I decided to go with a high end vinyl. It isn't installed yet but I picked a pattern that looked like stone. Like you, I have dogs and that was one of the main reasons to get vinyl. I went with Mannington's Pompeii pattern. You actually have to go and bring samples home to get the true colours. HTH

I was hoping that you would get more responses because I'm in the same state of confusion. We don't have dogs, but live in a rural area with dust, dirt, snow & temperature extremes. I've had wood laminate for the past 13 years (Wilsonart from when it first came out). What I really want is tile; however we're in our 50's and I have concerns over how hard it will be as we get older. So I'm leaning toward the Duraceramic or back to laminate possibly in a tile look. A young neighbor with small children put in the real tile & said it's hard to walk on so she's wishing she did the Duraceramic. I'm a little hesitant on the laminate because what we have looks fake, more plasticy, plus, it's peaked at the seams from the initial installation. We get a lot of sunlight so every seam is very evident.

Have you checked on the differing needs for underlayment? That might influence your decision.

I spoke to a contractor today. He recommended stone or porcelain tiles. He doesn't know anything about the durability of Duraceramic, Adura or Allura but thinks that they are too expensive and porcelain might be more durable at a cheaper price. The Adura / Duraceramic might be more comfortable but if they are hard to clean or not durable they could be a costly mistake. The Armstrong laminate is fairly expensive as well and I don't think it can be scrubbed (not good for me with muddy paw prints). I really hate the idea of installing porcelain but they would be more attractive than vinyl in my front foyer.

If the Allura is the vinyl planks that you glue down similar to Karnedan then its very very good. Hard to scratch and looks much better than a laminate. Forget woods or laminates. Moisture and Pee don't mix and scratching is inherrent. other than sheet vinyl the vinyl planks are whats I'd go with.

i'm in the same boat. dogs getting older and I spill a lot myself. i'm thinking of going with armstrong sheet vinyl that looks like tile - it's laid out in blocks like tile.

the kamdean looks good tho. will ask to see some at the flooring store. bet it's expensive.

i'll put down an area rug in most rooms. I'm also thinking of putting a 100% nylon carpeting in my bedroom. not sure if 100% nylon is good. it's a very flat carpet (think indoor / outdoor kind) but it soft and i loooove it.

I did bring home a sample square of crytal something from lowe's. i do really like that also but i'm thinking it'll be better to have it all 1 piece (mostly anyway).