breeder you are dealing with is doing their testing; VERY important.

If you decide Cavaliers may be the breed for you, PM me and I can give you our website and/our phone number and we can answer any questions you have and direct you to some good breeders in your area. Also, be aware that most all reputable breeders have waiting lists, so plan ahead. I would say start contacting breeders at least 6 months before you are ready to be on the safe side.

 

Hi Bruce H,
I haven't been online for a bit- some health issues...
Anyways, I still have the GSD but when I get ready to have him put down I will PM you after I do a little more research into a few other breeds too. My mom had cocker spaniels- one was sweet- the other (they were brothers) was kinda nasty.
I am looking for an easy going/loving mid-sized dog for companionship. Besides my GS's temperment problems, he really does require more exercise than I am physically able to give him at this time (back trouble) plus due to his aggression, we're limited to fairly isolated areas for real "running".
Our walks are OK but stressful with other dogs/people around- however- he's pretty well trained on a leash and will remain in Heel as long as we keep moving forward and the other dogs aren't off-leash (that's when it's a nightmare)
Thanks! Any other breeds you can think of that maybe don't shed a lot (this dog's like a dry Christmas tree walking around shedding his needles) It'd be nice to be able to wear black again and not chase 'tumbleweeds' around the hardwood floors!
Deb